from Pain to Pleasure (Gainesville Book 1) (38 page)

In the last thirty seconds, most of the crowd came closer to the family room and watched the countdown on the TV. When midnight came, People sang, drank, kissed and made promises of change for the year. Fireworks could be heard outside also. Alex kissed Danielle for a long time. He hoped that year would be the best of their lives. Just as he pulled back, their eyes met.

“I love you,” they said as one, and then laughed.

Alex ran his knuckles down her cheek. “This is our year.”

Unsure what that meant, Danielle just smiled. She turned to Corey about to make a toast.

“May this year bring you all happiness and prosperity!” Corey raised his glass with a smile before taking a sip. “My resolution is to spend more quality time with my grandchildren. Who’s next?” He glanced around the room. “Nathan?”

Danielle tugged on Alex’s arm. “Everyone has to say something?” She didn’t know that was how New Year’s Eve parties went.

“Kinda. It’s tradition that everyone voices one change they plan to make that year.” A few who went outside obviously wanted to opt out. “My dad always goes first.”

She thought his family all gave impressive promises. It could be a challenge to keep some of them. They seemed to go around the room. When someone close to them made their resolution, she panicked. Within seconds, a hand cradled her head to Alex’s chest.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he assured her.

She nodded and mumbled, “OK.” It shocked her when Alex moved a short time later.

When it came to Alex’s turn, he took Danielle’s hands in his and hoped she could give him the strength. He sensed Nathan close by, as his parents and siblings moved toward them. Only Danielle was unaware of his intentions. After a deep breath, he glanced down at the slightly anxious girl before him. The love of his life.

“This year, everything in my life is going to change. Me and my beautiful Danielle will have a baby in less than six months. We also have to move to accommodate our new arrival. I vow that this year…” He paused for a few seconds and pulled something out of a pocket.

Danielle smiled at him. She expected him to take a piece of paper out, so he wouldn’t forget his resolution. Then he got down on one knee, and her eyes went wide.
What the hell is he doing?

“…I will be a married man. If you’ll help make it come true.” He opened a small box and revealed a diamond solitaire ring. “Will you marry me, Danielle?”

Tears fell from her eyes quickly. “Are you serious?” It had to be a dream. No way in the world would Alex ask so soon. She was sure he would start to laugh and put away the very expensive ring.

Alex held the ring higher and cocked an eyebrow. “Yes. I’m dead serious. I want us to be a real family. Will you, beautiful?”

It had become obvious others had known about the stunt. Danielle was torn. The smiles around her assured her, but marriage? That was something she dreaded. Although he promised he wouldn’t own her or change, it was a huge step.
Are we really ready? Is he only doing this because of the baby?

On the verge of freaking out, Alex glanced at Nathan, who shrugged.
Thanks, bro
. The anticipation killed him. If she said no, it would still be better than waiting forever. He squeezed her hand. “Remember, you can say no to me.”

Instantly, she smiled. Those words meant more to her than anything he had ever said. Her eyes closed. She imagined their future. It wasn’t filled with pain and fear but happiness and love. She smiled, and then glanced down at Alex again. “Yes, I will!”

Alex let out a sigh of relief. “I was sure you were gonna say no, from the look on your face.” He carefully put the ring on her finger. Then he stood up and kissed her lips. “Thank you. I’ll always love you.”

She threw her arms around him and muttered, “You know I love you, too.”

Applause broke out all around them. “Had us scared there for a while,” Nathan said as he hugged the couple. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer anyway.” He winked at Danielle. “Congrats.”

She knew he referred to sex but was glad he could joke like that with her. “Thanks.” She barely endured most at the party congratulating them with hugs, kisses or a touch on the shoulder.

“You just signed your death warrant, man.” Damien laughed while Alex shook his head.

Scott smiled as he patted Alex on the back. “My couch’s available when you needed it.” He hugged Danielle. “Let me know if he gets annoying. I’ll rough him up a bit.”

“Thanks.” She smiled. His friends were not as scary as she expected.

Minutes later, Corey put on slow music. He put a hand out to Mary and smiled widely. “They look so happy.”

“They do.” Mary walked into her husband’s arms as they watched the newly engaged couple.

Alex tugged Danielle into his arms. “I’m the happiest man in the world.” He knew it was corny, but he didn’t care. He whirled her around to the music and grinned widely. “Can we do it before the baby comes?”

“Uh.” She looked up at him. Anxiety gripped her for a few seconds. “What about the trial?”

He tilted his head and kissed her lips softly. “After would be better, I think. This way there’s nothing else on your mind. How about a June wedding? Most girls want that.”

“I’m due in June, though.” Danielle didn’t want to waddle down the isle.

Alex knew what she meant. “You’ll be a beautiful bride, round belly and all.” He slid one hand to her abdomen and smiled again. “They have maternity bridal gowns.”

“OK. How about May, then?” Her eyes drifted to his chest. “Will the trial be over by then?”

He held her close again. “It should be. Mom said it might start in March. If all goes as planned.”

Danielle sighed. Her life had changed so many times in the previous four months. It all started with the first day of college. That was, of course, the day she met Alex. Nothing was ever the same again. She was finally free to make her own choices, and she chose him. For life. It was almost surreal.
How did I get so lucky?

* * *

By the time the party broke up, Danielle was tired, Alex knew. They gave a blanket good night to anyone still downstairs. Then he led her up to his room. They kicked off their shoes, and she took the shawl off. The night had gone much better than he expected. That week, he had stressed over it daily. If she said no, he wasn’t sure what they would do. Or if they would still be together. None of that mattered, though. She said yes. He wanted to end the night making love.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear when they stood alone in his room. “I love you in red.” Slowly, he eased the dress’ zipper down. Then he ran his hands over her skin as he slid it off her shoulders. “Can’t wait to make you my wife.” His eyes roamed over her body. The stockings were awesome.

Danielle was filled with desire and happiness. The eagerness in his eyes fueled her need for him. The dress pooled at her feet, and she glanced down for a few seconds. When she looked up again, Alex leaned down to her. Their lips met in a soft, loving kiss. With the urge to touch him, she unbuttoned his shirt. Good thing he had taken off the cummerbund and jacket previously.

He moaned as her fingers explored beneath his shirt. His eyes closed. He was glad she was no longer afraid to take the initiative. His shirt fell to the floor, and her hands moved over his back. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he raked her hair with his fingers until he held the back of her head. Then his eyes drifted down. She slowly opened his pants. He was already rock-hard, but her eagerness made him stiffen even more. When she freed his erection, it twitched. It begged for her touch.

Nervously, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft. Then she got to her knees and held onto one of his thighs. No matter how many times she gave him head, she still dreaded it just a bit, at first. With tentative licks, she tortured him. He gripped her hair but didn’t force her to hurry. His hips thrust forward slightly to urge her. She couldn’t let him suffer. Slowly, she slid the head into her mouth. His loud moan encouraged her. With gentle suction, she took more of him until he was halfway down. Then she pulled back.

Unconsciously, Alex jerked his hips. “So sorry.” He gritted his teeth. All the sexual tension between them that day made it difficult. He needed to cum badly. “I won’t do that again.”

“It’s OK.” Danielle grasped his length and looked up. “Try it again.” She closed her eyes and swallowed several inches again.

One fist in her hair and the other hand on her shoulder, Alex struggled to hold back. Her demeanor told him it was OK. Carefully, he went into her mouth. When she panicked and pushed him back, he pulled out completely.

“You can’t.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “It’s fine. Get on the bed.”

She shook her head. “I got nervous. One more time.”

He lifted her chin. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I know. I want to. You like it.”

How’d she know?
There were many things she knew without a word. His hands shook. He moved forward again. Her small hand gripped his shaft. He let out a soft groan and waited. As soon as she closed her mouth over the tip, instinct took over. His hips surged forward. She squeezed his thighs, but she didn’t stop him. He withdrew some and thrust back in again. She reacted with increased suction. Unable to hold back, he started to thrust. He growled the whole time. It felt incredible.

Any second now. Babe, don’t stop. About to cum
. He didn’t realize he just thought the words.

Danielle kept still until her eyes watered. Then she pushed on his hips. He stopped instantly, legs wobbly. She backed up and let his cock fall. It bobbed, wet and throbbing. He was obviously in need of an orgasm. She felt guilty she made him stop.

“You OK?” He panted, on the edge of frustration.

She nodded. “Just too much.”

“OK. Hop up on the bed.” He couldn’t wait much longer. After he had kicked off the rest of his clothes, he hurried to join her. With a grin, he removed her bra and panties. “Sexiest mommy-to-be ever.” His eyes fleetingly went over her growing belly. They settled on the black stockings. “So fucking sexy.”

His body trembled, but he forced himself to slow down. He crawled over her body and watched her anticipation. She needed loving, not fucking. He wanted to show her that marrying him meant his love would grow even more. It had grown every day since they met. His desire for her had as well. Her voice alone got him hard. He glanced down their bodies. With a silent groan, he tore his eyes away and met her loving gaze.

“I love you more than I thought was possible. You’re my everything.” He settled his body over hers. His eyes opened wide when he felt the baby bump push against him. “Shit. Sorry. Don’t wanna hurt the baby.” He lifted off her. Anxiety began.

On his forearms, he took a deep breath before he kissed her lips. Then he ran his hand through her hair, slowly. She was the only woman he ever made love to. His free hand shook.
Can I hurt the baby by fucking her? No, you idiot!
The doctor would have banned sex if it could be an issue. His mind was all over. His eyes closed, focused on her and let the rest go.

Danielle knew Alex struggled with something. She stroked his cheek with his fingertips. “I love you too. Make love to me.” Her entire body was on fire. She yearned for him.

* * *

Afterward, he took a minute to recover. Then he grabbed the blanket that had fallen to the floor and covered them. When Danielle moved to get up, he pulled her on top of him. She quickly put her arms out, so she didn’t put pressure on the baby.

“Sorry. Forgot we have to be careful now.” He rolled them to their sides. “OK. Now the baby’s safe.” He ran a hand along the side of her growing tummy and smiled widely. “I can’t wait to feel him or her move. It’s weird how much I want this baby now. When I first realized you were pregnant, I was terrified. I didn’t want you to know, but I had no idea what to do. We’re so young. This is a hard way to start out a life together. But, now—that’s all gone, and I don’t care how we do it. I just want to hold our baby in my arms.”

Danielle touched his face. “When we decided to keep the baby, I thought I ruined your life. Well, both our lives.”

“It wasn’t your fault. It’s mine,” he reminded her. “I was obviously much more with it than you were. I just thought you finally wanted me.” Fuzzy memories flashed through his mind. “Up in the room, you passed out before I came. It felt so good, I should’ve known I forgot the condom. I don’t even remember how I got off of you.”

She sighed, happy he brought it up. “I’m glad it happened. Otherwise, we might not be together.”

He kissed her lips and pulled her head to his chest. “Love you, babe.”

Her lips against his skin, she sighed. “Love you, too.”

Alex ran his fingers through her hair. “My dad wants to go out on the boat tomorrow morning. Think you’ll be up for it?”

Danielle yawned. “Yeah, sounds nice.”

The first Monday of February, Alex noticed Danielle didn’t act like herself. They were at their favorite pizza place with Logan and Marie. He watched her grimace again. Something wasn’t right. He reached across the table and grasped her hand. She looked up and smiled, but he could tell it was forced.

In the weeks since he proposed, a lot had happened, but she had taken everything in stride. His team won the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, and he scored on the last play. Danielle was there and seemed to do well, even at the insane after-party. Classes started again the second week of January. Her checkups had all gone well. She didn’t even fight him about resting as often as possible. Things had been great.

That day, though, nothing seemed right. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?” He waited, but she didn’t say anything. “Headache? Backache? We’re in this together. Clue me in.”

She stared at the table. “I’m fine.” The aches and pains had to be normal pregnancy issues. At 20 weeks, her body continued to change to accommodate their growing child. She had read that could be painful at times. “It’s nothing.”

Marie turned to her. “Nothing, my ass.” She pointed to Danielle’s full plate. “You love wings.”