The Baby Deal Read online

  “Come on, Deacon, open up, you lazy ass. It’s game night,” Rust said, banging on the door.

  Deacon cursed. He’d totally forgotten to cancel game night. Resting his head against the door, he groaned.

  “What’s up, dude? You got a chick sucking your dick in there or something?” Neil said.

  He didn’t want to deal with them right now.

  No one knew but he and Alexis about this baby deal.

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  “Come on, Deacon, we know you’re there.”

  He couldn’t do anything about this. Opening the door, he smiled. “What’s going on?” he asked.

  They all stared at him as if he’d lost his mind.

  “Game night. We do this every single week,” Rust said.

  “Yeah, game night.” Neil pushed passed him, and he didn’t exactly put up much of a fight.

  “You’re dressed snazzy as shit, man.”

  Yeah, he supposed he was for game night standards.

  “Can we … postpone this?”

  Rust had already popped open a beer. “What? You’re acting weird again.”

  “Yeah, it’s just that I kind of have a date.” He rubbed the back of his head, not sure what to do.

  “You have a date?” Neil asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Where is she?” Once again Neil asked the question and all of his friends kept looking around the room.

  “She’s not here. I’m sort of seeing Alexis this evening.”

  “The hot as fuck neighbor next door?” Neil asked.

  “Yeah,” he said through clenched teeth. He didn’t like Neil talking about her like that.

  “Holy shit.” Neil slapped Rust in the chest. “I fucking told you he was screwing her. How long has this been going on?”

  “It hasn’t been going on for long and I’m not screwing her. I was going on a date.” He wanted them to get out of his apartment. “And show some damn respect.” He didn’t hold back the bite in his voice. “So you have to leave,” Deacon said.

  “Hold on,” Rust said. “You mean to tell me that you’re going to put a woman before your best friends?”

  Rust and Neil were close together and began to pout. It was pitiful and lame.

  “Look, she’s a nice woman.”

  “And you want her more than you want us?” Neil asked.

  “It’s pretty simple,” Deacon said.

  “This just sucks. We’ve already ordered pizza and I rented out the game, and now you’re throwing our asses out and you’ve got the better television.”

  On and on Neil listed everything that only served to make him feel guilty.

  “Fine. Fine. I’ll deal with it.” He left his home, closing the front door, feeling like this was a bad idea.

  If his cock could speak, he’d be ranting about what he was going to do.

  Who put their friends before a girl?

  This isn’t just some girl, though. This is Alexis.

  Taking a deep breath, he made his way next door and stood on Alexis’s front porch. He lifted his hand, ready to knock.

  “What the hell am I doing?” he asked.

  Suddenly the door opened and there stood Alexis in a sexy-as-fuck dress with all of her curves on display. His cock started to harden as he looked at her.

  You’re going to turn down a night of hot sex to spend it with your friends playing games. Are you fucking crazy?

  “Hey, Deacon, I thought I heard you out here,” she said, a smile on her face. “I cooked dinner for you. Thought it might be nice.”

  He could smell it, but food was the last thing on his mind right now. His friends were waiting at his home but there was no way takeout pizza was going to be better than whatever this woman offered.

  Could he do it?

  Shit, this was so fucking hard.

  9

  Alexis could tell right away that something was up with Deacon. He stood on her front porch, this torn expression on his face. He looked guilty, or like he had something to say. Had he changed his mind?

  “Everything okay?” she found herself saying.

  He lifted his hand and ran it over the back of his head, his short dark hair getting mussed slightly.

  “I feel like things are getting weird right now,” she said and gave a nervous, kind of awkward laugh.

  He glanced next door to his place, then back at her. “Whatever you cooked smells pretty amazing.”

  She felt her face heat at his compliment. No way would she admit she’d been planning this meal for the last week. All she’d been able to think about was tonight, what they’d talk about, how things would all play out. But now, looking at the way Deacon appeared, as if he were about to say something that might crush her, had Alexis second-guessing everything.

  For long seconds he stood there, the thickness in the air rising.

  “I feel like there’s something you want to say.” Alexis started twisting her hands together. Was this a bad idea?

  Deacon stared at her then finally exhaled. “You know what, everything is more than okay.” He smiled. “Give me a second.” He turned and headed back to his place.

  She stood there, unsure if she should go back inside. A minute later two of Deacon’s friend left his house, their frustrated bitching ringing in the air.

  “Dude, I can't believe he's picking her over us.”

  Alexis ignored what they were saying, clearing referencing her.

  Deacon came out the house then, his focus on the ground.

  Alexis took a step back as Deacon came over to her. Once he was right in front of her, a grin on his face, she couldn’t help but look between him and his friends, who were now in their vehicles and leaving. “What exactly just happened?” she found herself asking, laughing a little awkwardly.

  “My buddies, who I just kicked out of my house, showed up unannounced and wanting to hang out. They didn’t give a shit that I already had plans with you, and I let them put stupid shit in my head. I almost let them convince me that spending time with them was more important than spending it with you.”

  “So when you came over here that was you about to tell me the plans for tonight were off?” Alexis tried to not let her disappointment show.

  Deacon exhaled and looked down at the ground, as if he were ashamed. “Yeah, and I’m a total asshole for even thinking that was an option.” When he looked at her again she could see that he was genuinely sorry, that he meant what he said. “Listen, I don’t want to screw up tonight. We don’t even have to talk about the baby plan.” She felt her face heat at the mention of that. “If you want we can just hang out as friends, get to know each other more, bullshit about whatever. We can get all the other stuff later. I don’t want you to feel rushed.”

  She didn’t know how to respond right away, but she knew what she wanted, what she wanted to do with Deacon. Smiling and shaking her head, she pressed herself back against the door, the entryway wide open. “No, I don’t want to cancel our plans for tonight. I made a nice meal, had my mind set on what we were talking about, and figure there’s no time like the present.” She grinned a little wider. “Besides, we can still get to know each other over good food and a glass of wine.”

  He smiled and nodded before stepping inside. She followed suit, closing the door behind them, and leading him into the kitchen. The table was set, and earlier she had put a few of the hot dishes in the oven to keep warm.

  “Have a seat and I’ll get the rest of the food set out.” Once he was in place Alexis grabbed a couple of oven mitts, pulled the dishes out, and brought them over to the table.

  “This all looks so amazing,” he said. “Hell, two home-cooked meals within a week? I’m living the high life.” She could tell he was being sincere.

  Alexis didn’t know how this conversation would get started. Would he just jump in and start telling her what he wanted out of the deal, how he saw things going? She figured she’d let him lead because right now she was in the dark about how something like this w
orked. It’s not like she asked every Tom, Dick, and Harry to help her make a baby.

  For the next half hour they ate, talking about normal things that didn’t have to do with creating another life. He told her about the little bit of college he’d had, the odd jobs he had when he was younger. Deacon told her about his family life, about how his friends were overall good guys who just liked to put on a big show.

  Once they were finished eating they sat there in silence, the coffee she’d brought out sitting between them, their mugs filled. She stared at the cup, moving her fingers along the rim, the steam rising up.

  “So,” she finally said. “You want to talk about how this will go?” She looked at him only to see he had this smirk on his face.

  “Want to get right to it, huh?”

  She felt her cheeks heat, knew she was blushing something fierce. “Well, I mean that’s why you are here, right? That’s what this is all about?”

  He didn’t say anything for long seconds, but then sighed and smiled. “I’m eager as fuck to get the ball rolling, but I want to make sure you know what I have to offer, and what I have on the table.”

  She nodded. “Okay. Fair enough. I can do the same.”

  “I don’t want you thinking that this is me just getting you knocked up and ditching town.” He shook his head. “I want to be part of the baby’s life, if it ends up working that you get pregnant.”

  She nodded, not saying anything, just letting him speak.

  “I won’t leave you high and dry because I want this just as much as you do. I’m not getting any younger, Alexis, and I’ve wanted you for a long time. This seems like the perfect agreement for both of us.” He cleared his throat and leaned back in the chair. “I have a good, stable job, can take care of the baby, and you too. I meant it when I said I’m in this for the long haul.”

  “I know,” she said and smiled. “I won’t fuck you over—Well…” She grinned. “Not in the bad way.” He grinned and winked. She couldn’t help but laugh.

  “But my family will want to see the baby. They don’t need to know about our deal or anything like that, but I want to make sure you’re okay with all of that.”

  The fact he even wanted to be in the prospective child’s life, let alone have his family involved, really touched her. “That’s more than okay. I don’t have many people in my life, not ones who are important to me at least.” She smiled. “I have a sister and mom, both living a few states away. I don’t see much of them. But my grandmother still lives close. I’m really close with her. I know they’d love to be part of my child’s life, no question about it.”

  Look at them, talking about a baby that they didn’t even know would actually happen.

  “I don’t want you thinking I just want sex, because I don’t. I could get that from anywhere and not have the responsibility that comes with it.” He smiled and reached out to take her hand in his. His skin was warm, his touch causing electricity to move through her body. “But full disclosure.” He sobered slightly. “I haven’t been with a woman in years, and not just because that’s what I decided on.” He was silent for a few moments. “I have been celibate because there was this hope in me that maybe, one day, you and I would get together.”

  She felt her eyes widen instantly. Although he’d said he wanted her, hearing him profess that he’d wanted her that long was almost unrealistic.

  Why? I’ve wanted him that long.

  Alexis wanted to ask how things would go after the fact, if it would be weird, but the truth was she was just going to roll with it. He’d said what he needed to, made sure she knew what was going on with him. Now it was her turn to be honest.

  10

  Deacon didn’t know if he’d made Alexis nervous or not. She seemed to be a little pensive, and he didn’t get it. Was she worried that because he’d been celibate he wouldn’t know how to properly perform? There was no doubt in his mind he could make her feel really good, not to mention keep his end of the bargain on their baby deal.

  He could have taken any woman that he wanted but it just didn’t seem right to him. Especially as the only woman he wanted had been living right next door to him.

  “Have you changed your mind?” he asked.

  “No, of course not.”

  “Then what is it?”

  She nibbled her lip and he found the action cute but now he was worried.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “I’m not blind, Alexis. Something is clearly bothering you. I’m not a mind reader but if you’re thinking that we need to wait for this then I’m okay with that. I know children are a big responsibility. We’re going to have good kids, you know, nice kids.” He couldn’t stop rambling because he realized he wanted her in his life. He’d do anything to make this happen, to make this his reality. “We’re going to have a really nice nursery. I’ll be happy to decorate whichever room you’d like.” Shit, he was going to scare her off. “We’re a long way off. I can’t even begin to tell you of all the things I want to buy him or her, how I think this is a really good idea.” She was silent and he started feeling his heart race. “Are you going to say something right now because I’m kind of freaking out and I’m rambling. I think this is the most stuff I’ve said in all the years I’ve known you.”

  She smiled. “You’re really sweet. I mean that completely.”

  Now he was starting to panic. What if she had made a mistake or what if this was one big prank? What the hell was he going to do? He didn’t know if he’d want to go back to just being neighbors. That would suck.

  Well, he’d live with it but it wouldn’t mean that he’d get over it.

  What if she had a boyfriend?

  Would he be able to see her with her boyfriend?

  You’re going a little crazy right now!

  Enough.

  She hasn’t said anything and you’re running way too fast.

  “It’s nothing really bad at all. I promise. It’s just a little tiny thing, really.”

  “What thing?”

  “I love children a lot. I always wanted to have my own but I’ve never been really good when it comes to guys.”

  “You haven’t?” He wasn’t any closer to finding out what her problem was. Her face was red and he didn’t think for a second it had anything to do with the wine. She licked her lips and reached out, picking up her glass. “Nervous?” he asked as she knocked back several gulps.

  “I’ve never been able to, you know, talk to guys. This is all new for me. You know, enjoying a meal, drinking, sharing conversation.”

  “Okay, so you’re shy?”

  “Not just that. Um … I’ve sort of never really been on any single date, like ever.”

  He stared at her getting a hunch where this was going and he couldn’t believe it.

  She was a virgin?

  “I kind of need some help here, Deacon.” She looked nervous now.

  “You wanted kids.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Tell me, Alexis, being a virgin, what were you going to do?”

  “I … are you mad?”

  “Mad that you’re a virgin?” he asked, shaking his head. “God, no.” In fact, I fucking love that you’re a virgin. I’ll be the only guy who knows how you feel inside… forever. “So you are one?” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Yes. I’ve … I’ve maybe had a kiss or two but I’ve never gone the whole way. I couldn’t bring myself to, you know, have sex … completely. This sounds so silly.” She exhaled, her cheeks red from her embarrassment.

  “It’s not silly. You’re the first woman I know who wants kids and hasn’t even had the pleasure of sex. You’re a gorgeous girl, how can you not have been fucked?” He closed his eyes. “I’m sorry, shit, I shouldn’t be saying stuff like that.”

  “It’s actually really sweet of you to think that. I’ve never been able to go the whole way, nor have I been tempted until you. Wow, I’m making a total mess of this, aren’t I?”

  “Nah, I think you’re doing pretty well actually,” he
said. He was still kind of reeling from the fact she was a virgin. Never in his wildest dreams had she been that. He figured she had to have been with a boyfriend or two.

  “This is so embarrassing.” She covered her face.

  Taking hold of her hands, he pressed a kiss to each one. “No, it’s not.”

  “I still want a baby. I want us to do this. I… There’s no one else that I could ever trust with something like this.”

  “Tonight, it’s going to be about you,” he said. There was no way he was backing down from calling her his. He’d wanted her for too long to give her a chance to leave.

  Pulling her to her feet, he placed his hands on her hips and tugged her close. Staring at her lips, he dropped down, taking possession of her mouth. She whimpered, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  She opened up and he slid his tongue in, tasting her. She didn’t pull away from him, kissing him deeply, stroking her tongue against his.

  Sliding his hands down to cup her full ass, he pressed his cock against her stomach. Breaking the kiss, he trailed his lips down to her neck, biting down on her flesh.

  “That feels so good,” she said.

  “It’s going to get better. Take me to your room.”

  She held onto his hand, leading him out to the corridor then up the stairs. He couldn’t look away from her curvy ass. She was so fucking sexy, she made him ache for more.

  Once inside her room, he noticed how pink and feminine it was. Her bed looked like something out of a princess movie or something. Silk sheets, pastel colors, beautiful, like the woman herself.

  He didn’t close the door.

  “You can stop this whenever you want,” he said.

  “I don’t want this to end.”

  “Then take off your dress.” He tugged off his shirt, dropping it to the floor.

  “Oh my.”

  “Like what you see?”

  “You’ve got no idea.” Again, her cheeks were a delightful shade of red, and when she stood in front of him, nothing more than red lace covering her tits and pussy, he was done for.