Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24495 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24495 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
So I know it was a surprise when I called him out of the blue, telling him about my pregnancy, but Carl handled it with grace. He said I could stay with him, no problem, seeing that he has a nice-sized house in Allentown, and further, that the burbs would be good for my baby. After all, who wants to live in the crowded city when you’re expecting? The streets are too narrow for a stroller, and there are cabs and delivery boys who will run you over. Not only that, but the air’s polluted from all the congestion and no one wants to expose their fetus to high levels of carbon monoxide. As a result, I was relieved when Carl offered me his spare bedroom.
But yes, now we’ve settled into a nice domestic routine. We’ve just finished our meal, and Carl’s sipping at an after-dinner drink as I clean up a bit around the kitchen. His big form looms as he sits at the breakfast bar, those blue eyes trailing over my curvy form. I’m only showing a little bit at this point, but is it my imagination, or does Carl actually like my poochy belly? I’ll sometimes catch him looking at the soft bulge, or else my jiggly thighs, or big breasts. Or maybe he likes my bottom because it’s definitely got a lot of padding. Whatever it is, my stepdad is a man who appreciates a full-figured female, and I’m definitely on the voluptuous side.
But we both act like nothing’s the matter. Our conversation is generally casual and doesn’t go too much beyond our days at work, and maybe some groceries that we need. Occasionally, we’ll talk about a movie or maybe a book that I’m reading, but otherwise, we stick to the lighter topics because it’s just easier that way. I definitely don’t want to rehash my mother’s death, and I don’t think Carl does either. Nor does he have a girlfriend, as far as I can tell, and I like it that way. I know I shouldn’t, but I do.
So I smile prettily while glancing at him over one narrow shoulder.
“The job’s going fine, thanks. I really like Herald, and I’ve made a new friend there, Elle. She also works as an admin.”
Carl frowns.
“Can’t say I know her. Where does she sit?”
“Oh, with me in the temp area. She’s a temp too, and she just started last month, so it makes sense that you don’t know her. But Elle is great. I’m glad I have someone to talk with during the day, and she’s around my age too, so we’re interested in a lot of the same things.”
Carl grins.
“So what do you guys talk about? TikTok and the latest fashion trends? Or the news?”
I giggle.
“We do talk about the news sometimes,” I say in an arch tone. “We’re not just airheaded bimbos who can’t think past the next reality TV episode of Housewives in Wherever. So yes, I do know that we have a Black woman on the Supreme Court now, and I also know that Elon Musk is disrupting Twitter, or whatever that means.”
Carl merely shakes his head while swirling his drink.
“That guy is an insanely rich dude who’s doing whatever he wants.”
I shoot Carl a look.
“But you’re a rich dude who’s doing whatever you want too, Carl,” I say in a playful tone. “I mean, you’re loaded, single, and ready to mingle, right? So there must be tons of women throwing themselves at you for a date.”
My heart thumps in my chest because of course, I want Carl to deny it. I want my stepfather all to myself, even if even the mere thought is totally ridiculous.
But of course, the handsome man doesn’t deny it. He merely looks thoughtful, his expression going far away.
“You’re right, there are a lot of women in Allentown who’ve made it more than clear they’d love a night in my bed,” he says in a low tone before shrugging. “But what can I say? I’m not feeling it.”
I turn while wiping my hands on a dishtowel, even as my heart beats rapidly in my chest.
“But why not? Is there something wrong with them?”
Carl merely shakes his head, a dark flush spreading out over his cheekbones.
“No, of course not. There’s nothing wrong with the ladies. In fact, they’re very right and I’m probably an idiot for not taking them up on it,” he says in a low tone. “But what can you do? If the vibe’s not there, then it’s not there. I’m not looking for something romantic at the moment. I like my life because it’s quiet and peaceful, and I can hear myself think,” he winks at me.
I giggle.
“Yeah, but not with me here! I’m underfoot all the time and after the baby gets here, it’s going to be even crazier.”