even harder than it is already. Not only will it be harder to find time to go out and meet people, but I’ll have to find a man who’s excited about falling in love with me and my little one at the same time.
I’ve been in the dating trenches long enough to know that that kind of man is a rare and extraordinary beast, indeed.
But then I’m sick of selfish, ordinary beasts. I’d rather have my baby in my arms and hold out for Mr. Extraordinary, thank you very much.
Oh my God…
A baby.
I know it’s a long shot, and that the benign tumors that put a wrench in artificial insemination are still latched onto my uterus like evil, embryo-blocking goblins. Getting pregnant the old-fashioned way will be a long shot, too, but still, I can’t help but feel giddy with hope.
And anticipation.
Grinning like a fool, I text Zack—Good morning, Lovely Person. I hope you slept well.
A beat later, the phone rings. I see Zack’s name pop up on the screen and hit the answer button. “So you’re a phone call guy, huh?” I ask in a sleep-rough voice.
“Not all the time. Only with people I can’t wait to see again. And I figured I can give you the breakfast options faster this way,” he mutters softly beneath his breath. “It looks like you have a choice of stale apricot pastry. Preservative-heavy, cardboardy bagel with cream cheese. Or diet yogurt.”
“Yuck, yuck, and yuck,” I say pleasantly. “Don’t they use diet yogurt to poison rats?”
“No, I think that’s this instant oatmeal,” he says with a laugh. “Maybe we should grab breakfast on the road? I bet we can find a diner with some greasy eggs and bacon.”
I hum and stretch. “Yes, that sounds delicious. But there’s one problem.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m starving, but…I’m also still naked and in bed,” I say, skin tingling as Zack growls softly on the other end of the line.
“That is a problem. But I think I might have a solution.”
“Oh yeah? Already? That’s quick. I like how problem-solve-y you are.”
“A part of performing for a living. You learn to think on your feet. So here’s what I suggest. You get your sweet ass in the shower, and I’ll be there in five minutes. I’ll make you come while we’re getting clean, and we’ll both be ready to hit the road in search of breakfast by nine.”
“A multitasker, too,” I murmur. “Be still my heart.”
“Less talking, more getting the water running, woman. I’m already halfway up the stairs.”
“You’re taking the stairs up seven floors?”
“I don’t wait for the elevator when you’re ready for me to fuck you.”
My belly flips. “Best sentence ever.” I end the call, swing my legs over the side of the mattress, and hop down onto the plush carpet. I race into the bathroom, brush my teeth, and am stepping into the steamy shower just as I hear the door slam closed out in the main room.
Biting my thumb and smiling like a cartoon villain whose prey is about to walk right into the trap she’s set, I press back against the slick tiles, watching Zack’s hazy silhouette approach through the wavy glass of the shower door. He reaches for the bottom of his shirt and drags it over his head, making my heart beat faster.
“Go away, we don’t want any,” I call out over the sound of the spray.
Zack laughs as he continues to undress. “That’s not what I heard. I heard there was a woman in this room dying to get on my dick.”
Smiling wider, I say, “That sounds about right.”
Zack opens the door, looking way too delicious naked and hard for me to do anything but open my arms and welcome him in.
“I missed you,” he says as he gathers me close. The feel of his wet skin as the water hits our shoulders and streams lower lights up every nerve ending.
“So much,” I agree, moaning into his mouth as he kisses me while palming my breast with his hand, bidding my tingling nipple good morning. “What time did you get up?”
He grins against my lips. “I was up all night. Turns out, I can’t sleep next to you.”
“Oh no.” I pull back, torn between feeling awful for keeping him awake and delicious because his other hand is between my legs, reminding my clit why we like him so much. “Was I making noise or something? Flopping all over the bed? I don’t think I snore, but—”
“You don’t snore. You’re perfect.” His finger pushes