Winning my Best Friend's Girl - Piper Rayne Page 0,31
in for,” Dori says.
“Okay, she’s ready to push. You have everything?” I look to Kingston, who has a tinge of green coating his cheeks, but we’re doing this together. We have no choice.
He nods and positions the bowls, one with water and one without. “Want me to tear up the tablecloth?”
“Sure.”
He pulls it apart with ease, the muscles in his arms and chest bunching with the effort. I’m flabbergasted that I can actually be aroused when I’m about to deliver a baby.
“Shit, Hercules,” Rome says.
Once we’re all ready, I inhale, praying I don’t do anything to mess this up. There’s added pressure when you’re surrounded by people you know.
Another contraction starts.
“Okay, push, Harley,” I say.
She puts her hands on her knees and pushes. Her red face says she’s doing everything she can. The only good thing is she’s had three kids already, so this should go fast. The head comes out with ease, and Kingston hands me a towel to remove the membranes from the little one’s airway.
“Oh my God,” Sedona says. I take a quick glance at her, who looks as if she might puke.
I massage the skin around the shoulders, helping to ease them out one at a time. “One more push on the next contraction.”
“I really wanted to be present for the birth, but the things I’ve seen happen on that sofa.” Grandma Dori cringes. “It’s been here for ages. Your grandfather and I made out on it once, and then he always did this thing with his—”
“Thoughts to yourself,” Rome yells at his smiling grandma, who’s reliving another time on this couch.
Harley’s head moves side to side on Rome’s chest. “I cannot believe this is happening.”
But she pushes one more time when the contraction hits, and the baby slides out. I hand what I see is a little boy to Kingston, who has a clean towel available.
“I’m scarred for life! Thanks, Grandma!” Sedona races from the room as fast as her belly will allow her.
“Unbutton the top of her dress,” Kingston says to Rome.
“Um, hell no,” Rome says with a scowl.
“I’ll open it.” Grandma Dori reaches forward.
Harley looks petrified and she just gave birth to a baby in a bathroom.
“Skin to skin is best,” Kingston says. “Jesus, I don’t care about Harley’s tits, Rome.”
“Especially because he’s early and won’t have as much fat on him as he would otherwise,” I agree with Kingston, but Harley’s already opening her dress.
Kingston places the baby on her chest, pulling the towel over him. Sirens sound from outside and Kingston rushes from the room. Paramedics come in a few minutes later and there’s still no placenta, so I give them the lowdown on everything that’s happening.
“Thank you, Stella.” Harley grips my hand. “And Kingston, you too.” Tears well in her eyes. “Thank you both.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile and watch while the paramedics leave the room, along with everyone but Kingston. I wash my hands then sit on the sofa, my hands still shaking.
After cleaning up the blood and mess, Kingston washes his hands. “You were amazing.”
“I was terrified.” I clench my hands to try to stop them from shaking. “When I found out she was in labor early, I was worried.” I blow out a breath.
Kingston sits beside me on the couch, putting his arm around my shoulders. “No one would’ve guessed you were scared. You handled yourself like a pro, and because of you, they have a healthy baby boy.” He squeezes my shoulder.
My muscles were so tight with anxiety that my appreciative moan slips out before I can stop myself.
“Turn around.”
“No.” I shake my head.
“Yes. A massage as a thank you for delivering my nephew isn’t even close to payback.”
I smile and position myself so my back is facing him. His hands squeeze and mold to my shoulders, and all the tension that’s been taking up residence like a squatter disappears. I close my eyes and enjoy the sensation. If his hands can do this, I wonder what else they’re good at. I mentally reprimand myself.
“Hey, Stella.”
The room is so quiet, and the tone of his voice is so serious that I fear what he’s going to ask me. “Yes?”
“How come you didn’t tell me you were back?”
I let out a long breath. He wants to do this now? But I guess if he had the guts to ask, I should have the guts to answer. “Honestly?”
“All I’ve ever wanted from you was honesty.”
“You scare me, Kingston.”
His hands stop momentarily but continue a second later. “I scare you?”