Fighting Temptation Read online

  I figured Cade had told them. I guess not. “I’m working at Chandler’s on 82nd.”

  Russ nods. “Cool. We might stop by sometime for a drink or two.” “Yeah, game nights and fight nights are pretty packed. It’s okay; I haven’t been there long. The people I work with are pretty cool.”

  Anna smiles. “Well, you have to come over to our house soon. We are getting ready to start planning a wedding.”

  “Okay, I’ll get up with you sometime soon. You can always just text me or stop by Chandler’s.”

  ~*~*~ Getting ready to start classes and working have made the past couple of weeks fly by. So when Gabby and Anna called to demand lunch with me today, I accepted. Walking into the café, I see them already seated with our lunches on the table.

  Gabby looks up. “See, Anna? I told you she was still alive.”

  “I just figured she might be disabled or something since she hasn’t called us since your baby shower.” I sit down. “Ha ha, very funny. Sorry; with getting all my shit ready for fall semester and working, it’s been crazy. I promise I wasn’t ignoring you.”

  Gabby flips her hair. “Okay, we forgive you as long, as you give me that pickle. So have you met any hot guys at the bar?”

  Anna laughs. “Really, Gabby? That quick?” I shake my head and laugh. “I see a ton of hot guys; it doesn’t mean anything though. I’m not interested.” I hand the pregnant woman my pickle.

  “So Cade said you couldn’t get away from him fast enough the other night at the bar. Well, he didn’t tell me that; he told his mom. She told me.”

  “Of course. You really don’t waste any time do you, Gab?”

  She laughs. “Nope, got a lot of shit to do and not much time to do it in.” She points to her belly.

  Anna smiles. “So, were you really trying to get away from Cade?” “I just wasn’t expecting hi m. I was nervous. I figured he hated me. I don’t know why you don’t all hate me.”

  Anna’s smile drops. “Why would we hate you?” I shake my head. “Being close to me puts people in danger. Look at what you guys came home to last Christmas, with all of the hell you’d already been through.”

  Gabby grabs my hand. “Daria, you are a victim of circumstances beyond your control.” Anna waves her hands around. “And as far as being in danger... I’m your friend and I don’t give a shit if the guy who offed Jimmy Hoffa is after you. I’m still your friend.”

  I laughed. “Well, I’m pretty sure that guy is dead, so I’m not worried about him, either.”

  Gabby looks at me. “You know he’s still in love with you, right?”

  “Who the guy who killed Hoffa?”

  “No Cade.”

  I chuckle. “Yeah, because I’d be so in love with the person who got me shot.”

  “She’s serious,” Anna says.

  “Look, guys. I can’t be with Cade; he deserves someone who can share everything with him and I can’t.” “Daria you deserve love, too.”

  “No, not really.” Gab by grabs my arm and I’m expecting an argument. She has this strange look on her face. She looks at Anna and me, “My water just broke.”

  Anna drops her to-go cup of sweet tea on the floor. “Holy shit.” She snatches her phone out of her purse. As she puts the phone to her ear, I hear, “Linc, its go time.”

  I guess lunch is over.

  Chapter 8

  Cade

  We just finished a killer workout. This damn shower feels so good on my muscles, but I’m distracted by a phone ringing. I stick my head out and see Linc’s phone lighting up.

  “Linc, your damn phone is ringing.” Linc steps out of the shower and grabs it. “Hey, Anna, what’s up?” His facial expressions go crazy for a minute and then he says, “I’ll meet you there.”

  He starts running into the locker room. I step out and grab my towel. “Linc, where in the hell are you going, man?”

  He looks up with soap still all over him. “Gabby’s in labor.”

  I stop drying. “Go wash the damn soap off and then get dressed.” He nods and goes back into the shower. I snatch the curtain open to the stall Russ is in. “Quit jacking your dick, man. Anna just called; Gabby’s in labor.”

  He literally drops the soap. “Shit.” He grabs it up finishing rinsing off. What did they say? How long? Have they checked to see if she’s dilated any?”

  I lo ok at him like he’s lost his mind, as he steps out of the shower “What the fuck, man? You do know its Gabby having the baby, not Anna, right? Anyway, I don’t have any of those answers.”

  He sighs as he’s drying off. “Okay. Look, I know its Gabby, but we’ve been covered childbirth in my anatomy class this summer, so I paid attention, just in case Gabby went into labor and we had to deliver at home.”

  Linc looks over at him as he’s dressing. “You are not seeing my wife’s goods, man. This isn’t a sporting event, we aren’t going to bring in seating.”

  Russ rolls his eyes as he pulls his shoes on. “Oh so you would rather no one know how to deliver a baby, just in case?”

  Linc looks at him as we are walking out, “If it has to do with you looking at my wife’s business, then no. I would call 911.”

  I look at them. “Get to the damn car.”

  ~*~*~ When we reach the hospital, Linc looks up from his phone. “They’ve got her on the maternity floor in a labor room. So we can just go up to her room.”

  I’m sure the nurses o n that floor are thinking, ‘what the hell?’ as three big ass football players come charging up to the maternity floor. We bypass the station and go straight to Gabby’s room.

  As soon as we charge in the door, I realize that there are now things in my life that I will never un-see. My mom and Richard going at it in my kitchen is one; Anna sending Russ dirty pics that I happened to see is two; and a doctor with his hand up my best friend’s crotch is number three. I spin around, almost knocking Russ over.

  Russ screams and turns around. “Holy shit! Sorry, Gabby.”

  I look over at him while our backs are to Gabby. “And you were going to deliver a baby at home, jackass?”

  He looks over at me, “Shut the fuck up.” The doctor tells Gabby and Linc, “Your little ma n is in a hurry. You’ve already dilated to six and, as fast as he’s going, I’m not sure we are going to have time to get your epidural in. I’m going to get the anesthesiologist, but it may get too difficult for you to sit up. We are going to try, but just prepare yourself. I’m going to line up a few things and I’ll be back to check you again.”

  Linc sighs. “Okay. Thank you, Dr. Dean.”

  Anna speaks up. “You guys can turn around; she’s all covered.”

  I turn around and walk over to Gabby and give her a big hug. “Hey, Gab. Are you okay?” She looks at me with a death glare. “I’m in pain. My crotch feels like this damn kid is trying to rip it apart. I just ruined my favorite pair of shoes. I don’t think I’m going to be welcomed back at my favorite café again and I’m pretty sure I’m going to shit on this table before this is all over with. So tell me, Cade; how do you think I’m doing?”

  I step away from the bed and chuckle. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, Russ was ready to deliver your baby if he was needed.”

  Everyone starts laughing and I notice Daria sitting in the corner. She has a look on her face like she’s ready to bolt at any time. I wish that I could get over what I feel for her. She was my everything. I can’t start thinking about this now, though. “Gabby, do you need me to call Richard?”

  She takes a breath and blows it out. “No, Anna called all the parents.”

  “Okay. What do you need me to do?” She looks up and does that breathing thing again. “I really need you to stop pacing. I’ve already made Daria stay in the chair. So now you and Russ quit circling the damn floor; you are making me nervous.”

  I nod and put my hands up in defense. “Okay. Okay. I just wanna help.”

  She looks up at me, sweating and her hair a mess. “Well, go sit down. That will help me.�
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  I sit down and look at Daria, “So you were condemned to the chair, too?” She chuckles. “Yeah, I kinda lost it on the way here. So I was deemed hostile. But seriously, what was I supposed to do? Her water broke all over the café floor. The hostess screamed. A waiter threw up. Once I finally got her to the car, she was hurting bad. Then we got here and the staff was all laissez-faire, so I kinda lost it. They were all ‘babies are born every day.’ Not with me around they aren’t, so I freaked out.”

  I laugh. “So not the person for a crisis situation, huh?”

  She shakes her head. “Probably not.” “I had to make Linc go wash the soap off of his body. Then Russ wanted to deliver the baby or ask nine million questions about it. That is, until we walked in here.” I laugh. “You heard him scream like a girl.”

  She laughs. “Yeah, that was kinda funny.” It feels good to be talking to her. “If it makes you feel any better, I probably would have lost it with the staff, too.”

  She smiles. “Thanks. So I heard your mom and Richard are dating?”

  I nod. “Yeah, it’s weird in some ways, but in others, it seems perfectly normal.”

  “They seemed very happy at the baby shower.” “I haven’t seen my mom that happy in a very long time. She’s freakin’ over the moon about this baby. Then, as you know they are starting to plan Anna’s wedding, so she’s in heaven. She’s in full mom mode.”

  She chuckles. “Yeah, she made me eat an entire plate full of sandwiches and pasta salad at the baby shower.”

  I laugh. “I saw her headed that way with food. She was concerned with how tiny you are.”

  “She expressed her concerns. I told her don’t worry; my parents had expressed their concerns, too.”

  The door to the room flies open and the doctor comes back in. “Okay, let’s check things out.” I look at Daria and she looks at me. I motion to the door. “Do you wanna grab some coffee from the waiting area?”

  She looks relieved. “Sure.” I turn to ask Russ, but he’s talking to the doctor. As I open the door, I hear Gabby say, “Russ! Leave the doctor alone and get away from my vagina!”

  Daria and I both burst out laughing. I look over at her. “Ten bucks says Gabby hits Russ with something before this is over with.”

  She smiles. “You’re on. I say he passes out and ends up with a concussion.” We make it to the waiting area. When we get to the waiting area, “Do you think we should grab some for everyone else?”

  “Except for Russ. You know he only drinks hot chocolate.”

  This is nice, talking to her, smiling with her. It feels great. “Yeah, he can’t handle a grown up drink.” We gather up the coffees and head back to Gabby’s room. As soon as we walk in the door, I hear her screaming. “Get this kid out! Linc, I’m going to stomp on your balls when I get out of here!”

  I set the coffee down and go to her. “Hey, Gab, come on now. You really like Linc’s balls or we wouldn’t be here.” She’s crying and I pull her to my chest. “You can do this. I’ll stay right here with you, but I’m staying up at your head because so much shit has already happened I can’t un-see. I may need therapy.”

  She looks up at me, taking a deep breath in and out. “He said when he comes back I’ll probably have to start pushing.”

  “Okay, do you want me to stay or go? Whatever you want, Gab.” She smiles, while at the same time looking like she may cry. “Since Dad and Lydia haven’t made it, will you stay? It’s just… I want Linc to see the baby be born, so I want someone to stay up here by me.”

  “Alright, Gab; we got this. You are badass. Don’t forget that.” “Russ and Daria, you guys can stay, too, if you want, but Russ, you cannot go anywhere near the foot of my bed.”

  He chuckles. “Hell, yeah. I’m staying and seeing my handsome ass nephew come into the world.”

  I look over to Daria. She smiles. “Nothing would make me happier.” The doctor walks back in with a crew of people. “All right ladies and gentlemen, let’s meet the new Mr. Addison.”

  Chapter 9

  Daria

  Watching Cade with Gabby makes me jealous. He’s holding her hand, brushing her hair back from her face. I know he’s just being a reassuring brother and best friend, but I feel that pang of jealousy. I miss him being like that to me. Would he be acting that way if we had a baby? What am I talking about? I can’t bring a guy into my life, much less a baby.

  Linc and Anna hold Gabby’s legs for her t o push. Russ is standing up by Gabby’s head, looking like a kid on Christmas morning.

  The doctor speaking breaks me from my thoughts. “All right, Gabby, you are doing great. Just one more big push! Let’s meet this little boy.”

  She nods her sweat covered face. “Okay.” She looks to Cade for reassurance and he nods. Then she turns to Linc. “I love you, baby.”

  He smiles. “I love you, too.”

  She takes a deep breath. “AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHH!” Then it’s the most unbelievable, miraculous thing. I hear a baby crying. Not just any baby - Gabby and Linc’s baby. I walk over to this little bundle of yucky that they are cleaning up. He looks so tiny. They wipe him up and hand him to Gabby. Every one of us is crying. I realize that everyone else is crying because they are happy. I’m crying for something I will never allow myself to have.

  I step out of the room and walk down the hall, looking out a big set of windows in the waiting area. I feel his presence before I see him. Suddenly, he’s standing beside me.

  “Did you need some air, too?”

  “No. I came out here to check on you.” “Why?”

  “Daria, don’t try and be so damn tough with me.”

  “I’m not being tough. I just don’t know why you feel the need to check on me. I’m fine.” He throws his hands in the air. Then he grabs my elbow, pulling me into an empty hospital room. “Oh yeah, you’re fine. You look like a skeleton version of yourself. You haven’t communicated with anyone. Let’s face it; the only reason you are here right now is because you were with Gabby when her water broke. Otherwise, you’d be running scared just like you did after the attack. Just like you did from me at the bar.”

  I shove him in the chest. Tears burning, I spit, “Fuck you, Cade. I did what I had to do.” He paces in front of me and then grabs my shoulders. “What you had to do? Why did you have to run off for six fucking months? I was fucking scared to death when I woke up. I thought you were dead.”

  “I wasn’t dead. I had a nervous breakdown, you asshole!” I’m trying to pull away but he won’t let me. “I wanted to be there for you. I wanted to tell you things were going to be okay.” He’s calmed down, almost whispering in my face.

  “Well, everything wasn’t okay. When I got out of psych hold, my dad came and got me. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to put you guys in any more danger.”

  “It wasn’t your cross to bear alone.” “Yes, it was. I shouldn’t have gotten you guys involved in my life. Especially you. Cade, I got you shot. I could’ve literally ruined your entire life. I kept thinking… What if you and I hadn’t left earlier than everyone else? What if we’d all been home at the same time? What if Gabby had been the one to get shot?”

  “Stop!”

  “No, you wanted to know, so I’m telling you.” He stops me before I can finish by smashing his mouth into mine. We kiss; it’s intense and needy. Our tongues battle each other, we bite and nip at each other’s lips. His mouth drops down my neck to my collarbone. “Cade, we can’t do this.”

  He looks at me. “Shh… just be quiet.” I realize that I’m backed against the door now. I really want this; deep down, I know I do. As soon as his hands slip under my dress, I know I’m done for. He moves my panties to the side and his fingers slide in between my folds.

  He groans. “Oh damn, you are so wet.” I start fumbling at his belt. Finally, with his help, I get the button on his pants open and slide his jeans and boxer briefs down. He grabs me under my ass and my legs go around his waist. He’s inside of me quickly.
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br />   “Fuck. Baby, you feel so good. My dick was made for this pussy.” “Oh, God,” I groan. “Harder Cade.” He keeps pounding into me. I hope to God no one is on the other side of this door. Somehow my breasts are out and he’s sucking and biting on my nipples. The rush starts to become too much I start clenching down on his dick. That’s all it takes.

  “I can’t last much longer. Come with me, baby.” His movements quicken and just like him, I’m not far from going over the edge. “Oh shit, Cade. Oh, God. Fuck me harder.”

  Before I know it, we both go over the edge. I bite into his shoulder so I don’t scream his name and he buries his head in my neck as he comes inside of me. He leans against the door, still holding my legs around him.

  “Cade, this doorknob is jamming me in the ass.” He pulls back from me and slowly pulls out as he puts my legs on the ground. He hands me some paper towels. There is an awkward silence between us. We clean ourselves up. I start to laugh uncontrollably.

  Cade looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “What are you laughing about?” “We just had sex in an empty hospital room , - against the freaking door – I’m sure people heard us. It’s like some cheesy 1980’s porn.”

  He starts laughing. “No. I never told you I liked your shoes.” “What in the hell are you talking about?” “It’s a joke. One of the first pornos I ever watched. This guy looks at this girl and says, ‘Nice shoes. Wanna fuck?’ So it’s kind of an inside joke.”

  “That’s funny. We, um, better get straightened up and go see your new nephew.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “You go ahead. I need to wait to cool down and get the flushed ‘I just got fucked’ look off my face.”

  “Well, it’s just nice to see you with a little color back in your face.”

  “Yeah.” As soon as he walks out the door, realization hits me how much I miss him. How much I miss us. I begin to cry. Sitting down on the edge of the hospital bed, I hold my face in my hands. I’m really screwed up. That was by far one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done. I cannot believe I just had sex with Cade. Really great sex. Hot sex. Shit... unprotected sex. Yep, this is really the most stupid thing I’ve ever done. I need to go. I have to get out of this hospital.