Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
But finally—finally—it’s time for our final posture of the class.
“Beautiful work. Now close your eyes,” I murmur, guiding the team fully into savasana. “Let everything go. Relax, release control of your breath, and allow your body to integrate all the work you’ve done today.”
As the players settle, I make my way around the room, adjusting a shoulder here, encouraging a tense player to relax his face, there. When I reach Tank, I don’t touch him—after three months of joining me for my morning classes four days a week, he has savasana on lock—but I pause beside his mat, anyway, allowing myself a second to soak him in.
My sexy man. My love. Maybe…the father of my child?
I can’t wait another minute to know.
As soon as the class ends and the players begin rolling up their mats, I catch Tank’s eye and nod subtly toward the door, my heart racing as I grab my duffel bag. He arches a brow but follows me out into the hallway as the others file toward the locker room to shower and take off for the weekend.
“Everything okay?” he asks when we’re alone, concern etched in the furrow of his brow.
“Yes. But I have something important I need to do, and I want you there with me.” I grab his hand, pulling him down the hall. “Come on, we can sneak into the family bathroom by the old equipment room.”
“Okay,” he says, his brow furrowing even as curiosity sparks in his dark eyes. “And what are we doing in the bathroom?”
“Well, I’m going to be peeing,” I say, speeding my pace. “And you’re going to turn your back until I’m done.”
He laughs as I drag him into the only bathroom in the cement-block section of this building and lock the door behind us, still looking bewildered as he asks, “Are you serious? Is this a fetish you’ve been keeping a secret from me, Teach?”
“No, it’s…” Trailing off, I reach into my bag and pull out the pregnancy test, holding it up between us with a rush of breath.
His eyes bulge and his smile falls away. “You’re serious? You think…”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I mean, it feels like it’s way too early for that to even be possible, and I’m not even due to start my period until tomorrow, but…” My voice trembles with a mixture of nerves and excitement, as I add, “I don’t know. I feel different. Tired and a little off and just…different. Like I’m not alone in here anymore. Is that crazy?”
“No. I mean, we have been fucking without protection like it’s our job.”
I bite my lip. “We have.”
His lips curve in a cautious smile. “So, yeah, it’s not crazy. Are you going to take it now?”
I nod, tearing the box open as I start for the toilet, my heart leaping into my throat. “Yep. Turn around.”
He arches a brow. “Seriously? I’ve had my tongue buried in your pussy and a thumb up your ass while you come and you’re shy about me watching you pee?”
“Yes. Turn around,” I command, unable to keep the laughter from my voice, as I add, “I’m serious Theodore. Peeing is private. And I’m nervous. Turn!”
He grunts, but turns to face the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “Why are you nervous?” he asks over his shoulder. “You still feel ready to start a family, right?”
I drop my yoga pants and sit on the toilet. “Yes. It’s just…a big change. And a huge responsibility.” I follow the instructions, peeing on the stick, replacing the cap on the top, and then placing it on the edge of the sink, before I flush. When I’m decent again, I add, “Okay, you can turn around. We have to wait three minutes.”
I turn on the water, catching his gaze in the mirror as I wash my hands.
He looks nervous, too. But excited. And something else I can’t quite put my finger on…
“What are you thinking?” I ask.
“Parenting classes,” he says. “I should sign up for some. Do they have those around here?”
“I’m not sure,” I say, drying my hands and tossing the paper towel before turning to face him. “But there are lots of good books about parenting these days. We can read some together, if you want.”
He nods a little too fast. “Yeah. I would.”
“Why?” I ask in a softer voice. “Are you worried you won’t know what to do? Because I really think you will, babe. You’re such a great dog dad. Just a natural.”
He grunts.
“Yeah, I know a dog isn’t a kid, but caring is caring and nurturing is nurturing,” I say before adding in a drier tone, “So glad I speak grunt fluently at this point.”
His lips twitch, but the promised smile doesn’t form. “I just don’t want to fuck it up, Teach. I didn’t grow up with parents I could use as role models.”