Part 12
Nick awakened just before daylight to a sharp kick against his hand. It took several minutes for him to realize where he was, but then he smiled broadly, closing his eyes and just enjoying the peace that washed over him. The movement beneath his hand was relentless and he pressed his hand closer, trying to determine by touch alone what was an elbow or a knee damn, how did Becca ever get any sleep? He chuckled and was startled when Becca spoke.
"Just like its daddy," she mumbled sleepily. "Up all hours of the night and expects *me* to be, too."
"Face it Bec, you have a soft spot for party people." He stroked her tummy and the baby finally quieted. "See? Likes to be touched just the right way, just like her momma."
"*Her*?" she grinned. "And what makes you so sure?"
"Never met a woman yet that didn't respond to the Carter touch."
Becca laughed out loud. "You're so full of it, Carter!"
"Wait and see, Bec. Wanta make a small wager?"
"Nope. My gambling days are over, try that one on the rest of the guys."
"Yeah! I could rake in a bundle-"
"Don't you dare use our child as a pawn for your twisted scheme Nickolas Carter."
"Wait the guys don't know about this. Damn, baby, wait'll they see you at the wedding!"
"They're really special men, Nick," she said. "I watched the video. I knew what they were doing, what they were trying to say. And it worked."
"I love you, Bec, and I couldn't think of any other way to reach you." He began stroking her arm and she shivered.
"When you held Howie's hand and dropped to the floor I was sobbing. God-"
"I cried every night on tour. I never made it through that song once."
Becca had scooted closer, and her bottom was pressed against his hips where she felt him begin to harden. "Nick?"
"Mmm " he nuzzled her neck.
"Make love with me."
"Bec? Can we? I mean "
"It's perfectly ok. Just maybe a little awkward."
"C'mere."
Becca sighed as she turned to face him. It had been too long since they'd been together like this and she needed him with a quiet desperation. Side by side they lay together, much like they had back in Tampa all those months ago. It was time to begin again, no, past time.
Nick raised up on one elbow, gazing done into Becca's face. He loved her like this, soft and rumpled from sleep, and now there was an extra-added glow about her. She'd put on weight, but in all the right places and for all the right reasons and he was anxious to get to know her all over again.
"What?" Becca asked as he continued to smile at her.
"Just thinking." He grinned, running a finger over her lips and along her jaw to her ear.
"The last time we made love was by phone."
Becca squeezed her eyes shut and groaned as he laughed. "Nick," she whined.
"Bec, that was so hot," he whispered deeply. "I love to listen to the sounds you make when we make love, and the look in your eyes " He watched her eyes darken as a flush crept across her face and pushed her to her back. "I love you," he whispered as his lips touched hers tentatively. He held himself back, not quite sure yet what to do or how to do it.
"Nick, I won't break," she said, smiling.
It was his turn to groan. He closed his eyes, hiding his head against her neck. "I can't."
"Just touch me, Nick," she said softly. "I love the way you touch me, the way you make me feel. I've missed it."
Slowly, carefully, he brushed his fingers across the cotton over her breast, sucking in his breath as he watched the nipple stiffen in response. He gently fit his hand over her breast, marveling at the new fullness since he last held her, and pulled back when she gasped.
"Bec?"
"No, don't stop," she said, pulling his hand back where it had been. "It just feels good. God, it's been so long "
"Take this off." Nick struggled with her gown, trying to pull it up.
"Nick, I don't-" Becca stopped, turning away.
"Baby?"
"It's not it's not the same. I've changed." She looked away, suddenly very self-conscious about her body and the way she looked.
Nick thought long and hard before replying, he just knew he was going to say the wrong thing and screw it up. Ultimately he just sighed and went for broke. "Help me out here, Bec, 'cause I know Im gonna fuck this up and then you'll get hormonal and cry and I won't get any till this kid's in high school."
He was so serious, and he was trying so hard to do the right thing that Becca got the giggles.
"I'm serious here!" he pouted.
Becca sat up, kneeling on the bed and reaching for the hem of her gown. "I'm being silly, huh?"
"I love you, Bec. This is our baby that's done this to you, how could I not love what you look like?"
God, that was corny, but it worked. Shyly she pulled her gown up and over her head, and then held it in her lap in a vain attempt to cover up.
She *had* changed. Nick silently let his eyes wander over her body and it was like water for a parched soul. She had filled out over the months; her face was rounder; her breasts were fuller, heavier than before and their tips were darker. His eyes settled on her abdomen, still hidden by her gown. With gentle fingers he pulled it away, looking upon her for the first time in months and from out of nowhere his eyes watered with a tenderness he'd never known he could feel.
"Nicky?" she whispered.
"God, Bec, I had no idea. This is amazing." As he had during the night, he lay a hand over her, re-learning her body, and as he did, the baby rolled to one side. He jumped, laughing in surprise. Whoa!"
"Oops, sorry!" Becca grinned.
"Strangest threesome I've ever been in, that's for sure." He grinned back at her.
"Carter, you're stalling. Make love to me. Please?" Leaning forward she kissed him hungrily, pressing him back against the mattress. Her hands were everywhere and his skin was on fire as she touched him, her palms flat against his chest. Becca's tongue swept into his mouth as her hand slipped beneath the elastic of his boxers, grasping him firmly and stroking him to full hardness.
"God, Bec-" he choked out. He writhed against her hand as she squeezed him rhythmically, rubbing her thumb over the tip of his erection. "Not fair."
"So?" she mumbled. "Fix it."
His hand found its way unerringly between her legs, seeking out her heated warmth and moaning at how wet she was. "Now, Bec." He pulled her hand away and lifted her above him to straddle his thighs. He held himself ready for her as she slowly lowered herself against his flesh, sighing as she sank fully onto him.
"God, Nick." Becca stayed perfectly still, letting her body adjust to the unaccustomed fullness, but then as he swelled within her, she had to move. There was no way to stop the need she had for this man and what he did to her. Slowly she rose away only to sink down again, meeting him thrust for thrust as he moved against her.
There was no time for easygoing lovemaking; it had been too long for both of them. Later. There would be time later. Nick held her hips to steady her as he pressed upward again and again. Finally he heard that distinctive catch in her breath and knew it was time. Without breaking stride he pressed his had to the spot where they were joined and watched, amazed, as she came apart in his arms. Her body clenched against his and with a shout he followed her to that amazing place they'd been absent from far too long.
They lay together in a sweaty tangle of limbs, and just as their breathing began to return to normal, the phone rang.
Nick reached blindly for it saying, "This better be good or I'll have to hurt you." He groaned at the reply on the other end. Covering the phone he looked at Becca and mouthed *Howie*.
He listened again for several minutes. "No, we didn't forget, we were umm busy. Shut up!"
Becca laughed, she could hear the teasing on the other end and found it strangely comforting.
"No, we'll be there, just let us grab a shower first." He listened once more. "No way! We will NOT be late. We'll shower separately, ok dad?"
Hanging up the phone he snorted in disgust and went to turn on the shower. "We have to pick up D and Sarah for the pre-wedding cruise, get your butt outta bed, woman," he called out.
They showered together and were very late.