Page 53 of When Forever Falls Apart

“Uh, try lying belly up, snoring very loudly. It’s quite the sight.”

“It’s nice not to be alone,” I say wistfully. “Anyways, I should probably go. I’ve got a whole lot of nothing planned tonight.”

“Sure. Good night, Madelina.”

“Good night, Elliot.”

I hang up the phone, but not even a minute later, it pings with a text.

Elliot

Hey, so about sowing your oats… maybe don’t. As your man friend, I advise you to wait for the right one. I bet it will be worth the wait.

My lips part as a flutter of excitement rushes through me. I reread his text to make sure I understand him correctly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was jealous.

I send an emoji, simple but straight to the point.

Me

Tonight took a turn into unknown territory, but for the first time in a long time, the journey is exciting. Anything could happen.

Between my legs, a gentle quiver builds and spreads through my entire body. I reach down, carefully swiping past my throbbing clit, only to yelp at the sensation. With a deep breath, I reluctantly pull away as Elliot’s text echoes in my mind…

Wait for the right one. I bet it will be worth the wait.

I don’t know if Elliot is the right one, but all I can think about now is him between my legs.

And that, in itself, is a dangerous thought to have.

CHAPTER 15Madelina

“I’m going to be a father.” Aston is quick to reveal over the phone.

I delicately slide my gold hooped earrings into place, a contented smile spreading across my face as I stare at myself in the mirror.

I spoke to Eva last night after she told Aston the news. She was relieved to have the burden of keeping a secret this big off her shoulders, and I, for one, am glad it is all out in the open.

Keeping secrets isnotmy best trait.

“I know, it’s pretty awesome,” I say with elation, “don’t you think?”

“Yes,” he replies, his tone laced with a touch of uncertainty. “I’m relieved Eva isn’t leaving me.”

“God, you’re so dramatic. As if Eva wouldeverbreak up with you,” I drag, picking up the eyeshadow brush from the dresser to apply some color to my eyelids. The palette’s nude shades match my vibe today—neutral yet elegant. “Anyway, how is Eva doing? I texted her last night, but no response.”

“She’s experiencing morning sickness,” he explains with a concerned voice. “I think she only told me because she was feeling so nauseous.”

“Eva told you because soon the bump was going to give it away,” I counter, blinking my eyes to get rid of excess dust floating on my lashes from the eyeshadow. “You can’t keep those darn things hidden, you know.”

“I wasn’t her first choice to tell. That was you,” Aston states.

With a heavy sigh, I gently place my brush down, giving myself a moment to organize my thoughts. I’ve never been pregnant, nor even found myself with a pregnancy scare, but the idea of being in that circumstance would 100 percent freak me out. It’s a baby, the size of a watermelon, shooting out of a vagina the size of a… Eeek! I don’t even know.

“Aston, she was scared. I would have felt the same. It’s her first—”

“Ours, you mean,” Aston interjects, his stubborn ass always needing to correct me.

“Yes, yes, you know what I mean,” I stammer, trying to remind myself what I was going to say. “My point is… it’s completely natural to be terrified when having your first child. But you two have each other, and that’s a blessing. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have such a supportive partner. So what if she told me first? Are you really going to make a big deal about this?”