Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors Read online

  “Fine. What’s going on with Grace? Has he told her you’re pregnant yet?”

  She shook her head. “At first, I thought he’d run over and shout it into her face. I mean, she’s been the biggest advocate that we procreate like that’s our only job in life. But he didn’t.”

  Tricia placed her sweaty glass of iced tea on the coffee table and sat back. “Why didn’t he tell her?”

  “He said it was to save me the stress of her coming here all the time and trying to take over our lives.”

  “Oh. I can see that. Grace is so…”

  “Bitchy?”

  Tricia snorted. “Don’t hold back.”

  “Sorry. She obviously loves Nick, but she’s not the nicest mother-in-law in the world. I just wish she understood that our life is ours. Her opinions are great for her, but we make our own decisions.”

  “If you ever find one of those understanding mother-in-laws with a single son, send me in that direction. My last relationship consisted of a jerk of a husband and nothing more.”

  Damn. She hated bringing up Tricia’s past. Her friend had been through a lot in her short marriage, and Ari preferred to help her see the positive side of life.

  “Forget about Grace. She’ll come around.” Tricia picked up a fashion magazine and started flipping through it.

  “I don’t know. I mean, I’ve known the woman for almost eight years. She didn’t come around then. I don’t think she ever will.”

  “Sure she will,” Tricia glanced up from the magazine. “The minute she has a grandchild to dote on and try to spoil, her attention will move on to him.”

  “That’s messed up. I don’t know if I want to wish Grace’s personality on my poor baby.”

  “Hey, your baby will turn that hard old lady into mashed potatoes. You watch.”

  If Grace didn’t start to tone down her antagonism toward Ari, she wouldn’t be seeing much of her future grandkid. The last thing Ari wanted was for her baby to be in an uncomfortable environment. Grace would have to adjust her attitude or end up losing out.

  *

  Ari sat back into the bubble bath Nick had prepped for her. He had turned into the most romantic man in the world. White, pillar vanilla-scented candles covered the outer edges of her soaking tub. He even went as far as putting a bottle of apple juice on ice.

  “Ari?” He poked his head into the bathroom. “Your mom is on the phone.”

  She picked up the receiver and blew him a kiss as he walked back out.

  “I’m going to get us some take out. Tricia is out back walking Harley. Don’t move from there until I get back. If you need her, just yell. She’ll be in the living room,” he ordered.

  She put the receiver to her ear and wiggled her toes in the water, letting the heat soothe her swollen limbs.

  “Hi, Mami.”

  “Ari! How are you feeling, linda?” Her mom asked with enthusiasm. “Is our little boy moving yet?”

  Her mother had been saying the baby was a boy since Ari had called to inform them. “You know, we just found out the sex today.”

  “I already told you it’s a boy. I had a feeling.”

  “Mami, you creep me out. And yes, it’s a boy.” She sighed and rubbed her belly, loving the feeling of little Kayden. They’d chosen two names for each sex and put the four names on the ground, letting Harley pick one of each. “He is moving today. Much more than usual.”

  “That’s wonderful. And how are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay.”

  “Don’t lie to Mami, Ari. Tell her about Grace.” Her sister’s voice sounded on the line. Oh, shit. It was a conference call.

  “Bri, I can’t believe you told!”

  “I can’t believe you didn’t!”

  “Niñas…” Their mother intervened. “What is Grace doing to upset you, Ari?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. As if her mom could see her. “She told me to leave her son alone.”

  “Tell the old hag to mind her business,” Bri yelled. “I can tell her for you if you want.”

  “Briana, you should mind your business. Grace is probably worried about Nick. She saw him hurt after their separation and is trying to prevent the same from happening again.”

  Ari knew that. Which was why she didn’t tell Nick to tell his mother to leave her the hell alone and stop sticking her nose in their marriage. “I know that. I mean I understand the parental side of her worrying for her only child. At the same time, it hurts me every time she accuses me of not being fully committed to this. Hell, I’m having a baby. We’ve moved back into our old house. I love Nick. I’m doing the best I can with a new situation.”

  “I’m telling you. Let me talk to her. Five minutes is all I need,” Briana offered.

  “Shush, Bri,” their mother admonished. “Honey, I know. Focus on your health. The baby and your marriage. Anything other than that is not important.”

  “Are you eating?” Bri jumped in.

  “Yes. You think Nick would let me starve?” She picked up handfuls of bubbles and blew on them.

  “Nick is nice. He wouldn’t let you starve. He’ll probably feed you even after little Kayden is born.” Bri’s giggles filled the phone line.

  “Do you need me to come up there and spend some time with you now, Mija?”

  “Oh, no, Mami. I’m okay. I have enough help. Let’s stick to you coming with Bri and the kids after spring break.”

  Her sister was down in Florida with the family for the holidays. Ari’s mother had wanted to have the family spend time together for the holidays and almost canceled everything to ensure Ari wasn’t alone. Ari didn’t want her mom to stop her Christmas tradition for her. So she stayed home with Nick and Tricia. Their holiday had been quiet but nice. Besides, Ari was too consumed with counting down the days until her pregnancy was out of risk. Until then, anything could happen.

  ***

  CHAPTER TEN

  Nick dusted the last piece of furniture after the final shiny coat of paint had dried. He had asked Ari for her choices on furniture and decorations for the nursery, hoping to surprise her by building the crib, changing table, dresser, and glider himself. It had taken him longer than he’d hoped due to his work schedule and still trying to spend time taking care of her, but he was finished.

  A deep sense of accomplishment settled inside him. Ari was almost seven months pregnant and had just gotten off her bed rest prison that day. Thank god. He’d never had such a hard time trying to find ways to entertain someone. Not to mention her discomfort over lying down was making it hard for him to work when all he wanted was for her to be pain-free.

  He waited for Tricia to pop into the room with her camera before he left to get Ari. She had been working on the easy chair in their bedroom when he’d last seen her.

  “Hello, gorgeous.” He leaned down and kissed her hair. She had the long dark mass up in a ponytail. Her new glasses had fallen down the bridge of her nose. She blinked up tired eyes at him.

  “Hi, stranger. Where have you been?” She asked with a yawn.

  “Busy making you a surprise.” He took the laptop from her hold and put it on the bed. “Now come with me and be amazed.”

  She snorted and let him help her stand. “Didn’t you say that last night before you were the one that ended up being amazed?”

  Bella had given them strict instructions and limitations to what they could do in the bedroom. It didn’t dampen things. Just made them more creative.

  “Alright,” he admitted and hugged her to his side. “I was definitely amazed by that mouth you have.”

  She slapped his ass, leaving his cheeks tingling from the tap. “I was impressed with you too.”

  When they reached the nursery door, he covered her eyes with his hands. “Trust me.”

  “Always.”

  That single word did something to him. A rush of love for her filled his heart. This woman, his wife, was the only one for him.

  He took his hands off her eyes and watched her face with intere
st as she took in their child’s future home.

  She glanced around the blue and green themed bedroom with awe. She slid a hand over the cribs side. Another few steps and she was reaching for a teddy her mother had sent for the baby. She lifted it to her face and rubbed the soft material over her cheek.

  “Oh, Nick.” She turned tear-filled eyes to him. “It’s perfect.”

  Thank goodness. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her belly collided with his abs, and the baby moved at that moment. It was an amazing feeling.

  Tricia took photos of them and the nursery. “He made all this stuff. Isn’t it amazing?”

  Ari’s face jerked back to look at him with wide eyes. “You made the furniture?”

  The adoration in her eyes made him feel like Superman. “Yes.”

  “That must have taken you—”

  “Months,” Tricia interrupted. “I’ve been holding this secret in for months. Thank God you know. It’s been killing me.” She laughed, heading for the bedroom entrance. “Okay, I got some great shots. I’ll take Harley outside for you guys.”

  Ari ran her nails over the back of his neck. “This is the most amazing thing you could have ever done.”

  His heart flipped. “I just want to make you happy.”

  Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I am happy. I’ve never been more than I am now.”

  *

  “So tell me what’s wrong?” Bella asked.

  Ariana picked at her food. She was tired, bloated, had gained more weight than Bella had told her she would, and she wasn’t even hungry. She’d lost some weight, but she couldn’t help it. The stress with the campaign was at an all-time high. She was one review away from being done.

  “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired. I have this headache that won’t quit, and let’s just say I am getting on poor Nick’s last nerve. I’m so irritable lately.”

  Bella clasped her hand over the table. “Ariana, it’s normal. You’re close to eight months pregnant. It starts to get difficult to get rest, and with the baby moving all the time it becomes exhausting.” She patted her hand. “I’m just glad you’re eating and making sure your diabetes is under control and not letting the stress get the best of you.” She watched her, a shrewd look in her eyes. “You are sleeping and getting enough rest, right?”

  She swallowed some of the sugar-less iced tea. It was nasty and tasteless, but she had nothing else at this point. “I am. I am. It’s enough that Nick is pestering me to eat and to lay down, now you’re going to join the crowd?”

  “Hey! I took you off bed rest, Ariana. You and your little boy’s health’s are my main concern. So if I feel you need to go back on bed rest, that’s where you’re going.”

  “I know,” she grumbled. “See, I told you I’m irritated.”

  “It’s okay. You need to relax.”

  She winced. The swelling in her fingers had gotten worse. She didn’t get it. Everything was low in sodium due to her blood pressure, and she was still swelling like she was diving in the stuff. “I am relaxed,” she growled. “Okay, maybe not, but it’s this stupid swelling.”

  Bella glanced up from her plate, her eyes widening. “What swelling? Why didn’t you tell me about swelling?”

  “Um, because everyone keeps telling me that all pregnant women get swollen.” She stabbed her grilled chicken with more force than necessary. “Of course, nobody bothered to tell me that it would be this annoying.”

  “Where’s the swelling at?” Bella glanced at her face, clearly looking for facial swelling.

  “My hands and legs.” She winced and lifted a hand. “My fingers have turned into tiny red hot dogs.”

  Bella glanced at her other hand. She pressed on her skin, a white spot appeared and then it went back to being red. “You’re really bloated. How’s your salt intake been?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Non-existent. And this is the first glass of iced tea I’ve had in weeks. It’s been water all day every day with a side of runs to the bathroom.”

  “I know it’s uncomfortable, but you’re so close, Ariana.” She continued to glance at Ariana’s hands.

  “I know, and I am so happy. It’s just the swelling, and I’m gaining all this weight and my back and side and everything hurts. I haven’t gotten sleep in days.” She inhaled sharply and let it out slowly. “So, um, did I tell you I’m irritated? Because, yeah. I’m a little irritated.” She dropped the fork and gave up on any pretense of eating. She was nauseated. She’d been nauseated for a few days now.

  Bella was watching her intently. “Come to my office tomorrow. I want to run some tests on you.”

  “Bella…”

  Bella raised a single arched brow. “Ariana. I’m your doctor. Do as I say, or I will call Nick and tell him to drag you into my office.”

  “Jeez, Bella. No need to get all mean.”

  “Sorry, hun, but your blood pressure has me concerned, and I want to check it out.”

  “I’m fine. I swear to you I understand that this is important. I wouldn’t ignore an appointment. If you’re worried, then that just worries me too. But I’m tired. And cranky.” She drank from the tall glass of water. At least she wasn’t going to the bathroom like crazy for a few days. Thank goodness for that part. Bella’s words had made her stomach churn. She was right. Ari was so close to seeing her baby that she’d do anything to make sure everything was fine.

  Bella swept her hair behind her ear and played with her phone. “I’m sending the receptionist an email to call you later with a good time to come in tomorrow. I told her to open time for you so you need to show up, or I’ll come to your house and get you.” She glanced up and pierced her with her frown. “You do understand, don’t you?”

  “Yes. I’ll be there. You know I would never put my baby in danger.” Not that she could for one second imagine doing anything but being as careful as possible, but it seemed stress didn’t want to listen to what she tried to do.

  Bella rested her elbow on the table and cupped her cheek. “Is Nick helping you feel any better?”

  “Oh my, yes.” Ari grinned. “He gives me massages every day. He’s been cooking like you wouldn’t believe, and he’s brought our cleaner back so I don’t have to do anything. He’s amazing.”

  “So…why aren’t you relaxing?”

  Uh-oh. Bella sounded like she did when they were in college. She’d been Ariana’s roommate and more protective of her than her own parents, which was crazy because Latin parents are super overprotective. She’d wait up and make her feel all sorts of guilty for spending the night with Nick instead of studying. In the end, she saw how much they were in love. Instead of intruding, she helped Ariana figure out a schedule where she could spend time with Nick and get her schoolwork done.

  “Hey! Who says I’m not?”

  “Are you?”

  Crap. Bella and her whole looking deep into her eyes and making her feel all uncomfortable. “Okay, no I’m not. It’s this campaign.”

  “Ariana…”

  “Wait! Before you say anything. It’s almost over. I’m like one slide from being done. My assistant is taking over as of tomorrow.”

  Bella glared at her. “Your assistant better take care of it now. I don’t want to hear you are working on this anymore. Your health is much more important, and I will put your ass in the hospital if I have to.”

  *

  Ari leaned back on the sofa. Tricia had noticed how tired she’d been and forced her to sit down while she got her a drink. She’d been working a lot, but only because she wanted to be done with the never-ending campaign to the client from hell.

  “I swear to god, Ari. If you are sent to bed rest again, I will personally handcuff you to the damn bed,” Tricia shouted from the kitchen.

  “Stop being so dramatic. I’m fine. Just tired.”

  “If Nick were here, you’d be in so much trouble.”

  Nick had gone on an overnight trip to a site. He’d promised to return that evening. “He knows this is the end.”


  “Haven’t you been saying that for like four months now?” Tricia brought her a giant glass of water and a yogurt.

  “Yeah. And it would be. If that woman would stop changing her mind when I’m right at the end.”

  She had been feeling sicker than usual and a lot more bloated. Her headaches had increased with alarming frequency. Thankfully, she had an appointment the next day with Bella and was sure everything would be fine.

  Someone knocked at the door.

  “I’ll get it.” Tricia stood. “You lay your ass down and relax.”

  “Bossy much?”

  Tricia pointed her finger at the yogurt as she walked toward the door.

  “Hello. Is Ariana home?”

  Grace. Fricking hell. She threw a comforter and pillow over her belly, hoping to disguise her state and watched Grace walk into the house.

  “Ari, are you up for some company?” Tricia asked, looking ready to kick Grace right back out the door.

  “Yeah, it’s fine. Hello, Grace.”

  Grace marched forward, eyeing the blanket and pillow Ari held to her stomach.

  “I’m going to take Harley out back for a walk.” Tricia walked away, making hand gestures to let Ari know she’d shove Grace out the door if necessary.

  “What can I do for you, Grace?” She hoped Grace had stopped her break-them-up campaign. Ari didn’t think she could go another round on it.

  “What did you say to my son?” Grace demanded.

  Ari’d hoped for too much. “Before you start accusing me of anything, could you explain what it is I supposedly did?”

  “He’s not been coming by to see me. He’s not answering my calls. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

  Join the crowd. “He’s been working a lot, and I’ve been sick, so he’s been taking care of me too.”

  Grace glanced at the house. Her gaze locked on Ari’s laptop and the documents she’d been working on.

  “I see you still push your marriage to the side for work.”

  “Grace, don’t do this.”

  Grace pursed her lips. “You clearly want your career more than anything. I don’t understand how a simple job can mean more to you than your husband. Why not let him go then? Let him find happiness with someone who wants to be in a marriage and wants children.”