She puts her arms around me and embraces me. "Oh, Ciara, it's okay to be scared. You're growing a new life inside of you." She pulls away and wipes the tear on her cheek. "But you'll be alright sweetie, trust me."
I don't know what else to say, so I just smile. If only she knew that this baby is how we’re able to pay for my dad's surgery and medical expenses...
"So, is it a boy or a girl?" asks my mom as we walk out of the bathroom.
"I don't know yet. We have the doctor's appointment in two weeks, we're supposed to find out then." I look for some clean clothes. "I'm going to shower," I announce before she can ask something else.
I slept with the makeup on, so I take my time removing it before getting in the shower. Eva comes into the bathroom to pee and brush her teeth while I'm showering. I remember I used to hate it when she did that back then, but I smile, realizing how much I've missed my little sister.
Mom tells me more about what they had to go through while my dad was in the hospital. When she tells me just how much they were struggling with money until I sent them the first check, I feel better. I suddenly don't care about having to lie to her. I'm just glad my dad is okay.
"I can't believe you were going out with a celebrity and you didn't tell me,"Eva suddenly says, sounding offended.
I roll my eyes at her. "Evans is not exactly a celebrity."
She looks at me with her big, brown eyes. "I know who he is, so yeah, he's a celebrity. And he's so cute!"
Eva has always been into those celebrity TV shows and magazines, so I'm not surprised she knows who Evans is.
"He seems really nice," my mom offers with a smile. "He is a gentleman and very handsome too. I don't think you could have chosen a better man."
I actually blush at my mom's comment. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." I clear my throat. "So how long are you staying?"
"I'm afraid we can only stay for a few days. I don't want to leave your father alone for too long," my mom says, apologetically.
"It's okay, mom, I get it. It's better than nothing, right?"
"Right."
We go to the dining room to have breakfast while she talks about how well Eva is doing in school and how much better my dad is. It almost feels like I’m back home, having breakfast with my family...it really has been too long.
"Can I use your phone?" Eva suddenly asks, looking bored.
My mom rolls her eyes at her. I smile, looking around the table. "Yeah, it’s in my room. I'll be right back," I say, standing up. I walk down the hallway and hesitate outside the door of Evan's room. I want to knock, give him a warning that I'm coming in, but I know how that's going to look to my mom. So, I reach and twist the doorknob. He is walking out of the bathroom as I walk in, fixing his tie. He looks so fresh and handsome, his hair slicked back and still wet from the shower. How is it possible for someone to look this good?
"Ciara," he says looking at me.
I smile shyly, then point to my phone on the nightstand. "Just forgot my phone." I walk in and reach for it. When I turn around, he is right there, so close to me. Close enough to smell his aftershave and minty toothpaste. His blue eyes study my face, before he looks into my eyes.
"I believe you and I have a pending conversation, Damien," he says, his voice full of amusement.
The butterflies in my stomach are ridiculous. "Do we?"
He smiles as he reaches out and touches my cheek with the back of his hand. "Yes, we do." He continues to gaze into my eyes as his hand goes behind my neck...down my back...to my waist. His touch sends sparks all over my body. He pulls me gently, closing the gap between us. Our lips meet and I feel the back of my neck grow hot, thankful that he can't tell. He presses his lips against mine and my hands go around his torso. When he gently bites my lower lip, I giggle like an idiot. His lips are warm and when I feel his tongue against my lips, I open my mouth, granting him entrance. My heart is beating hard against my chest. I feel him place his hands on each of my cheeks, deepening the kiss...
When he finally pulls away, we are both breathless. He rests his forehead against mine and smiles. "We'll talk tonight, Damien," he promises.
I just smile and nod, my lips still tingling from his kiss…