“…Did you get this out of the spare room?” He asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Why?”

  “…I missed you! I was lonely and wanted to snuggle you. I know a relationship is off the table and we’re just co-parenting, but I really like you. I like being around you, I like spending time with you. Last time was amazing, and I been wanting that for so long, but I know that’s not what you want, and I know it’s gonna make things weird now-”

  Logan held up a hand, halting my rambling confession. Forcefully, my heart pounded, like I’d run a marathon without leaving the bed.

  “I would have snuggled the Logan bear. Seems cuddlier.”

  “Yeah, but the towel has your face on it…” I stared at my lap, very aware how creepy I sounded.

  “Makes sense.”

  I stared at the pattern in the blanket, waiting for him to yell, for him to kick me out, anything. But nothing happened. Curiosity got the best of me, and I peeked up at him to be met by the most heart shattering, ear-splitting smile on Logan’s face. My hysterically beating heart stuttered at the breathtaking sight.

  “…So, I think we’re both idiots.” he laughed.

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I’ve wanted to be with you for weeks. Since you moved in here, I’ve wanted to spend all my time with you. I miss you so much when I’m gone, but coming home to you is the best feeling in the world. I want to be with you. Not as co-parents. Not as friends. I want a relationship. I want you to be my girlfriend, Elle.”

  “W-w-what?!” I sputtered.

  Logan’s cheeks flushed pink as he shyly smiled at me. “I know I said some things that might give you cause to doubt me. But if you give me a chance, I’m going to do everything in my power to be a good partner to you. Will you be my girlfriend, Elle?”

  “…Yes. I want to be your girlfriend.” My words burned my ears.

  My feelings for Logan were a weight on my chest I had stubbornly refused to acknowledge. I had hoped that if I ignored my feelings, then they would go away, and Logan and I could co-parent responsibly. But ignoring how I really felt only weighed me down more. Weighed me down until I couldn’t breathe. Until my longing consumed me. No more. Confession lifted that weight. Confession let me breathe again.

  He wants me…

  Logan reached up and cupped my face. His hands were worn and gruff, but I still craved his touch. I leaned into him.

  “Hi girlfriend.” He smiled.

  “Hi boyfriend.” The goofy grin on my face mirrored his.

  Boyfriend… My first boyfriend.

  That word made me deliriously happy. The title meant more than co-parents ever did.

  “Coffee?” Logan asked.

  I nodded. He tossed back the blanket and climbed out of bed. I gnawed my bottom lip in response to the sight. I couldn’t help staring as he grabbed his underwear off the floor. His glorious, sculpted body was on display and as his girlfriend, the show was free for me. With much less grace than he usually displayed in the ring, Logan stumbled as he pulled on his underwear. Once his dick was sadly put away, we headed to the kitchen.

  “You sit down!” I ordered before Logan could approach the coffee pot.

  His head whipped around towards me, and I crossed my arms and straightened my back in emphasis. He opened his mouth to protest, but I shook my head. Pouting, he shuffled over to the island. Although he looked like the saddest puppy at the shelter, he sat down like a well-behaved boy and let me take the reins on coffee. Logan’s sulking made it seem like I had no idea how the coffee pot worked, and I had never made coffee for myself before I met him. I shook my head to hide my smile as I filled the pot with water. The maker puttered as the coffee brewed. I grabbed two mugs from the cabinet before heading to the fridge.

  “Should I get you an ice pack or something?” I asked as I grabbed my creamer.

  “I don’t think I have one. But there should be some frozen veggies in there.”

  Brow furrowed, I opened the freezer to find a lone bag of frozen peas hidden behind my chocolate ice cream, garlic bread, and egg rolls. I handed off the very past date bag of vegetables to Logan, who let out a sinful groan as placed the bag on his shoulder. I had a feeling his pain was more than he let on, but big tough man and everything. I poured Logan’s coffee and slid the mug across the island before turning back to spruce up my own.

  “Will you be having any coffee with all that cream and sugar?” Logan snorted.

  I rolled my eyes. “You’ve learned how I take my coffee! You don’t get to make fun of me!”

  “Yes, I do! Boyfriend’s rights!”

  “I feel like that is not a real thing.”

  “Totally a real thing. Can’t get mad at me.” Logan shrugged his good shoulder before looking down at his phone.

  Boyfriend!

  It was silly, that I could acknowledge, but damn did it make me feel good. Coffee stirred sufficiently I sat next to Logan.

  “What ya doing?” I asked.

  “I’m feeling bad. Nick was pissed at me because he wanted to hook up with a girl after the show last night. I apparently cockblocked him.”

  “Why feel bad? I mean, it’s not like you dislocated your shoulder on purpose.” I said before taking a sip of my coffee.

  “Logically I know that. Anyway, I was thinking I’d message Jessa Haze and put in a good word for him.” Logan held his phone towards me.

  I glanced at the profile picture of a stunning woman in a two-piece orange bikini. Washboard abs, defined muscles in her shoulders and arms. Her long black hair flew gracefully in the breeze and her lips looked perfectly plump even as she smiled. Ms. Haze was stunning and even with Logan’s good word, I couldn’t see what she would want with either of the ponytail twins. Logan pulled back his phone and started to type his message.

  I stared into my mug and suppressed a sigh. Envy invited itself to sit on my shoulder. Jessa was beach photoshoot perfect, and I was swollen and pregnant. Why didn’t Logan want to date a fellow wrestler like his friends?

  “Everything okay?” Logan asked, pulling me from my self-loathing.

  “…I’m fine.” I mumbled.

  “What’s wrong?” Logan asked again, placing a hand on my shoulder.

  I sighed. “Why don’t you want a model like her? I’ll never be as pretty as her!”

  Logan sat the bag of peas on the counter and hopped out of his seat. Stony faced he stood in-front of me. Neither of us said a word as he reached out and tugged at the hem of my robe. I swallowed hard as his fingers ran along the edge of the fabric, pausing at the knot holding it closed. He pulled gently on the robe’s sash, allowing the soft fabric to flutter open. Exposed, my nipples stiffened and stood at attention. Logan looked me over with pure admiration in his eyes. His coarse palm caressed up and down my leg.

  “You are beautiful Elle. Since the first time I saw you, I thought that, and I think it even more now.” He breathed.

  “Really?”

  “Really. Please trust that I’d never lie to you.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise. Now let me appreciate that sexy body of yours.”

  He pushed my thighs apart. My damp and throbbing pussy on full display. Our eyes met and Logan grinned as I fought the urge to snap my legs closed. His hand inched up my thigh to grip my hip. Once he held me firmly in place, he dropped down onto his knees. Head bowed, buried his head between my legs and worshiped at the altar of Elle.

  Pleasure seeped into all my muscles as Logan’s tongue leisurely stroked my folds. Every so often he’d lash my clit, jolting my body alive. And just when I’d reach the precipice, he’d dart away, lavishing my pussy with more teasing licks. I whined and grabbed hold of his hair like a pair of reins. Shamelessly, I bucked my hips forward, effectively humping his mouth. I had only had two hits, and I was already addicted to Logan. Things with him felt more intense. But that intensity was natural, born from a genuine connection. My eyes squeezed shut and my body trembled as he finally let me tumble off the edge. With no ounce of shame, I cried out Logan’s name at the top of my voice as orgasm overtook me. Chest heaving, I sat up and opened my eyes to Logan, smirking up at me.

  “The wonderful noises my girlfriend makes. Come on shall we finish our coffee?” He stumbled a bit as he stood up.

  Still smirking, he wiped his mouth and returned to the seat beside me. He took a healthy gulp of coffee before placing the sad bag of peas on back on his shoulder as if nothing had just happened. I blinked several times as the realization that this dorky sex master beside me was my boyfriend. Mine. Dazed as hell, my hands trembled as I grabbed my mug. Sly smirk aside we finished our morning coffee without further oral sex or other incident.

  “How are you feeling?” I asked as I put our used mugs into the dishwasher.

  “So-so. Better than when it happened, but not 100 if that makes any sense.”

  “It makes sense. Is there anything you want to do today?”

  “Honestly? Cuddling in bed with breakfast and my girlfriend sounds the most ideal.”

  “Really?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “Really.” Logan nodded.

  I gathered up bowls, milk, and cereal before heading into the bedroom. Logan propped himself up against the headboard with half of the pillows. That smirk on his face was still there, like a pleased as punch kid. Rolling my eyes, I dropped off my armful of stuff onto the nightstand. At my feet, I glanced at my discarded pajamas. I shimmied out of my robe and pulled on my shorts. Half-naked, I stole a glance over my shoulder to Logan whose self-satisfied smirk had finally fallen off his face. In its place was a hard line. An almost a pained expression.

  “Is everything alright?” I asked as my arm flew up to cover my swollen breasts.

  “…You. You’re getting a belly. I didn’t notice before but with you standing there…” He stammered before trailing off.

  I glanced down at my stomach, “I guess so.”

  Self-consciousness covered me like an angry, itchy rash. Unlike him, I wasn’t one for exercise and working out.

  “Is there something wrong with that?” I quickly asked.

  “No.” He shook his head. “It’s beautiful… Can… Can I touch it?”

  My frantic heartbeat filled my ears as I walked over to his side of the bed. Very much uncomposed, Logan struggled up onto his knees. His mess of curls blocked my view of his face, but I noticed the uncomfortable clench and unclench of his good hand. I inched forward until my thighs pressed into the side of the mattress. Logan lifted his hand to my stomach. His palm trembled as it pressed onto my skin. My breath caught in my throat. I knew there was nothing to feel yet. No kicks, no movement. But the weight of Logan’s hand on my belly said more than a million words.

  The silence stretched between us as this simple act pulled us together. I don’t know how long we stayed like that, frozen in our own world. Him, me, and baby. Connected forever. The outside world started moving again as Logan moved his hand across my stomach to my hip. He then pressed a tender kiss to my belly before resting his cheek against my stomach.

  “…Hi baby. It’s me, your dad. I know we haven’t gotten a chance to talk much yet… To be honest, I was scared, but now I know that’s silly. We’re gonna be talking all the time. From now on until I’m old and gray. I’m gonna read you books, play with you, and ask you about your day. I can’t wait to meet you. But until then, take it easy on your Mommy. She’s doing the best she can growing you, but being a Mommy is hard work. You take it easy on her and I’ll do my best to make sure she’s comfortable, drinking enough water, and eating stuff besides candy, like vegetables. For now, Mommy and me are gonna eat breakfast and watch cartoons. I can’t wait until I can do that with you. Talk to you soon.” Logan kissed my belly again.

  God…

  I wanted to blame it on hormones. I wanted to excuse it away as anything and everything than what it was. It was wonderful. Simply wonderful. Hot, sloppy tears slid down my face. I couldn’t fight this anymore. I was all in. Logan tilted his head up at me, a shy smile on his lips.

  “I didn’t mean to make you cry, sweetheart. Are you okay?”

  I nodded. “I’m okay. Amazing.” I wiped my damp face.

  “As much as it pains me to say it, you should put on your shirt, so we eat and watch cartoons. Is…is that still okay?”

  I nodded and scurried off to grab my tank top. My body was warm as I pulled on my shirt and climbed into bed. Logan scooted back and settled against the headboard. Remote in hand, he turned on the TV and pulled up Adventure Time. The theme song started playing, and I cozied in on Logan’s good side. Arm around his waist, I gave him a quick squeeze. These feelings were strange, confusing, and all-consuming. But I was allowed to feel them now. I didn’t have to explain things to myself. I didn’t have to rationalize things anymore.

  “So, I hate to admit this, but I’m basically Finn, aren’t I?” Logan chuckled.

  “I see it.” I laughed and snuggled in closer.

  Logan

  Wrestling doctors could be totally shit. More often than not they ‘overlooked’ or flat out ignored injuries. Lucky for me, MWA had a great medical team and got me in with a specialist first thing Monday morning. Despite knowing she wouldn’t want to wake up early, Elle proved me wrong and accompanied me to the doctor’s office. I thought she was going to bite my head off when I tried to wake her, though. My girlfriend definitely wasn’t a morning person. Thankfully, my appointment was quick so we could get her some breakfast. I bit my lip, trying not to laugh at the squealing of the tires as Elle whipped out of the parking lot towards the restaurant.

  “So how are you feeling?” Elle asked, briefly glancing at me before returning her eyes to the road.

  “Emotionally or physically?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “Both.”

  “Happy to get that damn brace off. Sad that I’ll be out of the ring for 4 weeks.”

  “It’s just 4 weeks, is it really gonna be that bad?” she asked.

  For someone who spent his whole life from the age of 18 onward in the squared circle, taking time off for injuries was annoying. The bright lights, the cheers, the boos from the crowd, all of it was my addiction. Going without left a hole inside of me. Besides, all the free time made me antsy. A tingle was already making its way up my forearms.

  “Don’t pout sweetie,” Elle admonished as the light turned green.

  “I’m not pouting!” I protested.

  “You’re totally pouting. It’s pretty cute though.” Elle giggled.

  I rolled my eyes as a grin crept on my face. The only upside of being injured this time was her. Unlimited time with Elle was a shining beacon in my darkness. Not totally unlimited time, she still had writing, and I still had the bar. But more hours in the day I could give all my attention to her.

  We settled into a window booth at a folky family restaurant. No sooner than our waitress placed menus in front of us Elle excitedly asked for fruity pancakes with a side of crispy bacon. The poor woman’s eyes bugged at the speed Elle rattled off her order.

  “Pregnant.” I offered as an explanation for my blushing girlfriend.

  “Ah! I understand that!” The waitress laughed.

  Elle sheepishly dropped her laughter. She had nothing to be ashamed of. I could only imagine that pregnancy hungry was a different type of hungry that threatened to consume you unless you fed. I ordered us coffee and water along with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for myself. Our waitress flipped over our waiting mugs and poured our coffees. I glanced around the crowded restaurant, a family a nearby table caught my eye. A haggard Dad did his best to entertain a pair of drooly toddlers. Thankfully, the pair were a good audience giggling and clapping at their Dad’s efforts. The Mom on the other hand looked surprisingly well rested as she fed a bottle to a small baby. After our waitress left, I looked over to Elle grinning at me.

  “What?” I huffed playfully.

  “Nothing.”

  “Looks like Dad took the night shift.” I tilted my head toward the family.

  Elle added creamer to her mug. That playful smile still on her lips. “Do you think we’ll trade off like that?”

  “Yeah, I hope so. I know we haven’t talked about it, but I want to be really hands on with the baby. Changing diapers, making bottles, hanging out with them while you get a nap or a shower, I’m your man.”

  “Have you ever changed a diaper?”

  “No… But I want to learn!”

  Elle silenced her laughter with a sip of coffee. When she sat down her mug, her smile was gone.

  “…Can we talk about some stuff? There’s so much we haven’t talked about.” She sighed.

  “Of course! Anything you want.” I relaxed back into the worn pleather of the seat.

  “It’s silly and I know you’re not with me because of Blobby, but sometimes I feel insecure. Please have some patience with me when I get into my feelings.”

  I gnawed on the inside of my cheek. I hated seeing Elle distraught. If there was anything I could do to help her feel better, I would. I reached across the table and took Elle’s hand in both of mine. Her hands were so smooth and tiny, held captive inside my big, ugly, calloused ones.

  “Anything you need, sweetheart. No matter how many times I have to say it, I say it until I’m blue in the face. I’m with you because I want to be. I’m excited for Blobby.”

  “Thank you.” Elle mumbled.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  She nodded.

  “Are you worried about controlling your feelings because you’ve never done this before?”

  Elle slid her hand out of mine and clutched her mug. A pang of sadness pierced my heart as her gaze dropped to stare into the steam.

  “…Yeah. I’m the girl guys have sex with, but not date. Not through lack of trying or anything, but no guy ever wanted that with me. Couldn’t help thinking something was clearly wrong with me.”

  My nostrils flared. “Those guys are idiots. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re amazing.”

  She shrugged, “Maybe? But after a while I learned that keeping emotions out of things kept stuff from getting too confusing.”