A Different Christmas (University Park #5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

about the help I’d received, but as I was learning to change, I saw how messed up people were and found myself offering to help them.
    “I appreciate it, but I think we are beyond repair.”
    “That’s what I said about myself, and look at me now.”
    “I guess you’ve got a point.” He inclined his head. “I’m sorry again about last night. Won’t happen again.” He gave me a strong pat on the back. “You better get going. Your woman’s waiting for you.”
    “Yeah, and I don’t want to keep her waiting any longer.” We both started to walk in the direction of our vehicles. “Pregnant women are ten times more emotional and hotheaded. At least, mine is.”
    He laughed. “They’re all like that, man, pregnant or not.”
    “See ya tomorrow morning.” I waved as I opened the door.
    He saluted me with two fingers and got in his car.
    On the way home, I made a quick stop at the grocery store and bought Lexi a dozen white roses. It might have been my way to apologize for not spending the day with her, but I also liked showering her with gifts.
    I pulled into the garage and entered the house. It was quiet except for the sound of the TV coming from our bedroom upstairs. On the kitchen counter was a note telling me my dinner was in the fridge. Buying her flowers was a good idea after all.
    “Hey, baby, I’m home,” I yelled from the bottom of the stairwell.
    “In the bathroom.” Lexi’s voice carried from upstairs.
    I took the stairs two at a time, anxious to see her. Before going to our room, I made a pit stop in our soon-to-be daughter’s room. The furniture had arrived after being on backorder for over a month. The room was beautifully decorated in shades of pink and grey. Frilly ornaments hung from the ceiling and everything appeared to be in place. I rubbed my chest, feeling an ache tug at my heart. She had done everything without me. It made me sad I wasn’t here to help her, but what could I have done? I had a game to prepare for, and, unfortunately, my career came first.
    I knocked on the bathroom door before cracking it open.
    “You can come in,” Lexi said in low voice.
    The room was dim and soft music played from her phone on the counter. She was soaking in the tub, surrounded by bubbles and candlelight. “Hey, sexy, need some help with taking a bath?”
    “If you’re offering, sure.” A slight smile emerged.
    I pulled my arm from behind my back and held the bouquet of flowers in front of me. “I got something for you.”
    Her lips immediately spread wider. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.” I set them on the counter.
    “You didn’t have to buy me roses.”
    “I know, but I wanted to.” I peeled off my shirt and tossed it on the counter before kneeling next to her. “I felt bad for not being here for you today. By the way, the room looks pretty. Did Mimi help you?”
    Lexi shifted in the water, giving me a nice view of her plump, full breasts. They had nearly doubled in size. I couldn’t keep my hands off them and made sure to caress them gently since they were constantly sore.
    “No, your cousin, Cassie, came over. Mimi watched the kids while we put everything together.”
    “That was nice of her. You two have been hanging out a lot lately.”
    Lexi handed me the loofa and leaned forward. “I don’t have anyone else to talk to and I can relate to her since she has two kids and a husband who travels.”
    I stopped scrubbing her back for a moment. “I’m sorry my job is keeping me away from you.”
    She kept her chin tucked, refusing to look at me. “It’s not that bad. I mean, I shouldn’t complain. Your only gone four days a month. It’s just…” Her voice trailed off, cracking.
    “What, baby? Tell me?”
    Tears streamed down her cheeks, her hormones getting the best of her. I did my best to be understanding and not get frustrated, even though the demon voices told me not to put up with it.
    “Just say it. I’m not going to get upset or