Free Bastian: A Secret Baby Romance by Lauren Landish Page A

something. Either way, I was fully cleared to do pretty much anything I wanted until I was six months pregnant, and even then I could stay reasonably active until the baby was born.
    Changing clothes, I considered wearing a modified version of what Sebastian wore in the gym, with Lycra shorts and a sports bra, but in the end decided to wear running shorts over top. In the gym, I followed my own routine, which was much less strength focused than Sebastian's, but still pretty tough. I love working my legs, especially my butt, and had never gotten any complaints about either. I really pushed myself — I needed to release some tension, after all.
    I was just toweling off the bars when I heard someone behind me. Sebastian was leaning against the door frame, his own bag in his hand, arms crossed over his chest. "Impressive," he said, applauding silently by tapping his free hand on his chest.
    He set his bag down and came closer, until I could feel his presence against me, like some sort of physical force. “Be careful," he admonished me. "There's plenty of time for you to do all that. No point in harming yourself." He looked around, making sure we were alone before leaning in and whispering, "Or our baby."
    “Of course not,” I replied, looking up at him. I could feel my body quivering with him so close, my need to touch him a compulsion. "Take me upstairs, I've wanted you all day."
    Sebastian's eyes darkened, and I could tell he was feeling it too. "Soon. But first, we've got dinner with our parents. Tonight, we can make love, and this weekend, we'll be able to be much more open. I kept imagining you in that red dress all day. I think I may have failed a quiz because of it."
    "I'm sorry," I said, not really sorry at all. Sebastian's grades were so good there was no way a single quiz would threaten his law school slot, especially with Donald's money. He was probably exaggerating anyway. But what woman doesn't enjoy being told she's so sexy that she can distract her man that much?

Chapter 10
    F or me , Friday afternoon couldn't come quickly enough. I know I was a mess in my classes, but thankfully none of them required my participation. As my economics professor droned on and on about Indifference Curves and Microeconomics, I kept thinking of Sebastian and I going out to dinner the next night, and how I would feel knowing I was dressing up just for him. Heading home, I ran upstairs to grab my suitcase, which I had packed the night before. Wheeling the bag toward the front door, I saw my mom sitting in the library reading a book.
    "Cassie?"
    "Hey Mom," I said, setting my bag by the door. "I was just getting ready to head out. Sebastian should be home soon to pick me up, he said he just wanted to roll out, and we'd grab some food on the road."
    Mom laughed and closed her book after marking her place. "In other words, you two wanted to get some junk food instead of the stuff I've been having the staff prepare."
    Mom got up and came over to me, taking my hands. "Cassie, it's okay. You two are young, and a good cheeseburger is a guilty pleasure of mine too. Just don't overdo it, okay?"
    "You know me, mom, I won't," I said, trying not to roll my eyes. "But thanks for the concern."
    Mom pulled me into a hug, and I could feel her tears on my forehead.
    "Thank you, Cassie. I know I haven't always been the best mother, and I'm lucky to have a daughter like you."
    "Mom, you've always been great," I said, pulling back. "Seriously, you always worked your ass off for me, and Donald is great too. I mean, I still miss Dad sometimes, of course, no one can replace him. But if I could've chosen anyone to try to fill his shoes, it would be Donald. You've made a great family for us."
    Mom nodded and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, I guess it's just seeing you going off on your own for the weekend, it kind of has me with premature empty nest syndrome. You've become an amazing young woman right before my eyes, and sometimes I don't realize it. Enjoy your