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Sven

“ F uck, Natalie, give it to me,” he said.

He was barely holding on. He’d never had sex without a condom. The little baby in the other room made it through somehow, but he knew better than to have unprotected sex. But it was different with Natalie, and it had never felt this good.

The idea of making Natalie pregnant made this the best sex of his life. That particular thought had never done it for him, but just the thought of her pregnant with their child... Fuck! He thrust up in her.

“Sven,” she gasped as her pussy fluttered around his dick, and he let go. He bucked into her two last time before he followed her over the edge.

He thought he was going to fall in love with this woman, but as she collapsed onto him panting, he realized there was no falling. He was already there, hopelessly in love.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” he said as he helped her stand and got them both back under the spray. He washed her body and got her a big comfy towel before disappearing into his closet and bringing her boxers and an oversized hoodie.

“Thanks,” she said, still coming down from their sex in the shower.

He went downstairs and got her a bowl of chocolate ice cream before heading back up. When he got in his room and found her curled up in bed in his hoodie, he couldn’t help but smile.

“How are you feeling?” he asked as he took her the bowl of ice cream.

“I mean... I’m not sure if it helps with cramps, but I sure do feel better.”

“Good,” he said as he climbed into bed and gave her the ice cream.

“Thank you,” she said barely above a whisper.

“Are you okay?” he asked, observing her closely.

Emotions seemed to be sweeping her up.

She nodded and smiled. “I am. I’m really okay. How are you feeling about the interview tomorrow?”

Sven sighed and got in bed with her. “I’m fine with the interview, but when the story releases, I’m a little worried about that, but I’m sure it will be fine. It might suck for a few weeks, but then it will die down.”

“At least you’ll be seen as a hot, single dad?”

“Are you sure I won’t be seen as a man whore?”

She laughed as she took a bite of ice cream. Even talking about this, Natalie put him at ease. She was so easy to be around.

“No. You’re a guy. People will praise you for stepping up and doing the bare minimum.”

He bristled at her words. Bare minimum? What the fuck?

She turned and saw his face. “Sorry. You’re not doing the bare minimum. I’m just saying there’s a double standard. You’re an amazing father.” She licked her lips and looked away before looking back at him. “It’s a big part of what I like about you.”

He settled into her words. Praise had always done it for him. Praise from someone like Natalie undid him.

“Thank you for saying that,” he said quietly.

“No need to thank me. It’s just the truth. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Nervous. I don’t wanna talk about it. I just want to snuggle you and watch some game videos.”

“Be my guest,” she said as she sank into his side, and he reached for the remote.

Soon, he took the bowl from her and set it on his nightstand. Next thing he knew, she was sleeping on his chest. He turned off the game and his light and sank into his bed.

Because he was more nervous about the interview than he cared to admit, he held her close. His reputation, having a baby, and all of it. Sasha had told him there would probably be a big media storm, but that it would die down soon. He just wanted to be with Natalie and start a life with her and the precious little baby sleeping in the next room.

Over the next couple of days, Sven had been checking his email to see when the story was going to drop. Nothing yet. He didn’t like living in this limbo. He was just ready for it to be over and done with.

He was getting off the bus, ready to get into his car and make it home after a road trip.

“Sven,” Sasha called to him.

He turned as she caught up to him.

“I just got word that the story is dropping tomorrow. Luckily, it’s a rest day, so we will have a day to see how it hits and strategize before Thursday night’s game.”

He blew out a breath and nodded.

“I just sent you a copy of the article. It’s really great, I think everything’ll be okay,” Sasha said before giving his arm a reassuring squeeze.

Sven made his way to the car and pulled up the article on his phone.

The photo was just a picture of him because he didn’t really want a picture of Winnie out there without knowing how this would end. But Natalie had been right. The narrative was the story of a lovable playboy who is doing right by his daughter and stepping up to be a single father. He didn’t even check the comments. He had a feeling they would be thirsty. There was a time he would have loved that, but he just wanted to get home to Winnie and Natalie.

Sven let out a long breath. He had been dreading this, but after reading that, he did feel better.

Sure, there might be fans who had some stuff to say about it, but it could have been worse. Way worse.

He started up his car and tried not to peel out of the parking lot. With this off his shoulders, the only thing he could think about was getting home to Natalie.

His life had taken a turn this year, but as he pulled into his garage, he sank into the feeling of contentment it brought.