Cherished (Wanted) by Kelly Elliott Page A

I…I…”
    “God, Jessie, stop this. You didn’t know, and we didn’t do anything wrong. Most of those kisses were friendly pecks. Please…don’t get upset like this. It’s not good for the baby. Come on…let’s get out of the restroom and find somewhere to sit.”
    We made our way through the lobby, and Trey guided me over toward empty chairs in the bar area. I looked around at everyone laughing and drinking while a terrible storm was going on outside. I closed my eyes and thought about the terrible storm going on inside me. I sat down in a chair, and he bent down as he pushed my hair behind both of my ears.
    He smiled that sweeter than sweet smile at me. “I’m going to get you some water, love. Just try to take some deep breaths, and I’ll be right back.”
    He placed his hand on the side of my face, and I leaned my head into it. His touch had become such a calming force to me. My body betrayed me with the shiver that ran through it. I watched as he turned and walked up to the bar. I noticed all the women looking him up and down. One bitch licked her lips and nudged her friend, who started laughing.
    Bitches. He’s mine.
    I sucked in a breath of air and covered my mouth. What? I started shaking my head. No! No…he’s not mine. We’re only friends—just friends.
    I looked back at Trey. He was now talking to one of the ladies who had been eye-fucking him as he’d walked up to the bar. The insane jealousy I was feeling was very confusing. All I wanted to do was get to Scott, so I could beg him to forgive me and tell him how much I loved him. Yet, I also wanted Trey to stop talking to this bitch and come back to me. I needed to feel him near me. I needed his touch again.
    What is going on with me? Why am I feeling this way toward him? I don’t love him. God, please…please just clear my head of these feelings.
    I turned away and began watching everyone in the lobby. Little kids were chasing each other as their parents kept telling them to slow down. A little girl with curly brown hair was playing hide-and-seek with a little boy who looked to be about a year younger than her. I smiled, thinking about the child I was carrying.
    I’m carrying Scott’s child. What will our baby look like? Will she have Scott’s beautiful blue eyes? Will she have blonde or brown hair?
    I felt Trey touch my shoulder, and it was like a warm blanket enveloped my whole body. I looked up at his tender smile. I couldn’t help but glance back at the woman he had been talking to at the bar. She was giving me a dirty look, and a part of me felt triumphant.
    As I watched Trey sit down and get settled in the chair, I wondered what his children would look like. Whoever he ended up with was going to be one lucky lady.
    “Jessie, I know you don’t want to hear this, but I have to say it.”
    I nodded.
    “If it turns out that Scott did cheat—”
    “He didn’t.”
    “I know, but if he did , I want you to know that it would be my honor to take care of you and your child. I’d do everything in my power to make you both happy.”
    Tears flooded my eyes as I looked into Trey’s eyes.
    How can I care about someone so much when I only just met him, not even two months ago?
    Igot up, crawled onto his lap, and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Trey,” was all I could say. Right before I fell asleep, I whispered, “I love Scott. I’ll always love Scott.” I drifted off to sleep where images of little girls with curly hair took over my dreams.

All I could hear was banging. What in the hell? My doorbell was ringing, and someone was pounding on my front door.
    “I’m coming! Holy fuck, hold on to your pants!” I yelled out.
    I opened the door, and Drake pushed his way past me.
    “Well, hello, Drake. Merry Christmas to you, too,” I said as I shut the door.
    Is it too early to have a drink? I looked at the clock. It was just after midnight.
    “Where’s your phone? Your cell phone, Scott. Turn it on.”
    I rolled my eyes and shook