Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88208 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88208 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
I lean down as I roll my hips, slow circles and a rhythmic back and forth.
“I missed this,” Jake groans, holding my hips and helping me rock over him.
“Me, too. So much,” I pant against his lips. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too. We need to do this way more often,” Jake mumbles around my tongue.
We both laugh, and then the mood turns serious as he sits up so we’re chest to chest, wrapping his arm around me. He stays deep, dragging me closer to the edge with every gentle thrust and roll of my hips, until I come. He’s right behind me, finding his own release, sinking into the comfort of connection.
Afterward, we lie in bed, basking in the post-coital glow.
Jake drags his fingers up and down my arm. “It’s kind of convenient to have a sex pad.”
I bark out a laugh. “It is, but also not very economical. We could always sneak out to the pool house and get busy there the next time Ryan and Queenie babysit.”
“Just drive around the corner and come in through the back gate?”
“Or we could drop JJ off at their place?”
“That seems logical. Does that mean you’d be willing to break the lease on this place and move in with me for good?” His fingertips make a figure eight pattern on my shoulder.
I press my hand to his chest, feeling his heart beat under my palm. His expression is soft and nervous. “Is that what you want?”
“I could tell you that it makes the most sense, that I want what’s best for JJ, and that I think living with me will accomplish that, but honestly, it’s not just about what’s best for JJ anymore.” He traces the edge of my jaw, thumb sweeping along the contour of my bottom lip. “I know our relationship hasn’t been conventional, but we started as friends. We already had the foundation before we gave in to the attraction. Do I wish I had an opportunity to date you? Absolutely. But over the past six months, I’ve had a chance to fall in love with every side of you, Hanna. I think we can be great together, as more than just a couple. I think we could be an amazing family.”
“I think so, too.”
“So we’ll break the lease? You’ll move in for good?” he asks.
“I’ll move in for good.”
“That means we’re one step closer to you being exactly where I want you. And where I want to be.” His lips touch the back of my hand.
“Which is where, exactly?”
“Right here.” He presses his hand over my heart.
“You’re already there, Jake. You’ve been there for a long time.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because I’m feeling pretty permanent about you, Hanna.”
He kisses me, and I feel the promise of a forever unfolding.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The Heart of the Matter
Hanna
“I THINK I have everything.” I turn to Paxton, who’s carrying my baby bag. Last month, I went with JJ, Jake, and the team when they played Tennessee. I stayed for a few days and nervously flew back to Seattle on my own. The nerves had nothing to do with the flying part and everything to do with sitting in first class with a baby who very well might start crying at any moment. Thankfully, he was the picture of calm the entire flight home.
In return, I invited Paxton to Seattle to visit for the week. The pool house is a great place for guests. And, of course, my parents also flew out so they could see Ryan play in the finals and get in some time with their grandson. Things have gotten better with my mom over the past couple of months. I’ve learned that her love language is to be helpful to the point where she sort of steamrolls people and offers advice, whether or not it’s wanted or needed. But the way she’s started to acknowledge and talk about what a great mom I am to JJ and how good I was with Ryan when he was JJ’s age has gone a long way to helping heal our relationship and my heart.
Paxton pats the bag. “I think we’re probably good to go.”
“I should grab one more extra bottle and a couple extra diapers, maybe?”
“You have three bottles and half a package of diapers already in here. And there’s another bag in the car already. I think you’re set, Han. It’s a hockey game, not a weekend trip, and if it comes down to it, you can always sneak off to the offices and breastfeed there.”
“Okay, right. I think I’m ready to go then.”
She arches a brow and inclines her head toward the living room. “You’re missing one thing.”
JJ kicks his legs and flails his arms from his spot in the baby seat, making the rattle jingle. “Oh my gosh, where is my brain, and when do I get it back?”