Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
My eyes are closed, my breathing labored as I release my grip on him and let my hands fall to my sides. He settles on the bed next to me, legs hanging off the side. I can’t speak. Hell, I can’t move. I’m just soaking up the rush. I should probably say something, thank him for the best orgasm of my life, but speaking takes too much effort. Instead, I move my hand, seeking him out. When I feel him, I link my fingers through his and hold on tight.
“I’ve got you, Ris.” His warm breath hits my ear.
Cracking open one eye, I see him leaning on his elbow looking down at me. “There she is,” he whispers. “I missed you,” he teases.
“You tried to kill me,” I quip.
He chuckles, low and deep. “Death by orgasm. What a way to go.” Slowly, his soft yet firm lips press against mine. Just as I’m about to beg him for round two, I hear the pitter-patter of little feet and then the bathroom door close.
Easton jumps up, disposes of the condom in the trash can beside the nightstand and is dressed in what seems like ten seconds. I can’t hold back, and laughter bubbles out of me. I think he’s moving faster than he does on the field. His coach would be proud. He winks at me, not at all fazed by my laughter, then slips out the door. I clean up the best that I can without the bathroom, and quickly get dressed. When I open my bedroom door, I hear laughter in the kitchen. Not sure what I’ll find, I take small steps seeing what I can hear.
“Did you ask my mommy about my practice. I really want you to go,” Paisley asks him.
“Your mom and I talked and I’m going to be at as many practices and games that I can. In fact, anytime you want me there, as long as I’m not at work, I’ll be there.”
“Really? Just like the other daddies? He’s up there, remember?” she asks him, and I can picture her pointing to the sky.
I’ve tried my best to keep the memory of Steven alive for her, but it’s hard to explain to a four-year-old what heaven is and why she never got to meet her father.
“Your daddy loved you very much,” he tells her. I can hear the emotion in his voice.
“How do you know? Did you know my daddy?” she asks him.
“No, but I know because you are a princess and all daddies love their princesses.”
I’m about to be a blubbering mess. Taking a deep breath, I school my features and join them in the kitchen. “Hey, you two.” I stop and kiss P on top of the head. “How was your nap?”
“So, so good. I told East a story and it was eshosting,” she says dramatically.
“Exhausting,” I correct her. Easton is standing by the stove, arms and legs crossed, shaking with laughter. “Let’s get you some dinner, and then we’ll head to practice.”
“How about we go out to dinner?” Easton offers.
“I can make something,” I tell him.
“I know, but I kinda want to take my girls out.” He shrugs. “You agreed and I kind of want to show you off.” I know what he’s asking. Am I ready to be in the limelight as his girlfriend? I’m shocked that I do. I have no worries when it comes to how he feels for me. It’s a new feeling, but a welcome one all the same.
“Show what off?” Paisley asks.
“I want to show you this diner that my family and I have been going to since I was about your age,” he tells her.
“Yay! Can we, Mommy? Please, oh pretty please?”
Looking over at Easton, my eyes narrow on his pouting bottom lip, which is stuck out dramatically. “Pretty please, Mommy?” he asks.
“You know, you shouldn’t stick your lip out like that. A bird could poop on it,” I tell him.
Paisley giggles. “Don’t worry, East. She tells me that too and it’s never happened. Mommy’s just joking.”
“Good to know,” he tells her. “So how about it? Can I take you ladies out for dinner?”
“Yeah,” I agree. I look at Paisley. “Let’s get you changed and get your stuff together for practice.”
“Woohoo!” She jumps off the kitchen chair and rushes off down the hall to her room.
“This is us going out in public, Ris. The paparazzi are going to see you and her. They’re going to know you’re mine. You okay with that?”
“Yeah, but I worry about her. I want her to be safe.”
“I would never let anything happen to either one of you. It’s pretty chill here. People are used to seeing the Blaze players out and about. Just know that it’s going to be front page news.”
“Oh yeah? Why’s that?” I counter.
“The Tennessee Blaze’s most eligible bachelor, voted two years in a row, is now off the market,” he says, walking toward me. He stops, bends down, and kisses the corner of my mouth. I wait for the panic, but it never comes. I’m happy, Paisley is happy, and Easton, well, if the smile he’s giving me is any indication, he’s happy too. I’m excited to see what’s yet to come.