Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
If she’d been trying to make a point to herself that she preferred being on her own and didn’t need a man in her life, her plan had backfired. She hadn’t been able to concentrate on the book she’d bought, and instead wished that she was out in the living room with Tripp, watching a movie with him. And sleeping alone in her bed when he was just one room away had been pure torture when she could have been wrapped up in his strong arms and cuddled against his chest.
The truth was . . . she liked having Tripp at her place. And the weekend would have been so much more pleasant if she hadn’t been so sulky. It was time to snap out of her funk. She owed Tripp an apology. He deserved to have a nice day at his parent’s for Whitney’s memorial, and the last thing she wanted was any of her lingering insecurities ruining this special occasion for him.
Getting out of bed, she went into the bathroom to take care of business and brushed her teeth. Still wearing her pajamas—a cotton tank top and shorts—she padded out to the living room in search of Tripp. The blanket she’d given him was folded neatly and stacked on the pillow at the end of the couch, indicating he’d been up for a while.
She found him in the kitchen—shirtless and wearing just a pair of jeans, making a cup of coffee. The rich, fragrant scent, which normally made her crave caffeine, caused her unpredictable stomach to lurch, but not enough to send her running for the toilet, thank goodness.
She groaned in disappointment that she wasn’t going to be able to enjoy a cup. Her waves of nausea were random, and so far she couldn’t pinpoint what set off the queasy feeling, but thankfully she’d been able to maintain her composure.
He turned around at the sound she’d made, and while she blatantly admired his bare chest and sexy, sleep tousled hair, his dark green eyes dipped down to her breasts, which felt heavier and more sensitive this morning. Beneath her tank top, her nipples tightened, and her clit pulsed, reminding her what she was missing out on by imposing her no sex rule.
Tripp gradually lifted his gaze back to hers, his own desire for her evident on his face. “Morning,” he said in a neutral tone, clearly trying to be polite because he had no idea what kind of attitude he was going to get from her today. Not that she blamed him.
“Morning.” She stepped toward him, then stopped, unsure of what kind of reception she was going to get, either, after her prickly disposition yesterday. “I owe you an apology. I’m sorry I’ve been so moody since Friday night.”
A small smile curved his sensual lips. He closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a gentle, caring and very unexpected hug. Burrowing against his bare chest, she closed her eyes and absorbed his warmth, his strength, and the intoxicating male scent of his skin.
But mostly, she reveled in his easy forgiveness and unconditional acceptance. He didn’t hold a grudge for her day of crises as her ex would have, or withhold his affection, or even make her feel bad for how she’d handled things. He just accepted her—the good, the bad, and the bitchy.
“I know this isn’t easy on you, Skye,” he murmured, stroking his fingers along the back of her head, still holding her close. “But you have to know that I will always protect you, even when you don’t want me to. When it comes to you, it’s instinctive and not something I can turn off or ignore. And I’ll do the same for our child. I will always be here for you.”
His heartfelt words were like a balm to her soul, a safe haven, even. “I know,” she whispered, believing every word he said. “I appreciate the man you are, more than I can ever say.” And that was true, as well.
He lifted his head and stared down at her, saying nothing, but the tender, caring look in his eyes said everything. Her lips parted, her heart beating slow and steady and sure in her chest, and when he didn’t make the first move, she did.
Lifting up on her toes, she lightly pressed her mouth to his and kissed him—the kind that was soft and sweet and intimate, without any expectation of more. It spoke of kindness, appreciation, and reverence, and the words I love you rose up into her throat, aching to be let loose, but she managed to hold them back.
The sentiment came so naturally, in a way that told Skye that despite her best efforts, she’d fallen in love with Tripp all over again. Truthfully, she wasn’t shocked or surprised considering what a good man he was, but she wasn’t sure what to do with this newfound knowledge and her feelings for him. Or those insecurities and fears that were still present.