Page 60 of The Only Time

“Did you know that Daddy was a kid?” Brie announces to the table, like it is some huge secret that no one could possibly have been aware of.

Everyone at the table joins in laughter. Brie smiles but clearly doesn’t know what she said that was so funny.

“Yes, I remember when your dad was a kid,” Stella replies.

Brie’s eyes light up. “You do?”

She’s so sweet and innocent. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have my own children one day. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a mother. I steal a glance at Eric and try to picture him as a father. Judging by the way he seems to adore his niece, he would be a great father.

After dinner is over and dishes are cleaned, Eric and I head back to his house.

“Thanks for inviting me,” I tell him in the silence of the car. “I had a great time.”

He smirks. “Thanks for coming. I’m glad you were there.”

Gosh, I’m so gone for this man. There’s nothing special in the words he said, but they make my heart flutter. Probably because him even admitting that he is happy to have me around his family is a big declaration for someone like him.

We both learned more about each other tonight. We are moving quickly past the line of friends who are sleeping together into dangerous territory.

When we climb into bed together, we both turn on our sides and face each other. A soft warmth fills the space between us as we gaze into each other's eyes. His eyes linger on me as a gentle smile plays at the corners of his lips.

I feel the depth of his affection in the way he is looking at me, as if I’m the only person that matters. Time slows down in the quiet of the moment.

His hand gently cups my cheek as his thumb grazes my lower lip. I close my eyes as he leans in, his lips barely brushing mine at first, a soft, teasing touch that sends shivers down my spine.

His mouth moves against mine with a slow, deliberate rhythm, deepening the kiss with a tender intensity. Every movement feels unhurried, each second drawn out, as if he’s savoring the taste of me.

The kiss ignites something deeper, more consuming in me.

He rests his warm hand on my thigh and slowly moves it under my t-shirt and onto my back then dips down to my ass. He squeezes lightly, and I moan into his mouth.

He rolls me over and cages me in while his body moves over mine. I feel the evidence of his arousal against my stomach. It only further sparks the intensity of my building desire.

My hand rests on his back then glides into his boxers, the only piece of clothing he has on, and grips his firm cheek. I push his boxers down until they move down to his feet.

His breath accelerates as he moves on top of me. “What are you doing to me?” he whispers. “I can’t control myself around you. I need you.”

I grab his length and move my panties aside.

“I’m on the pill and I’m clean,” I whisper.

With that, he pushes inside and we both gasp into each other’s mouths. Why does it feel like the first time every time?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Mia

I wake up in his bed and he is nowhere to be found. I think about how he touched me last night, how he kissed me, and bring the sheets up to my face as a smile spreads across my face.

I throw on my t-shirt and walk downstairs to grab a cup of coffee. I figured Eric got up early to work in his office, but much to my surprise, I walk into the kitchen and he is making breakfast…in his boxer briefs.

It’s quite the sight to behold.

“What’s happening in here?” I ask.

He turns around and breaks into a big grin. “Morning, beautiful. I thought I would cook you some breakfast then head into the barn and start working on your swing.”

“Wow. You’re making me breakfast?” I sit down and he pours me a cup of coffee then moves back to the skillet.

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