Page 62 of Where We Call Home

Murmuring her goodbyes, she hugged everyone left in the circle before we made our way to the truck. Once we were out of sight, I scooped her up, carrying her the rest of the way. She didn’t protest, just nestled into my chest, warm and trusting.

After buckling her into the passenger seat, she snuggled up against the window, her eyes closing almost instantly.

The entire drive home, my mind wandered. I thought about how much I cared for her, how much she consumed me. When we pulled up to the house, I realized I’d have to help her get ready for bed which started a whole slew of feelings.

“Come on,” I murmured, coaxing her awake as gently as I could.

Theo grumbled incoherently, but let me guide her inside. She barely stirred as I helped her wash her face, her makeup melting away under the warm washcloth.

When we got to the last step—her spandex costume—I hesitated.

“We have one more step,” I said, sitting her on the edge of the bed.

Her room was a mix of her personality and her past: photos of her and her friends, a black comforter she’d brought with her, and trinkets scattered on the nightstand. Little by little, she was making this place her home. I liked that.

Reaching behind her, I unzipped the fabric, loosening it enough for her to tug the sleeves down. She struggled, sleepy and incoherent, until I stepped in to help.

Just as I turned my head to give her privacy, I caught sight of a strap on her shoulder.

Thank God.

I helped her out of the costume, leaving her in what looked like a swimsuit or some kind of undergarment. Whatever it was, it offered just enough coverage to keep things from being awkward.

I rummaged through her dresser, eventually pulling out a set of matching pajamas. The fabric was soft and the pattern was simple. When I turned back, Theo was already curled up on her side, her breathing slow and even, teetering on the edge of sleep.

Did I even bother?

Groaning softly, I ran a hand down my face. Forget the pajamas. Tossing them onto the dresser, I made a quick decision: I wasn’t going to undress her completely. That was a line I wouldn’t cross, especially not without her consent.

Instead, I stood by her bed, unsure whether I was being helpful or just plain intrusive. She looked so peaceful, her features softened and serene, like every worry she carried was momentarily set aside.

My gaze drifted lower, landing on the gentle swell of her belly. It was impossible to ignore now, a quiet reminder of the life growing inside her. Something stirred deep in my chest—something I hadn’t felt in a while. A strange, unfamiliar longing.

For a fleeting moment, I let myself imagine this wasmylife. That I belonged here. That this was the family I’d always dreamed of.

The thought hit hard, and I blinked rapidly, forcing away the sting of tears gathering in the corners of my eyes.

Maybe the tears weren’t for Theo or the baby, but for myself. For the life I thought I’d be living by now. I’d always wanted a family and a house full of laughter and love, the kind of happiness you see in picture frames at the store.

But that wasn’t my reality. Not yet.

I reached down and brushed her cheek with my thumb, the faintest of touches, just enough to feel the warmth of her skin.

One day, I told myself. One day, it would be my turn.

For now, I stepped back, letting her rest. As I watched her breathe softly, her hands cradling her belly even in sleep, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this was where I was supposed to be after all.

Twenty-Four

“Yes,” I managed between needy pants. My back arched, and my legs began to quake, shaking uncontrollably at the sensation of his tongue against my delicate center. This felt so fucking good.

“Please,” I begged. My mouth opened to scream, but no sound came out.

Reaching my hand down, I intertwined my fingers into locks of dark hair, gripping and pulling him closer. I needed more. More what? I didn’t know, but I was desperate to chase this arousal.

Shoving my pussy into his face, I let out a frustrated groan because I knew he wasn’t giving me everything he could, he was holding back. This man was teasing me on purpose, my body aching for more. A vibration sent tingles up my spine as he chucked against me, burying his face deeper. His facial hair rubbed against me in just the right way, a sound I’d never made before slipped past my lips

“You’re so needy for me, Honey,” Rhodes muttered, using his tongue to form circles around my clit. He swirled one, two, three more times and ran his tongue down my slit, taking his time to clean my dripping center.

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