Page 106 of Pieces

She unwraps it quickly to reveal a plush blanket. Her fingers sink into the material immediately, and she lets out a contented sigh. “This is perfect.”

I smile, leaning back on my palms. “You said your old one felt scratchy.”

Blanket and all, she leaps forward and kisses me. It’s quick at first, but then her hands cup my face, and the kiss deepens. She tastes like happiness. My hands slide into her hair, pulling her closer, and I feel her smile against my lips.

When she finally pulls back, she sighs happily. “Do you want your presents now?”

“You got me something?”

She gives me aduhlook as she climbs off me. In her bag, she pulls out two things that look the same color. Neither are wrapped.

She places a tiny one on my thigh.

Unfolding it, I freeze. A baby jersey with my name and number.

“It’s from my dad. He wanted us to have one for your final season next year.”

My eyes meet hers in an instant. “He gave this to us?”

She nods. “I told you everything went well with him but,” she pauses for a second and I watch her ocean eyes glisten, “thank you for encouraging me to go home.”

I swallow thickly, my thumb brushing over the fabric. Something creeps into my chest, coiling and uncoiling at the same time. Her dad’s approval wasn’t something I’d admit to craving, but seeing this small gesture hits me harder than I expect. Maybe I’ve been trying to prove something to him, to myself, to Daphne too. That I’m worthy of this life we’re building Someone who can and will show up day after day for them. And now him and Daphne are on good terms too… it feels right. “This is…” I can’t even finish. I just look at her my heart full. My hands slips to her stomach.

As if on cue, I feel it—a tiny flutter under my palm, almost like a ripple. My breath catches, and my eyes snap to hers. “Was that—?”

Eyes tearing up, her smile widens. “Yeah. That’s your baby saying hi.”

“Holy shit,” I whisper, my other hand joining the first as I press a little more firmly. The movement happens again, this time stronger. It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t stop the grin that stretches across my face. I feel like my heart might actually burst. “Hey, booger,” I say softly, leaning in so my face is level with her belly. “It’s me, your dad. You’re already showing off, huh? You’re gonna play football with me, I know it.”

Daphne rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling so much that I know she doesn’t mean it. “They’re probably kicking because they’re hungry.”

“Or because they’re excited to meet me,” I argue, pressing another hand to her belly, just in case I can feel it again. “I’d kick for me too.”

Her laugh fills the room. I love seeing her like this, happy. She leans forward and kisses me, soft and unhurried, her hands coming up to cradle my face again. It’s not like our usual kisses, full of teasing and heat. This one is different, it feels more… Just more.

When she pulls back, her lips curve into a small smile, and she brushes her thumb over my jaw. “You’re amazing, Hudson Parker, and I’m lucky to have you,” she says, her voice soft and curious, like she doesn’t realize she’s just flipped my world upside down.

“Now, I have one more present for you…” In one smooth move, she stands, and I watch without blinking, pulse spiking, as she pulls her shirt over her head and shimmies out of everything else, leaving nothing but her.

“I like where this is going,” I say, licking my lips.

Then she lifts something else, dark and familiar. My jersey. My official jersey.

And—oh, fuck me—she slides it on.

It’s too big, hangs loose, brushing the tops of her thighs, and the sight punches every bit of air from my lungs.

I shake my head, my grin turning lopsided as I run my fingers down her arm. “Is it too soon to tell you I love you?”

Her breath catches, eyes growing wide, and that sweet pink makes an appearance from what I’d said and the meaning but I’m not about to take it back. Then her eyes narrow slightly, the corners of her mouth quirking up in that way that drives me insane. She steps toward me, hiking one leg over my hip, then the other to straddle me, my hands encasing her. “You just want my body,” she teases, tilting her chin up playfully.

My tongue is barely contained inside my mouth, my dick hard as stone beneath her. I let out a low, rough laugh, the sound vibrating between us. “Fuck yeah, I do,” I admit, my grin turning wicked as I lean closer, pressing her gently against my body. “But it’s fine, because I’ve missed you, so I’m gonna fuck you with so many feelings tonight.”

She rolls her eyes, her lips twitching like she’s trying not to laugh. “Fleeting feelings, I’m sure.”

“Nothing fleeting about this. Stop ruining my fantasy,” I say confidently, nipping at her bottom lip and feeling the small shiver that runs through her in response.

“The one where you love me and fuck me?” She arches an eyebrow.

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