Page 129 of Pieces

I drive into her harder, my hips slamming against hers, the sound of us filling the air alongside our ragged breaths. Sliding a hand down her body, I grip her thigh and pull her flush against me until there’s not a shred of space between us. “You take me so good, princess,” I rasp, my lips brushing against her ear, my teeth grazing her lobe. “You’re mine like this. All fucking mine.”

Her hands trail down my back, nails scratching at my skin, leaving streaks that turn me on more. She cries out, her body shaking beneath me as she comes undone, and it’s the most beautiful fucking thing I’ve ever seen. My chest tightens at the sight of her letting go, giving herself to me completely.

I don’t stop. I can’t stop. My hips move faster, chasing the high of her climax as it pushes me toward my own. As my movements grow erratic, my breath catches, and I bury myself inside her one final time. “Goddamn, Daphne,” I groan as my release shudders through me.

The world outside doesn’t exist in moments like this. It’s just her and me, her laughter turning into soft moans, my name spilling from her lips in a way that make my chest tighten and my blood race. Every bit of love, every piece of connection, every ounce of desire wrapped into the way we move together.

I collapse onto my side, pulling her into my arms as we catch our breath. The room is quiet again, except for the sound of our breathing and the faint hum of the monitor on the bedside table.

And then, just as the quiet settles, a tiny cry echoes from Rosie’s room.

Daphne laughs softly, burying her face in my chest. “Perfect timing.”

“She’s got a sixth sense, I swear,” I say, shaking my head but smiling as I kiss the top of Daphne’s head.

She slides out of bed, pulling on my discarded shirt. I follow, grabbing a pair of sweats off the floor and slipping them on as we head to Rosie’s room together.

Our daughter is standing in her crib, her tiny hands gripping the rails as she bounces on her chubby legs. Her big blue eyes light up when she sees us, and she squeals, a sound so full of joy it knocks the breath out of me.

I’ll never get over seeing her every morning.

This last year has been intense, juggling school and a baby, but we’ve found what works for us. Turns out, we couldn’t have survived it without Finn. He came home from Australia when Rosie was born and hasn’t left yet. Even if the last year has been up and down for him too, he’s been a constant for us and Rosie. With my final year and Daphne becoming a TA for her PR professor, as well as being offered a permanent spot on the CLUSports team, this year has been wild. But it’s also been the start of us as a family and that’s meant everything to me.

“Hey, Rosie girl,” I say, lifting her into my arms and spinning her around. She giggles, her laughter filling the room like sunshine.

“Dada!”

“I’m here, bub. Did you sleep okay? I missed you.” I kiss her warm little cheeks, and her blonde curls tickle my nose as she buries my face into the crook of her neck, making her squeal. That sweet baby smell is still the best ever.

Daphne leans against the doorway, her arms crossed, watching us with that soft smile she saves just for moments like these. “Careful. Hype her up now, and you’ll be chasing her around the whole party.”

“Worth it,” I say, grinning as I hold Rosie close.

Daphne steps into my side, resting her head against my shoulder as Rosie babbles happily between us.

“Mama.”

“Hi, Rosie girl. I love you. Are you ready for breakfast?”

“Mommy already had breakfast with Daddy, but maybe we can whip something up for you,” I say, winking to Daph as I pass her.

In a few hours, our friends will arrive. Finn, my mom and Rory, Coach and Serena, Liv, Seb and Indie, Benny, and Miles and Quinn will pack the house, ready to toast to draft day and graduation. But for now, it’s just us.

And as I hold them close, I know I’ve already won the best draft of my life.

***

Daphne

The apartment is alive with noise, every corner filled with the buzz of anticipation. Hudson’s mom and sister are huddled on the couch and next to her is her coffee date guy—whose name is actually Laurence and he’s great. Jay, Seb, Indie, Miles, and Quinn are scattered on the floor, cracking jokes and tossing chips at each other. Rosie is perched in my mom’s arms, feeding her snacks against her will, I’m sure.

Liv is raiding my pantry. She recently transferred to CLU, and having her nearby is going to be a godsend with Hudson going pro, even if I foresee her doing exactly what she’s doing now but on a daily basis.

Finn comes to my side, nudging my arm. “Chill, you’re sending all your nervous vibes to me.”

I break from my trance. He’s right; nerves are crawling over my skin. “Sorry.”

“We’ve prepped all year for this, everything will be fine,” he says, soothing me. When I told Hudson last year that we’d follow him anywhere, I meant it, and I still do. But that doesn’t stop the nerves from potentially upending our whole lives today.

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