Page 44 of Zac

“It’s confirmed,” I whisper against his chest where I’ve settled, with his arms around me and his lips against my temple. “You’re insane,” I add and feel his chest vibrate with laughter.

Silence settles over us, my thoughts racing around in my head like pinballs being shuffled around and around. I’m so tired, but I can’t shut it off, that’s when I become the most dangerous. My mouth says things before my brain can analyze the words. “I’ll admit even after going through all the stages, being humiliated that I jumped you that night, I’m glad I did.”

His hand slides down my back, getting closer to my ass and he offers a squeeze. “Me too,” he says and I lift my gaze to catch him grinning. “Best fucking night of my life,” he adds, and I pinch his side playfully.

“Liar.” My cheeks hurt from smiling.

“I’m serious.” He pulls the blankets over us, kissing my lips softly. “That night brought me my family.”

I feel like the air has been sucked out of my lungs, my throat burns, and I’m forced to close my eyes and burrow in once more. We are his family; Gray, this baby, and me, it’s flooring.

“Goodnight, baby,” he adds and all I can do is kiss his chest, because right now, I’m an emotional mess and I know if I speak even one word, I will cry.

* * *

I’m in love with Zac’s shower. I swear I could live in here. The multiple sprays, coming from every direction. The pressure, and even the bench, you can sit there and take it all in. It’s glorious.

“Can I join you?” Looking over my shoulder I feel like I almost swallow my tongue.

Zac stands in the entryway to the shower, completely naked, showing off all his ink. Colorful art covers his arms, most of one leg, and over his shoulders. I know his back is eighty percent covered too. Like all the other guys at Deranged Ink their bodies are their canvas. And nothing about any of them looks bad, every single inch tells a story.

He steps in, the water beading his skin and I’m still speechless.

His body is built, but not so much that he is more muscle than man. I love how fit he is, his waist contouring into a perfect V, those delicious lines leading downward.

“My eyes are up here, beautiful.” I look up to find him smiling. I was caught admiring and I’m okay with that. He is perfect, and well, a woman should appreciate it all.

“When did you do this?” I ask, lifting my hand to touch his brow where there is a new piercing that wasn’t there a week ago. “And this.” I touch the side of his neck just below his ear. It’s a small tattoo, but new. I hadn’t gotten a chance yet to get a good look at it, but I knew it too was a new addition.

“It’s how I deal with anger.” He shrugs. “Or sadness, boredom, every emotion really,” he adds with a smile.

“So what were you feeling when you did that?” I point to the ring in his brow.

“I was pissed,” he doesn’t hesitate, “at you.”

“Well,” shrugging I try not to laugh, “I like it.”

“Do you?” Zac places his hand on my hip and chills cover my body.

“And the tattoo.” My voice is more breathy and if I notice, I know he does too. Stepping in closer he leans in and kisses me softly.

“A P and G,” he whispers. “After the baby comes I’ll add to it and then Jace is gonna finish intertwining them all together.” I’m lost in the feeling of his kisses but I hear him. “It’s a work in progress.”

“So what would you have done if you and I ended up hating each other?”

“I could never hate you, babe.” It doesn’t bother me when he calls me that. Not like when Grant used to.

“I think you are delusional,” I tell him. “I guarantee you could. Hate me.”

“Even if we didn’t make it right here to this moment, the three of you would still be my family.” There isn’t an ounce of humor hidden in his expression. He holds my stare.

“You keep saying that.” And I swear every single time he does my heart feels like it skips a beat, or ten.

“Yeah, because I mean it.” He cups my face in his hands. “Pres, when are you gonna get it. I love you, I love that kid down there in his fort, and this one we created.”

My eyes well up with tears and he holds my face a little firmer, ensuring I see him clearly.

“I love you.”

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