Page 41 of Just a Little Promise

Everyone’s responses were nothing like Skye imagined they’d be. Sure, they were surprised, but even Tripp’s brothers and his father congratulated them with genuine enthusiasm. Nobody asked about their relationship, or questioned if they were getting married—they just accepted the situation for what it was. No pressure or expectations.

Audrey sighed, pressing a hand to her heart. “What a perfect day for that announcement,” she said, smiling ecstatically at Tripp. “Your sister would be so happy for you.”

“I know she would,” Tripp agreed, hugging his mom.

“Mommy!” Whitney shouted, making her little three-year-old self known amongst the chaos that had ensued around Skye being pregnant. “I want a baby, too!”

With a cute smirk on Chloe’s face, Skye watched as the other woman glanced at her husband. “I think we can make a baby for you happen.”

“Tonight?” Whitney insisted impatiently.

“Making a baby takes time,” Beck said, ruffling his fingers though his daughter’s silky hair. “But Mommy and I will definitely start trying tonight.” He waggled his brows at Chloe, who blushed.

“I want a girl baby,” Whitney said, already putting in her order.

The adults laughed at the little girl’s innocence, and the rest of the evening passed quickly and they all had a wonderful night.

By the time she and Tripp arrived back at her place, she was mentally and emotionally exhausted, but extremely happy with the way everything had turned out.

She headed into her bedroom to change into something more comfortable, reflecting on the day’s events with a smile—as she realized how grateful she was that her child would have the kind of close, traditional family unit Tripp had. The kind she shared with her parents and brothers. There was no doubt their baby would be surrounded by love, no matter what kind of relationship she shared with Tripp. For the first time she felt a spark of hope... that maybe, possibly, she could have it all... with Tripp.

He was offering her everything she’d ever wanted and dreamed of, if she just had the courage to reach out and take it. He didn’t have to articulate his feelings for her, or say whathewanted, because from that first night at the bar until today, he’d shown her with his actions how much she meant to him. How badly he wanted to share in her dream of having a baby. And how much he wanted her to be part of his life in every way.

She placed a hand on her stomach, accepting that what he desired for them extended beyond her being his baby mama. Having already acknowledged her feelings for Tripp, at least to herself, it was time to lower her guard and finally let him back into her heart completely.

She put on the sexy, pale gray chemise he’d given her the night at the hotel and strolled back out to the living room.

His eyes widened when he saw her, raw desire darkening his pupils as he took in her seductive attire, but he didn’t move from where he was standing by the sofa.

“I know the couch can’t be all that comfortable to sleep on,” she said, smiling at him. “I was thinking you should stay in my bed tonight.” This was the first time she was coming to him aside from their desire to make a baby.

She was breaking her own rules and he obviously knew what that meant to her. Stopping in front of him, she shifted nervously on her bare feet. It wasn’t easy to be so open and vulnerable, but it was exhilarating because she trusted Tripp with her heart. He’dearnedthat privilege, and she knew he’d never abuse it.

He groaned at the offer, a deep, growly sound that sent shivers through her. “If I stay in your bed, it won’t be to sleep.” His gaze never left hers.

“I know,” she said quietly. “I want you, Tripp.Allof you.”

She held out her hand, and his green eyes locked onto hers, as if recognizing that her invitation was a huge deal.

He didn’t ask any questions, nor did he pry into her reasons. As always, this man didn’t put any pressure on her, or make any demands. He just accepted her offer for the gift it was.

Taking her hand, he led her into the bedroom. By the time they reached her bed, her emotions were at the surface, begging to be set free. She might not be ready to say the wordsI love youto him yet, but she tried to show him, instead.

She stood up on her toes and softly, gently kissed his lips, slow and seductive, and when that wasn’t enough and she needed more, she gradually sank a little deeper, sliding her tongue along his. With a greedy groan against her mouth, he skimmed his hand beneath the hem of her gown. At the first heated touch of his fingers along her bare skin, an uninhibited heat pooled between her thighs, stealing Skye’s breath and replacing it with an undeniable, soul-deep longing.

No man had ever made her feel so much need and desire, except for Tripp. He was everything she’d ever wanted, everything she craved, and she didn’t waste any more time, quickly pulling his clothes away to get him naked. Her chemise ended up on the floor in a heap, and once they were both naked, Tripp pressed her down onto the bed and moved completely over her, both of them impatient for a deeper joining.

His fingers tangled in her hair, gripping the strands tight as he captured her mouth with a relentless passion that seemed to ignite a desperate fire in both of them. He settled more fully between her spread legs, the head of his shaft sliding through the slick moisture already coating her pussy before he pressed insistently at her core.

With a firm thrust of his hips, he drove all the way inside of her, right where he belonged. She gasped against his lips, reveling in the exquisite sensation of him filling her full, and the way his big body shuddered told Skye that the pleasure was equally acute for him.

He ended the kiss and lifted his head to stare down at her face, giving her a glimpse of everything he was feeling, too, as he thrust in and out of her. “You always feel so damn good,” he said on a groan. “So fucking perfect.”

With him, she felt perfect. So whole and complete.

He moved even faster, his eyes darkening as she gripped his shoulders and tightened her thighs against his plunging hips, hanging on for the ride as he drove her higher. His own jaw clenched as he held back, waiting for her to reach the point of climaxing first, which was already starting to happen.

Her lips parted as her breathing escalated, and her lashes fluttered closed as the delicious tension inside of her loosened and began to unravel.

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