Tripp is onboard to fulfill the promise he made to Skye Ifhe’s goingto have a babywithanyone, it’s goingto be the one womanhe’d foolishlyletslip throughhis fingers. Butnotthis time because he’s all in. Skye is evenmore beautiful thanhe remembers,andthechemistrybetweenthemishotterthanever,butwhileshegiveshimfreereinwithherbody,she’smadeit clearherheartisofflimits.
Skye Abbott heard her brother’s encouraging voice but kept her focus on the punching bag he held in place for her to pummel.Witheverysolid,directhitshetook,sheimaginedherex’ssmug,pretentiousface.
The adrenaline rushwas exhilarating As was the capable, confident, empowered feelingcoursingthroughher all the thingsherexhadmethodicallystrippedfromherduringthecourseoftheirmarriage.
Piece by piece, she’d managed to rebuild her confidence and self-worth, and swore she’d never let herself be that vulnerableagain.Sheendedtheroundwithonefinal punch, punch, kick, punch, punch.
Still breathinghard,shetookoffher boxingglovesandacceptedthebottleofwater heheldouttoher “That’sbecauseI haveanexcellentcoach.”
Spencer hadencouragedher togivekickboxingatrywhenshe’dmovedtoNew Yorkfour months ago,after her divorce hadbeenfinalized.Notonlydidhewanthertobuildherstrengthbutalsotomakesureshehadsomeformofself-defenseto fallbackonshouldtheneedarise.
“Well,you’vecomealongwayfromyourfirstsession,”hesaidwithalaugh Shechuggedhalfthebottleofwater,rememberingthatdaysowell How timidshe’dbeen Herweak,uncertainpunches Feelingsouncoordinatedandawkward.ButSpencerhadbeenrelentlessinhistraining,demandingshehitharder,faster,and beattheshitoutofthebaglikeherlifedependedonit.
She appreciated his toughlove approach, and gradually, over the pastfew months she felther mind and bodyrepairing itselfand her returnto the old Skye, the one she’d beenbefore she’d metJackTremont After four hellishyears, itwas as thoughshe’dfinallyemergedfromthestiflingcloakofdarknessandbackintothelight
“Yep.”Heglancedatherastheyleftthegymlocatedinhisapartmentbuildingandheadedfortheelevator.“Gotadate.” He waggled his brows, and since said date came withouta name, Skye knew thatitwas probablyjustone ofthe casual hook-upsfromhis“LittleBlackBook”app Withhissandyblondhair,deepblueeyes,andflirtatiousnature,alongwithbeing a stockbroker onWall Street, there was no shortage ofwomenvyingfor his attention Buther brother was anunapologetic bachelorthroughandthrough.
“Wantmetofindsomewhereelsetocrashforthenight?” Like a hotel room.Shewasstartingtofeelguiltyaboutlivingat his place, and therefore hinderinghis abilityto “entertain”, aka have sex with, those dates at home. And the last thingshe wantedwastohearherbrotherintheroomnexttohers,doingthat Heshookhisheadandpunchedthebuttonfortheelevator,whichimmediatelyopenedforthemtostepinside “No,Ican makeotherarrangements.”
The elevator opened onhis floor and she followed himto his apartment, theninside, while arguingher point. “It’s been fourmonthssinceImovedhereandit’stime.Youcan’tprotectmeforever.”
Shesawthepainedlookinhiseyes,andknewthesource He’dwornthatsameexpressionthedayshe’dfinallyfoundthe courage to leave Jack, and Spencer had picked her up, bringingher to her parent’s home withone suitcase holdingall her meager possessions. He’d alreadybeenfurious withher husband for his mental and emotional abuse, butSpencer had taken
Likeotherwomeninherposition,she’dbecomegoodatmakingexcusesaboutnotseeingherfamily,andperfectingways to fake beinghappywhenthe realitywas, she’d beenmiserable and controlled bya manwho had graduallydestroyed her resistance, her morale, and her spirit. And while her familyhad suspected thather marriage was notwhatshe attempted to portray,theyhadn’tbeenpreparedforthebrokenwomanwho’dwalkedintotheirhousetwoyearsago,ashellofherformer self
Shewas grateful for their support,thewaythey’dralliedaroundher andbuilther backupwhenshethoughtshe’dnever feelwholeagain.Butnow,sheneededtotakethenextstepinherlife,withoutbeingswaddledlikeanewbornbaby.
“Ifeel good, Spencer,” she said, settingher boxinggloves and bottle ofwater onthe table. “Reallygood. Stronger and betterthanIhaveinyears ButIneedmyspaceandindependencebacksoIcanstartplanningmyfuture I’vegotajobthatI loveandthenextstepisfindingaplaceofmyown”Sherefrainedfrompointingoutthatshewasthirtyyearsoldanddidn’t needhispermission,becausesheknewhisconcerncamefromaplaceoflove.
SAT OUT onthetinybalconyofhernewapartment,drinkinghermorningcupofcoffeeandenjoyingthepeacefulSaturday solitude Well,theplacewasn’tsorecentnowthatshe’dbeenthereforthepastsixmonths Butitstillfeltexcitingandfreshto her, since it was the first place where she’d lived alone since leaving her ex-husband She’d gone fromstaying with her parents,tobeingroommateswithherbrother,andshecouldn’tdenythatthefreedomoftrulybeingonherownwasliberating.
The Brooklynapartmentwas a small two bedroom, butithad all the amenities she needed, and mostimportantly, ithad receivedSpencer’ssealofapproval.Itwasinaniceneighborhood,andthesecurityinthelobbywasvigilantaboutlettingin strangersandvisitors Thelocationwastopnotch,withnearbymarketsandrestaurants,andProspectParkwaswithinwalking distance
Itwas quiethere,unlike the hustle andbustle ofNew YorkCitywhere she workedatthe MeridianHotel as anassistant eventcoordinator.
Itwasalsotheperfectplacetoraiseachild.
Thethoughtbroughtasmiletoherlipsasshetookanotherdrinkofhercoffee.Nowthathermarriagewasofficiallyover and far behind her, havinga babyonher ownhad beenonher mind Alot Whenshe’d married Jack, ithad beenwiththe intentionofstartingafamily,somethingshe’ddreamedofsinceshewasalittlegirl She’dalwaysimaginedhavinganadoring husband,ahouseinthesuburbswiththeproverbialwhitepicketfence,andatleastthreekidsbythetimeshewasthirty.
Jackhad destroyed those hopes and dreams rightalongwithher self-esteem, thougha partofher was grateful thatthey hadn’thadanykidswhichwouldhavetiedhertoherexfortherestofthechildren’slives.Sheshudderedatthethought.
ItwasSaturday,andwhilesheneededtodolaundryandgotothemarkettopickupafew thingsforthefollowingweek, she had nothing planned for the afternoonand evening. So, she texted Lauren her co-worker, who’d also become a good friend toseeifshewantedtomeetfordrinksandappetizersatTheBackDoor,abarthey’dbeentoafew timesforhappy hourafterwork ItmeanttakinganUberintothecitybecausenowaywasshesteppingfootonthesubwayafterdark Laurenrespondedwithaquickandenthusiastic, let’sdoit Theyagreedonsixpm,beforetheplacebecametoocrowdedona Saturdaynight
“Hey,” Lauren said by way of greeting, a smile on her pink, glossy lips. Normally, she wore her shoulder length bob straight, but today she’d added soft waves to the dark brown strands, giving her a sultrier look than her normal work appearance.“SorryIdidn’twaitoutfrontforyou.IthoughtI’dgrabusafewchairsbeforethereweren’tanyleft.”
Skye and Lauren worked together at the Meridian NYC hotel as event coordinators Lauren as lead, and Skye as her assistant Withtheir boss, Jade Dare, outonmaternityleave, the two ofthemwere now incharge ofhandlingthe upcoming gala.ItwasSkye’sfirstbigevent,andshewasbothexcitedandnervousabouthow itwasall goingtocometogether.She’d onlybeenwiththeMeridianfor ninemonths,andmorethananything,shewantedtomakeagoodimpressiononbothLauren andJade.
“Yes, and I’mbeyond the thinkingstage.” Ravencame bywiththeir appetizers and Skye waited for the other womanto delivertheplates,thenbeonherwayagainbeforecontinuing.“I’vealreadylookedintoit,andhaveevenseenareproductive endocrinologistinthecity”
Her desiretohaveachildwasn’tasecret Her parents,Spencer,andevenher other brother,Reese,knew andsupported her decisiontobeasinglemother,andunderstoodwhyshe’ddecidedtodothisonher own.Shewasn’tinthemarkettoget remarriedanytimesoon,and,well,herbiologicalclockwasticking.
“Well,everythingisanonymousintermsofthedonor’sidentity,”Skyesaid,sharingwhatshe’dalreadylearnedassheate bites of her chicken “I’ve beenlookingthroughprofiles online, and theyall include healthhistoryand genetic testingand screening Thenthere’s the person’s physical attributes suchas hair andeye color andheight,andtheir heritage,educational background,andpersonalitytype.Alotofdonorsprovideababypictureofthemataboutayearold,togiveyouageneralidea ofwhatyourchildcouldpotentiallylooklike.”
Despite the fact that the relationship was longover, he’d beeninher thoughts oftenlately, especiallyduringthis sperm donor selectionprocess because ofthe sillypromise he’dmade her years ago.Whenshe’dtoldhimthatshe’dwantedthree kidsbythetimeshewasthirty,he’dgivenherhispatented,charminggrinandtoldherthatifshewassingleandchildlessby thatage,he’dbehappytogiveherababy.
Yes, he’d beenteasingher, buthis promise lingered, as did memories ofher time withTripp whichhad been so good untilshe’dmadethemistakeofaskingforacommitment,whenhe’dmadeitclearfromthestartthathehadn’tbeenlookingfor anythingserious.Butshe’dgottentoapointwhereshewantedandneededmorefromtheirrelationshipandwhileshe’dfallen inlovewithhim,heclearlyhadn’tbeeninthesameheadspace.
Realizingshe’d gottenlost inher thoughts, she glanced backat Lauren, who’d finished her appetizers and was flipping throughthebachelorauctionbrochureandreadingtheprofiles Interestinglyenough,she’devenearmarkedafewpages
Theydecided to order one more drinkand spent the next hour chattingabout inconsequential things, like workand the upcomingcharityevent.Theylaughedabouttheirfavoritecomedicshow,dishedaboutTaylorSwift’snewestloveinterest,and sharedtheirloveforsteamyromancenovels,alongwiththeirfavoriteauthors.
SkyehadheardofthetrendyNYCnightclub,thoughshe’dneverbeenthere.Danceclubswerenotherthing,withtheloud, vibratingmusic and crushof people. And the thought of gettinghit onbystrange men, and fendingoff their advances, was enoughtomakehershudder.
Themansaidjustoneword hername andhisdeep,huskyvoicestirredsomethingintimatelyfamiliarinsideofher She jerkedherheadbackandlookedintoseductivegreeneyesshe’dneverbelievedshe’dseeagain.
It all came floodingback, nearlyoverwhelmingher, as if they’d never parted ways. The heat of his hands onher arms spreadthroughherandthegentlesweepofhisthumbsonherbareskinmadehershiverwithpleasure. Itwasallshecoulddotokeephercomposure.
Stillstunnedandflusteredattheirunexpectedrun-in,allshecouldmanagewasasqueaky,high-pitched,awkward,“Hi!” So much for being cool, calm, and collected
Chapter Two
L
IGHT, FEMALELAUGHTER grabbedTripp’sattentionandmadehimturnhishead,butitwasthewoman’sfamiliarprofilethatkept him riveted Silky blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves as she chatted with the woman seated next to her, revealinga delicate silhouette he’d memorized years ago as she’d sleptpeacefullybeside him. Rightbefore he’d made the decisiontobreakthingsoffwithher.
The slightly upturned nose, elegant cheekbones, and the sensual curve of her full lips. Yeah, those features were still emblazonedinhismind,nomatterhowhardhe’dtriedtoforgether.
Ormaybehewasjustprojectingwhathe wanted tosee Was it Skye? Doubtful Last he knew, she was living in Boston with her husband, probably with the three kids she’d wanted, and livinga charmed life. Because seriously, whatwere the chances thatthey’d end up crossingpaths inone ofthe hundredsofbarsinNewYorkCityafterfivelongyears?
But the more he looked and watched her, he caught little quirks that were uniquelySkye’s. He recognized the wayshe dipped her head when she laughed, and those cute, fluttering hand gestures she made when she was trying to describe something
TrippfinallylookedawayfromSkyeandglancedbackatHudson,whowasalsohisbusinesspartner.They’ddecidedto come here for drinks and appetizers after a longdayat the Children’s CommunityClinic, where they’d spent the afternoon givingmuchneededvaccinationstochildrenoflowincomefamilies Itwassomethingtheydideveryothermonth alongwith their other partner, Brett donating their time and the cost of the various immunizations to help families without health insurance.
Tripp didn’tmiss the interestinHudson’s eyes. Evenatforty-eight, he was still a good-lookingguy. He had thatwhole distinguished,grayingatthetemplesthinggoingforhim,atleastaccordingtoAmy,theirreceptionist Hudsonworkedoutdaily andhewasalsocharmingandcharismaticwhenhewantedtobe Nowthathewasdivorced,Hudsondidn’thesitatetoplaythe field and he seemed to have an eye for the younger ladies. Blondes, especially. Which was why he was not-so-subtly expressinginterestinSkye.
“Actually,Iknowher,”headmittedtohisfriend Hudson’s brows raised high “And you’re still sitting here with me when you could be with someone like her for the night?”heaskedincredulously.“Imean,ifyou’renotinterested ”
TrippturnedhisheadbacktoSkyesoquickly,healmostgavehimselfwhiplash Hewatchedandwaitedforhertolifther lefthand,andsureenough,itwascompletelybare,whichreallydidn’tproveordisprovehermarital status.ButifSkyewas Tripp’s wife, he knew for damnsure he’d make certainshe wore her weddingringwhile out at a bar without himso guys wouldthinktwicebeforehittingonher.Soeverymanintheplacewouldknowshewashis.
Butshehadn’tbeenhisinyears.Andnow,attheageofthirty-six,hecouldhonestlysaythatlettinghergowasoneofthe biggestregretsofhisadultlife evenifhebelievedhe’dbeendoingtherightthingatthetime “So, how doyouknowher?”Hudsonaskedcuriously He drankthe lastofhis bourbonbefore replying. “We metwhile Iwas livinginBostonand attendingBUMed, and we datedforafewmonths.”
Sixmonths, actually far longer thanhe’d ever intended to letthings go onwithSkye. Atthe time, he’d beenall about casual hook-ups and one nightstands because ofhis intense workand school schedule, butone taste ofSkye and he’d been addictedtoeverythingabouther
Trippcouldn’tdisagree “Whenwemet,Iwasinthemiddleofmyresidencytraininginpediatricsurgeryandmyschedule was insane,” he said, remembering the long days and even longer nights of studying, rotations, and grabbing sleep at the hospitalwheneverhecould.“Therewasnoroominmylifeforacommittedrelationshipwithanywoman.AndbecauseIknew Skye wanted to get married and have kids, ending things with her was the right thing to do because I couldn’t make that promise.”Ithadalsobeenoneofthemostpainfulthings,becausedespitehisno-strings-attachedrule,he’dfalleninlovewith her
Hudsonsatbackinhis seat “Look, whydon’tyouatleastgo over there and sayhi There’s nothingwrongwithsaying hellotoanoldfriend Andmaybethere’sareasonwhyshe’snotwearingaring”
Hisfriendhadapoint.IfhediscoveredSkyewashappy,he’dsayhiandwalkaway.Nowaywouldhewanttointerfere with her life, even if his gut churned at the thought of finding out she was still married. However, if that ringless finger indicatedthatshewassingleagain,well,asfarashewasconcerned,allbetswereoff.
Without anymore hesitation, Tripp stood and headed toward the bar, his heart hammeringwildlyinhis chest, fromthe sheer anticipation of being in Skye’s space again. He caught up to her just as she slid off her stool and turned, promptly bumpingintohim.Shesuckedinastartledbreath,andwhenshefalteredonherheels,hereachedoutandgrabbedherarmsto steadyher.
Itworked Eveninheels,she’dalwaysbeenpetite,andshefinallytippedherheadback,hercornflowerblueeyesmeeting his andJesus,shewasstillsodamnbeautifulshetookhisbreathaway
Hesmiledattheshockplayingacross her faceas sherecognizedhim,andhegentlybrushedhis thumbs againsther bare arms,asmuchtoeasethetensionfromherbodyasitwastofeelhersoft,silkyskinbeneathhisfingers.
She shivered inresponse and relaxed slightly, and he didn’t miss the awareness and somethingelse he couldn’t quite define thatflickeredinhergazeasshetriedtoregainherequilibrium.
Yeah,figuringoutthewholefamilyandfriendsdynamic,andhowtheywereconnectedtoeithertheDaresortheKingstons or both,couldmakeaperson’s headspin.Caseinpoint,LaurenhangingoutwithSkyeas iftheywereoldfriends.How did theyevenknowoneanother?
Itdidn’tescape his notice thatLaurenwas watchingthe interactionbetweenhimselfand Skye withundisguised interest “Hi,Lauren,”hegreetedher.“Nicetoseeyou.”
Reliefsurgedthroughhim.Thatshe’dagreedtohaveadrinkwithhimmadeTripphopethattherewassomethingstillthere betweenthem, despite everything in the past. Time would tell, and he was just happy to spend the next few hours in her presence
“Well, I’mgoingto grab anUber and head outso youtwo canreconnect” Laurengave Skye a hug “I’ll see youinthe officeonMonday.”
HeautomaticallyplacedhishandatthesmallofSkye’sbacktoguideherinthatdirection.Whenhetouchedher,shetensed again, more subtly this time but it was obvious to himanyway. Then she immediately eased out a breath and her muscles relaxed,asifshe’drecognizedhewassomeonewhowouldn’thurther.
He frowned atthe thought. Her reactiondisturbed him. Backwhenthey’d dated, she’d beena touchy-feelykind ofgirl, uninhibitedandoutgoing,andsheopenlyexpressedphysicalaffection She’dacceptedhistouchesjustaseasily
Hudsonstoodas theyreachedthetableandpulledoutachair for SkyewhilesmirkingatTripp.“Seems as thoughIwas right,wasn’tI?”hesaid,obviouslyreferringtohisguessthatSkyewasnolongermarried.
So, she clearlyhadn’tstalked his social media like he had hers. “We owna familypractice together, alongwithanother doctor,Brett,”Trippexplained.“I’minpediatrics.Hudsonspecializesininternalmedicine,andBrettisanobstetrician.”
His friend tookher hand, holdingitinhis for longer thanwas necessary, inTripp’s opinion “The pleasure is all mine,” Hudsonsaidinthatsmooth,suavewayofhis.
Tripp rolled his eyes, doinghis bestto conceal his annoyance. Or was itpure possessiveness thatwas makinghimfeel irritatedwithHudson’sflirtations?“Don’tyouneedtobesomewhere?”Trippasked,doinghisbestnottogrindhisteethand chipamolar.
He’ddeliberatelychosentheseatrightbesideSkye’s,insteadofacrossfromher,sotheycouldtalkwithoutyellingoverthe noise inthe bar.Butsittingside byside,he realizeditputtheminveryclose proximity,andthe onslaughtofmemories was almostinstantaneous.
Whenheinhaled,hecaughtherlightfloralscentthatmadehimwanttoburyhisnoseagainstherneckandbreatheherin. Theirthighsbrushed,resultinginanarousalthatwasthankfullyhiddenbythetableabovehislap Andhecouldclearlyseeher beautiful face, her delicate features, and those lush, pinklips thatmade himremember hot, intimate moments thatcaused his stomachto also heatwithanticipation. Thenthere was her glorious mane ofblonde hair thatbeckoned for himto tangle his fingersthroughthesilkenstrands,andpulljusthardenoughtomakehergaspandmoan.
As soonas the girl was gone and theywere alone again, Skye returned her attentionto him, a small frownmarringher brows.“So,backatthebarwhenIranintoyou,youaskedifIwasinNewYorkwithmyhusband.HowdidyouknowIwas oncemarried?”
He saw noreasontolie,or evenfudge the truth “Isaw itonsocial media,before youdeactivatedyour accounts Istill followedyouevenafterthingsendedbetweenus.”
Despite her dismissive tone,there was nodoubtinhis mindthatshe was tryingtohide the factthathe’dhurther,badly. Thatevenoverfiveyearslater,theirfeelingsstilllingered.
Theirdrinksarrivedandhewasgratefulforthechancetoregroupandfindatopicthatwouldsteertheconversationaway fromthe painful partoftheir past. The waitress placed their bottles ofPellegrino and two glasses ofice onthe table, then movedontoanothercustomer Whenshewasgone,hepouredthewaterovertheice,andSkyedidthesame “Have youbeendivorced long?” he asked ina casual voice, wantingto know if the emotional impact of her marriage endingwasstillfreshandraw.
Sheexhaledadeepbreath.“Let’ssee,”shesaid,hertonesarcastic.“Iwasmarriedfortwoyears,andlegallyseparatedfor a year and a half since I couldn’t get my ex-husband, Jack, to sign the divorce papers because he had delusions of us
The answer was patand superficial, and he didn’tpushher to share more. Butthere wasn’tmuchhe could do aboutthe protective feeling rising inside of himas he recalled her stiffening at the slightest touch. Clearly, the marriage had been a turbulentone,andhecouldn’thelpbutwonderifthat’swhyshewassoguardedandwarynow.
She letouta huff. “After everythingIwentthrough. . . ” She didn’telaborate onwhatthose things were, justshookher head “I’mnotsureIwanttogetmarriedagain”
Hedidn’tpush,notwhenitwassomethingsheobviouslydidn’twanttorevisitordiscuss.Andfornow,thatwasokaywith him. Theywere reconnecting, gettingto know one another again, and he didn’twantto pressure her for answers she wasn’t readytoshare.Hejusthopedsheopeneduptohimintime.
Yes,ascrazyatitseemed,hewasalreadythinkingintothefuture.Nowthathe’drunintoSkyeagain,hedidn’tplantolet herslipthroughhisfingerssoeasilythistime Overfiveyearsagohe’drealizedtoolatethatshewas the one,andnow he’d beengivenasecondchancetoseeiftheycouldrebuildwhatthey’doncehad,becausethefeelingsstirringinhischesttoldhim he’dnever,ever,completelygottenoverher.
Though Tripp knew she had two older brothers, he’d never met her family because he’d always maintained that their relationshipwaspurelyfriendswithbenefits,somethingheregrettednow.Buthewasgladshehadasiblinginthecitytolook afterher.
Theyspentthenexthourkeepingtheconversationcasualastheygotreacquaintedandcaughtuponeachother’slives.She toldhimaboutworkingattheMeridianhotel,whichiswhereshe’dmetLauren,whowasnowagoodfriend,andhowshehad her own apartment in Brooklyn He explained the connection between her boss, Jade Dare, and his brother’s wife and Tripp’ssister-in-law ChloeKingston,whoSkyehadmetafewtimesalreadybecauseofhowthetwofamiliesoverlappedso much.
“I’mreallyproud of youand what you’ve accomplished,” she said, and he couldn’t denythe compliment warmed him “Yousacrificedalottoachieveyourgoals,andit’sveryimpressive.”
Hedidn’tlikethathe’dsacrificed her intheprocess,buthindsightwasabitch.
The bar waitress came around againand cleared their emptybottles and glasses fromthe table. He and Skye declined anotherdrink,andsincetheplacewasgettingcrowdedandoverlyloud,hegavethewaitresshiscreditcardforthebillbuthe wasreluctanttoletSkyeoutofhissightagain
Trippwincedatthememory,buthecouldeasilylookbackandadmitthatJuliahaddonehimafavorbybreakingthingsoff. Otherwise he wouldhave beensettlingwithJulia,andthatwouldn’thave beenfair.Toeither ofthem.Theyhadn’tshareda grandpassionnorhadshebeentheloveofhislife,buttheirrelationshiphadbeencomfortable,easy,andconvenient
Butjustlike Skye had kepta few secrets fromhim, Tripp wasn’treadyto divulge thatrelationship, either Notwhenit wouldforcehimtoadmithisownfailingsoutloud.Theyweren’tatthatpointyet.
“Ididn’tsaythat.”Shewasgrinningathim,butshealsopausedamoment,asifshewantedtobecarefulaboutwhatshe said next “Would itbe nice to have anorgasmwithsomethingother thanmyvibrator? Ofcourse,” she said, notshyabout admitting she had desires before her expression turned more serious “But having a man in my life isn’t a necessity And honestly...I’mnotthesamegirlIwaswhenweweredating.”
Hewasn’tarandomstranger Hewasfamiliarandsafe,andsheknewexactlywhattoexpectwithhim Greatorgasmsand a nightfilled withsinful pleasures And, he knew whatshe enjoyed inthe bedroom thatedge ofmale dominance thatwas always tempered ina waythatnever crossed the line. Unlike her ex. Tripp’s touch no matter how assertive he mighthave beeninthebedroom hadnevermadeherfeelafraidoruncomfortable.
She was going into this situation with a clear head and the choice being hers. She was far fromwanting a long term commitmentfromanyman Thiswasallaboutphysicalpleasure,forthemboth Nostringsattached ascenariothatTrippwas plentyfamiliarwith
Theyarrivedathisresidentialbuilding animpressivelyupscalecomplexlocatedindowntownManhattan andwithhis handstill claspedinhers,hewalkedherthroughthelobbytotheelevator.Onceinsidethelift,shecouldpracticallyfeel the sexual tensionvibratingbetweenthem,thoughTrippdidnothingmorethanhitthebuttonfor hisfloor andremainacomplete gentleman,muchtoherdisappointment.
Shestoppedjustinsidethelivingroomarea,andsodidhe,finallyreleasingherhand.Trippglancedather,andtheystared at one another, his head tipped slightly to the side No words were spoken, but his dark, sexy gaze glimmered with silent questionsshewaspreparedtoanswerbymakingthefirstmove
For the first time in years, she felt daring and sensual, and she embraced the bold woman emerging fromher cocoon. Tossingherpurseontothenearbysofa,shesteppedtowardTrippandsmoothedherhandsupoverhischest.Heworeawhite dressshirt,buttheheatofhisskinandhardmusclesbeneathmadeherbodyclenchwithneed.
Itwasalltheinvitationheseemedtoneedashegrippedherhips.Hisfingersdugintohercurvesandheldon,guidingher backwards until he had her pinned against the nearest wall. The lengthof his strong, hard bodypressed intimatelyto hers, reacquaintingherwiththesizeandlengthofhiscockasthatsolidridgeoffleshdugintoherstomach alsoremindingherhow muchbiggerandtallerhewasthanher UnlikeJack,hisheightandstrengthmadeherfeelsafeandprotected,notthreatened
ThehotkisswentonforwhatseemedanimpossiblylongtimebeforeTrippsloweditdown,hislipssoftlynuzzlinghersas they shared deep, gasping breaths. Her entire body was unbearably aroused, from her tight, sensitive nipples, to the heat swirlinginherbelly,tohowherpantiesweresoakedtothepointofbeingruined
Sheknewhowtoplaythesesexy,dirtygameswithTripp,sincehe’dbeentheonewho’dtaughthertovocalizeherneeds It hadbeenalongtimesinceshe’dbeenabletodothat,andknowinghow muchherboldwordsturnedhimon,shedidn’thold back.“Iwantyoutofuckme.”
Shedidn’tdoubthe’dnoticedhowreservedandguardedshe’dbeenearlierinthebar,andtherewerecertainaspectsofher recentpastthat still keptheremotionallycautious.Butsexually,therewasnoreasonforhertoholdbackbecausewithTripp, shedidn’thavetoworryaboutsayingordoingthewrongthing,ortriggeringaviolenttemper.
She followed throughwithhis request, and whenhe was satisfied that she’d complied he beganslowlyunbuttoningthe frontofherblouse,thewarmtipsofhisfingersgrazingacrossherskin.Oncethetopwascompletelyunfastened,hepulledthe hemfromthewaistbandofherjeans,thenshoveditdownherarmsandletitdroptothefloor Insteadofremovingherbralike she expected himto, he pushed both straps off her shoulders, then peeled the lace cups down, until her full breasts were exposedtohisgaze.Heleftherlikethat,indecentlyhalf-dressedanddyingforhisillicittouch.
He smiled knowingly, thendipped his head down, skimminghis warm, damp lips, and his tongue, alongthe side ofher neck Ashiverwrackedherbody,andshehadtoresisttheurgetograbhishairandpushhismouthdowntoherachingnipples Instead,shekepther hands inplaceandenduredthetormentofhimlickingher skinandslowlykissinghis waydowntoher collarbone.
Hekissedhiswaydowntotheswellofhercleavage,thenabitlower.Hislipssurroundedonepeakandsuckeditdeeply into his mouth, while he cupped the opposite breast, usinghis fingers to pinchand tweakthe nipple. The velvetslide ofhis tongueswirlingaroundthesensitivetip,alongwiththegrazeofhis teeth,hadher pantingfor breathandnearlyshakingwith need
He straightened, releasing her breasts and nipple, and gave her a wicked grin “Looks like I’m going to have to get creative.”
He turned her around so thatshe was facingthe wall, her bare breasts pressed againstthe cool surface, and placed her hands flatbeside her head, his no touchingrule still inplace. He reached around and unfastened her pants and lowered her zipper,thenshamelesslypushedhishandinsideher underwear.Thesecondhisfingersslidbetweenher legsanddiscovered howarousedshewas,hereleasedalow,gratifiedgroan
He continued to stroke her slickpussy, alternatingwithdeeper caresses and anoccasional tugofher clitthatdrove her mad.Herhipsstartedtomovebackandforthinstinctivelyasshetriedtofuckherselfonhisfingersandattemptedtochasethe orgasmheheldjustoutofherreach Hisotherhandplayedwithherbreasts,andthesolidlengthofhisdickrubbedupagainst herasseverytimeshegyratedagainsthim
“Goodgirl,” he murmured,buryinghis face intothe hair cascadingalongthe side ofher neckwhile his fingers gave her whatshesodesperatelyneeded “Ican’twaittogetmymouthonthispussyandlickeveryinchofyou Ialreadyknowyoutaste likefuckingcandy,butrightnow,Iwantyoutocomeallovermyhand.”
Still pressed up againsther frombehind, Tripp chuckled, the deep, dirtysound vibratingagainsther back. “Greedygirl. Nowthatyourfirstorgasmisoutoftheway,askmenicelyforwhatyoureallywant.”
TRIPP TOOK SKYE to his bedroomand placed her onhis bed, rightwhere she belonged He didn’twaste anytime gettingher completelynaked, strippingoffher bra and removingher shoes, jeans, and panties, thenlether recline backonthe mattress whileheridhimselfofhisownclothes.
Hisbloodheatedinhisveinswhenshepartedthosesmooththighswithoutanounceofhesitationandgavehimaperfect viewofherpussy,pinkandswollenandglisteningwithherarousal.Asoft,coysmilecurvedherlips,andhewasgladtosee thatshe had no reservations whenitcame to her desires and whatshe wanted. Thatmuch, atleast, hadn’tchanged between
them
He moved onto the bed and between her splayed legs, pushing them further apart as he settled face first in between. Smoothinghispalmsalongtheoutsideofherthighsanduptoherhips,heheldherinplaceashecoveredherwithhismouth, slidinghistonguebetweenthelipsofhersexbeforethrustingdeepandlickingintoher.
She moaned,longandloud,andtwistedher fingers inhis hair as he inhaledthe peachyscentofher skinmixedwiththe womanlymuskofherarousedbodythatwentstraighttohisthrobbingdick Knowingexactlywhatsheliked,andexactlywhat sheneededtoorgasmasecondtime,hesuckedherclit,swirlingandflickinghistongueagainstthatfirmnub
Shearchedtowardhis hungrymouthas hecontinuedfeastingandlickingandsucking,drivingher higher andhigher until therewasnothingleftforhertodobutfallovertheedgewithasoftcryofpleasure.Herbodyundulated,theepitomeofpure, sensual,uninhibitedwomanassherodeoutherrelease.
Whentheintensityebbed,hesatuponhisknees Skyewasstillquivering,hergaspsslowlyturningintoindulgentsighsof satisfactionasshelaythereinalimp,bonelessheap Her legswereopen,thetender skinontheinsideofher thighsmarked andabitchafedbyhiseveningstubble.Shelookedutterlywanton,andhehadtheoverwhelmingneedtobeinsideher. Toclaimher.Toownher.Tomakeherhisagain.
She gasped against his lips and he groaned, feeling her slender body stretching to reacquaint itself with his size as he pushedintoher,inchbyinch,untilhewasburiedtothehiltandrightwhereheneededtobe.
“So fucking perfect,” he said, his voice gruff as he started to move inside her Slow and steady at first, but when she wrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandangledherhipstotakehimevendeeper,thelastremnantsofhiscontrolunraveled His next thrust was a little harder. The one after that harder still. Each lunge and grind against her sex dragged an uninhibitedgroanfromherthroatthatonlyspurredhimon.
Hewrappedhisfingersinherhairtoholdonashegavehereverythinghehad,drivingfaster,pumpinginfinitelydeeper, themomentbetweenthemsoelemental andprimal Instincttookoverastheyrockedagainstoneanother,completelyinsync Their movementsturnedfranticasthetensionincreaseduntil finally,shecriedouthisnameandher bodyshudderedbeneath his,theclenchingofhercorearoundhiscockmorethanenoughtobringhimrightalongwithher.
EverythingaboutSkye intoxicated him, and drivenbythe need to utterlypossess her, he sealed his lips againsthers and kissedherhungrilywhilewavesofheatpulsedthroughhim,followedbyalong,intenseorgasmthatlefthimwasted.
SKYE WOKE UP slowlythefollowingmorning,stretchinginanunfamiliarbedandmomentarilydisorientedbyhersurroundings andthesavoryscentsandmutedsoundscomingfromanotherareaoftheapartment Not her apartment,butTripp’s,shequickly remembered as memories of last night came rushing into her mind. Those erotic recollections, combined with the way the musclesinherthighsached,andhowsatedshefelt,broughtasmiletoherface.
In a city as large as New York, Skye still couldn’t believe that she’d run into Tripp, but in the aftermath of many pleasurableorgasmsshewasgladshehad thoughitwasn’tjustaboutthesex,butthatconnectionshestillfeltwithhim.Being comfortablearoundTrippandthefactthatshetrustedhimimplicitly,asafriendandalover,wasanicefeelingafterbeingso cautiousandreservedaroundmensinceherdivorce
SexwithJack,especiallyoncetheyweremarried,hadturnedintoachore.Anythingphysical betweenthemhadbeenall abouthimtakingwhathewanted,evenifitmadeheruncomfortable,andgivingverylittleinreturn He’dtreatedherlikean object,devoidofthoughtorfeeling,reducingherdowntolittlemorethanapossession Atfirst,ithadbeeneasiertojustgo through the motions than deal with his snide remarks, his verbal abuse, and the belittling that made her feel flawed and inadequate.
PleasingJack,inanyaspectoftheirmarriage,hadbeenimpossible,andeventuallyshe’dmadeexcusesnottobetouched whichhadn’tgone over well withhimatall. Buthe’d beena master atgaslightingand emotional manipulation, turningany situationaroundonherandmakingherquestionherperceptionofreality,untilshe’doperatedataheightenedlevelofanxiety and was always apologizingfor shit she didn’t do He’d accused her ofcheating, ofbeingparanoid, and isolated her from friendsandfamily.
Hediditalltogainpowerandcontrolovereveryaspectofherlife,andforawomanwhoconsideredherselfintelligent and self-aware prior to meeting Jack, she’d somehow fallen into his trap until she’d discovered his affair. She’d had irrefutableproofandconfrontedhim,andofcoursehe’dtriedtomakeherfeelresponsibleforthefactthathe’dfuckedanother woman
Skyerolledtoherbackonthesoftbedandexhaledadeepbreath,expellingthosedarksthoughtsthathadnobusinessbeing inher head after her unforgettable nightwithTripp He was all she wanted to thinkabout, and as she replayed the evenings provocative festivities in her mind, that awful twist in her stomach dissipated and a genuine smile gradually replaced her sombermood.
Moresoftclankingsoundsfromthefrontoftheapartmentpiquedherinterest,asdidthealluringscentofcoffeeandbacon. Breakfastbeckoned her grumblingstomach, and she moved offthe bed, still completelynaked. Seeingthe white dress shirt Tripphadwornyesterdaydrapedoverachairinthecorneroftheroom,sheputiton,takingamomenttoburyherfaceinthe fabricandinhaletheheady,masculinescentthatclungtothematerial
Despite numerous orgasms and the manydifferentways Tripp had fucked her, arousal pooled low inher belly, as ifher bodywas programmed to respond just to his smell alone. She padded into the bathroom, tookcare ofbusiness, and as she washedherhandsshenoticedatoothbrushsittingonthevanity,stillinitsstorepackaging.
As muchas she liked the feelingofhimclaimingher, she had everyintentionofkeepingher head onstraightaboutlast night’shookup.Mostimportantly,shedidn’twanttoleadTripponinanyway,becauseshewasn’tlookingforanythingserious
TRIPP PLACED THE laststripofcrispbacononaplatenexttothescrambledeggshe’dalsomade,justasSkyestrolledintothe kitchen,lookingwellandtrulyfuckedwithhertousledhair,theglowonherface,andthesmallhickeyhespiedonherneck.
Hersoft,huskyvoicewaslikeashotofluststraighttohisdick,aswasseeingherinthewhitedressshirtofhisthatshe’d chosentowear.Beingpetiteinstature,thehemalmosthitherkneesandwouldhavebeenconsideredmodestifitwasn’tforthe factthatshe’d leftmore thana few buttons undone downthe front. Low enoughto give hima glimpse ofthe curves ofher supplebreasts.Hernipplespokedagainstthefront,andhecouldseetheduskyshadowsofherareolasthroughthefabric.
She looked sexyas fuckand he had to resistthe urge to bend her over the table and corrupther evenmore. He always loved how she’d wear his shirts the morningafter a hookup, how the visual would make himthink, I got laid and now it’s official and she’s mine Andmostly,howproprietaryitmadehimfeeltoknowshewaswrappedupinhisscent yeah,likea damndogmarkingtheirterritory.Itgalledhimtothinkhe’dlethergo.He’dbeensuchagoddamnfool.
Unabletostophimself,heclosedthedistancebetweenthem,slidanarmaroundherwaisttobringherbodyflushtohis, and pressed his mouthto hers, kissingher good morning. She placed her hands onhis bare chest, parted her lips ona tiny, welcomingsigh,andlethimdeepentheconnection Shetastedwarm,soft,andminty-sweet
Intime,heliftedhismouthfromhers,butdidn’tlethergo “Iwouldthinkyou’drememberwhatseeingyouinoneofmy shirts does for me,” he said, absentlyslidinghis hand up the backofher thighbeneaththe hem, onlyto encounter her bare, smooth ass. He groaned. “And you’re not wearing anything underneath. Jesus, you’re killing me.” She had to feel the stiff erectiondiggingintoherlowerstomachthroughhissweatpants.
She laughed, her expression amused. “I can’t believe you can still get hard after how many times we had sex. I’mso sore inareallygoodway,though”
“God, you’re incorrigible.” She lightlysmacked his chest, thenplayfullypushed himaway. “How about youfeed me. I burnedalotofcaloriestryingtokeepupwithyouandI’mhungry.”
He chuckled, and eventhoughhe was thoroughlyenjoyingtheir light-hearted banter, he finallyreleased her so he could serveuptheirbreakfast “Helpyourselftoacupofcoffee,”hesaid,noddingtowardtheKeurigonthecounter,alongwiththe mug,creamer,andsugarhe’dleftoutforher
“Drew is a lawyer. Mergers and acquisitions,” he explained, realizingthat duringtheir previous sixmonths together in Boston,hehadn’tsharedmuchabouthisfamily,justthebasicssincetheyalllivedinadifferentstate “He’stheonetakingpart inthebachelorauctionnextweekend,too”
ForthefirsttimesinceagreeingtoChloe’srequesttoputhimselfonthefundraiserblock,Trippexperiencedarealstabof regret.ThelastthinghewantedtodowasspendtimewithanywomanotherthanSkye,buthe’dmadethecommitmentandhe’d follow through. Besides, he told himself that just because someone bid on him for a weekend didn’t mean it came with
“Remember me tellingyouaboutmytwin, Whitney?” Mentioninghis sister to Skye five years prior had beenbrief, too, mainlybecauselosinghissiblinghadbeensuchadeeplypersonalthingandhe’dburiedthegriefandpainforaverylongtime.
“Yes,”shesaidsoftly,herexpressionfilledwithcompassion “Thatshepassedawayofleukemiawhenyouweresixteen” The sorrow was definitelystill there,now dulledbytime “Well,we all grew upinthathouse andeveryyear since she passed,I’veplantedarosebushinthebackyardonthedateofherpassing.ThisyearwillbethetwentiethoneI’llplantfor her.Nextmonth,tobeexact.”
“No, don’t do that I reallyneed to go,” she replied, toyingwiththe handle of her coffee mugand glancingawayina mannerthatfeltasthoughshewasalreadytryingtoputdistancebetweenthemwhenhewantedtheopposite.“It’sSundayandI have things Ineed to do todaybefore the workweekstarts. And this weekis goingto be extremelybusyleadingup to the FutureFastTrackcharityeventattheMeridiannextweekend.”
He loaded up the dishwasher, and bythe time he was done cleaningthe counters and stovetop, she reentered the kitchen wearingthesameoutfitas theprevious night.Her facewas freeofmake-up,exceptfor aslightgloss onher lips alongwith some kind of clip or rubber band that was now holding her hair in a messy bun on top of her head Still, she looked breathtakinglybeautiful
She cringed, her face flushingpink, as ifshe couldn’t believe she’d spokenthe words, either. “That came out sounding
really bad,”shesaidquickly “Ididn’tmeanuntilIgetpregnantfromhavingsexwithyou ” What the ever-loving fuck? “Youplanongettingpregnantbysomeoneelse?”heaskedincredulously. “Yes.”Shewincedagain,nowlookingembarrassed.“Shit,thatsoundedworse.”
It sure as hell did, and the mere thought of another manimpregnatingher make himfeel nuclear. “Care to explain?” he askedwithforcedcalm.
“Yes,Ido” She sether purse onthe table andsatinone ofthe chairs Her palms absentlyrubbedalongher denimclad thighs as she met his gaze “Actually, there is something you should know I mean, you’ll find out eventually and it’s not somethingI’mkeepingsecret.Ijustdidn’tthinkwe’dneedtohavethisasamorningafterconversation.”
He could tell she was nervous, buthe leaned againstthe nearestcounter, crossed his arms over his chest, and remained quiet,refusingtodoorsayathingtodeterthisdiscussionuntilshegavehimanswers.
Shepursedher lipsinannoyance.“Theydon’tuseaturkeybaster,andit’snotrandom.It’sactuallyaspecificprocessto find a spermdonor, and I’ve spentthe pastfew months researchingand lookinginto possible donors based onwhatIwant genes-wise.”
His mind was spinning as he tried to process what she was saying that she was already planning a future One that obviouslydidn’tincludehim,sincethey’djustranintoeachotherlastnight ButthepaininhischesttoldhimthatSkyegoing thespermdonationroutewasnotanoption.Notforhim.
She pulled her fingers fromhis and placed theminher lap. Her lips firmed ina straightline. “After Jack, well, I’mnot lookingtogetmarried,orevenbetieddown.Havingachildwithyouwouldbindusfortherestofourlives,andI’msureyou don’twantthatresponsibility.”
She was stronginthe bedroombut outside of it, he saw the changes, the skittishness and wariness that her bastard exhusbandhadcaused Ifheflat-outaskedhertomarryhim,andsharethewholewife,family,houseandfuture,heknew she’d bolt
“We could co-parent as friends,” he interrupted, knowing she was about to shoot himdown. Even though he hated the impersonal wayhis propositionsounded, all he needed was anin Achance to winher back “I’ll agree to whatever terms you’dlike,solongasI’mapartofthekid’slife That’smyonlystipulations” Shesmiledsadly.“See,complicated.”
BecauseasmuchasTrippwantedthiswithSkye,itwasultimatelyherdecision.Nomatterhowmucha no woulddevastate him.
Chapter Five
MORNINGS AT THE medicalofficeusuallystartedthesameway,andMondaywasnodifferent Tripp,HudsonandBrettshowed upearlierthanthefront-endstafftoreview theirday’sappointmentsbeforepatientsbeganarriving Thefirstpersontogetin always made a potofcoffee whichtodaywas Tripp and theyusuallymetinthe breakroomto drinktheir cups ofmuch neededcaffeineandshoottheshitbeforeheadingtotheirindividualofficestogooverpatientfilesbeforethepracticeopened.
Brettwalked infirst, withHudsonfollowingrightbehind. Brettwas inhis earlyforties, whichmade Tripp the youngest doctor in the practice. The other man dragged his fingers through his sandy blond hair and headed straight for the coffee machine,whichhadjuststoppedpercolating
Hudsonfilledhisowncup,humordancinginhiseyes “Hmm DoIdetectadefensivetoneinyourvoice?Wait,don’ttell me You’re beingchivalrous and protectingSkye’s honor” Humor turned to a roll ofhis eyes thatconfirmed his feelings on seriousrelationships.
“No,heranintoanoldflameatTheBackDoorafterourafternoonattheclinic,”Hudsonsaid,onceagainspeakingbefore Trippcouldrespond “Agorgeous,stunningblonde AndwhenIleftthetwoofthem,thingslooked very promising Iwasjust hoping,forTripp’ssake,thatthepromisepannedoutandhegotlucky”
Sure,hedid,Trippthought,leaningagainstthecounterandattemptingtotampdownhisannoyance.Heknewdamnwellif things hadn’tturnedoutwell withSkye,Hudsonwouldhave wantedher number.His intentions wouldn’tbe for more thana flingbutthatwasn’tthepoint.
“Yes,wehada great eveningtogether,andshespentthenight” “Bummerforme,”Hudsonjoked,confirmingTripp’ssuspicions
ButHudsonwasn’tanissue. His and Skye’s unexpected morningafter conversationwas. Her desire to have a child had definitelythrownhim,thoughhehadnoregretsaboutofferingtobeherbabydaddy.Butinallhonesty,Trippwasharboringa bitofanxietythatshe’d rejecthis offer and decide to go throughthe process withouthis involvement. That decisionwould fucking kill himas it meant he’d lose her for good. Not to mention, watching her belly swell with another man’s baby, a stranger’s baby,whenhewaswillingtogivehereverythingshedreamedof,wouldguthim “Areyougoingtoseeheragain?”Hudsonasked
“Yes.” He glanced at his friends, knowinghe needed someone to talkto because this wasn’t a topic he was readyto discusswithhisbrothers.Itwouldfreakthemthefuckout,thenhismotherwouldsniffoutthatsomethingwaswrongandpress themforinformation,andTrippdidn’twantherinvolved,either.NotunlessSkyeagreedtohisproposal.
“Youwhat?”Hudsonasked,eyeswide Brett, meanwhile, rubbed his fingers against his temple. “You both are making my head spin. I feel like I’mmissing a crucialpieceofthisconversation.”
Hudsonchuckled.“You’renotalone.WhenIleftTrippandSkyeatthebar,therewasnomentionofknockingherup.” Hudsonwas sucha wise-ass, but at least the other manwas able to interject some humor into the situation, and Tripp appreciatedthelevity
Sincetheirtimewaslimitedbeforepatientsstartedarriving,Trippgavethemaquickrundownoftheconversationhe’dhad withSkyeyesterday,alongwithsomebackgroundabouttheirpast.Andbecausehestillhadstrongfeelingsforher,thatassoon asshe’dmentioned insemination,therehadbeennodoubthewantedthistobe their baby.
Yeah,TripphadspentallSundayafternoonwonderingthesamething.“Ican’tcancel.Mysister-in-lawwouldnotbehappy with me, which in turn would piss off my brother, Beck,” he said, stopping in front of his office. “So, I came up with an alternateplan”
SKYE WAS EXHAUSTED ItwasThursdayafternoon,andwithonlytwodaysleftuntil thefundraiser gala,everythingwascoming downtothewireintermsofgettingthingscoordinatedwithFutureFastTrack,thecharityevent,anddecoratingandsettingup the ballroomtotheir specifications.Theyalsoneededtomake sure the Meridiandidtheir share ofmarketing,as well.With Jade outonmaternityleave, they’d beenworkinglongdays, and evenwithassistants doingthe gruntwork, she and Lauren werestillinsanelybusy.
Butbeinginundated withworkdidn’tstop her fromthinkingaboutTripp, his offer, or their nighttogether. Evenifshe’d wantedtoputthosethoughts outofher head,he’dmade certaintokeepintouch He’dtextedher all week,all dayandeach night,butnotoncehadhepressuredherforanykindofanswer Instead,theirmessageshadbeenlightandfunandflirty They’d discussedtheirdays whichgaveherinsightintoTripp’sdedicationtohisjobasapediatricsurgeonandshowedherjusthow compassionateandcaringhewaswhenitcamedealingwithkids.Theyspentthetimegettingtoknowoneanotheragain,and whatshelearnedaboutthemanTripphadbecome,shereallyliked...morethanwaswise.
Whentheyweren’ttexting,shewasthinkingofhim,andwouldcatchherselfsmilinglikeaschoolgirlwithacrush and thatposedaproblem BecausenomatterhowhardSkyetriedtoignoreherattractiontoTripp,orthefluttersinherstomachthat tookflighteverytimeherphonepingedwithatext,itwasgettingincreasinglyhardertodo.Trippwasjustthatcharming.
She shookher head. She should be workingyet she couldn’t stop thinkingabout Tripp and her future. Glancingup, she smiledasherco-workerstrolledintohersmallofficecarryingtwoicedcoffeedrinks.
Thoughshe’dgonetolunchwithherbrotheratthebeginningoftheweekandhadbeentemptedtotellhimaboutTrippand his proposal, she hadn’tknownhow Normally, she could tell Spencer anything, buther brother had never metTripp while they’ddated.Andconsideringhowprotectivehewasofhernow,shedidn’tneedhimhuntingTrippdownandpummelinghim forpropositioninghisbabysister.
Lauren nodded in understanding before sipping on her Frappuccino She remained silent, giving Skye time to pull her thoughtstogether.
Backintheday,itwouldhavebeenanincrediblyeasychoice,butwithonefailedmarriagebehindher,andunabletoforget howTripphadbrokenherheart,embarkingonsuchanintimate,life-changingjourneywithhimscaredher.Shecouldn’tdeny shestillhadstrongfeelingsforTrippbutafterdivorcingJack,she’dvowedthatshe’dneverdependorrelyonanymanever again
But this decisionwasn’t onlyabout her heart, or her emotions This was about beingpractical and smart It was about lookingoutforherbaby’swelfareandfuture.HerreactionstoTripp’steasingtextsandlearningabouthimnowremindedher toomuchofhowshe’dfallenhardandfastforTrippthefirsttime.Ifsheagreedtolethimfatherherbaby andthatwasabig if shehadmoreatriskthanjustherheart.Shehadherbabytothinkaboutandifthingsdidn’tworkoutagain,she’dhateto subjectherchildtoparentswhowereawkwardaroundoneanotherorworse,didn’tgetalong
“Iknowyou’vealreadyconsideredthebaby’shealthandgeneticsandobviouslyyou’dknowexactlywhatyou’dbegetting withTripp”SkyenoddedinagreementbeforeLaurencontinued “Butifyouwentthespermdonor route,thenyou’dhaveto trustwhatwas filledoutonthe application Andhonestly,wouldn’tyouwantyour babytohave a father figure inhis or her life?”
How would her child feel notknowinganythingabouttheir father? Thathe’d beennothingmore thana listoftraits and attributes she’dselectedfromacatalogofstrangers,whensheknew shehadthechoicetooffer themagood,solidmanlike Tripp?Worse,they’dhavenoconnectiontoapaternalfigurewhocouldgivethemsomuch.Sherubbedherpalmsagainsther eyes,thebeginningofaheadachecomingon
“I mean, youcould always lie and saythat their father died, but that comes withits ownset of emotional trauma for a child.”Laurenofferedanotheroption,asawfulasthefirst.
Skyewincedagain.“I’dneverlietomysonordaughter.”Andshedidn’tlikehowselfishitsoundedforher not togiveher childthememoriesandexperiencesofalovingfatherintheirlife.
Still,thathadbeenheroriginalplanandshemetLauren’sgaze “I’dbeabletotellmychildIwantedthemsomuchIwas willingtodoitthatwayandraisethemonmyown,”shesaid,tryingtojustifymakingthatchoiceinsteadofTripp Laurennodded.“Butthey’dbe missingall the things other kids wouldhave.Father’s Day,a father coachinga sportthey were into, a dad at a father-daughter dance … Look, if insemination were your only choice, none of this would make a difference.You’dloveyourbabywithyourwholeheart,”Laurensaid.
She swallowed hard as Lauren’s smart words put everythingthat was trulyimportant into perspective No matter what, Skye wanted her child to be confident, secure and loved. She never wanted them to question their identity or search for answersthey’dneverfind.
father?”Laurenasked “Doeshehave all theattributesandtraitsyou’relookingforinadonor?” “Yes.”Skyedidn’tevenhavetothinkabouther reply,becausesheknew Trippwas everythingshe’dlookfor inafather figureforherchild.Notjusthisgenetics,butwhohewasasaperson.Kind.Encouraging.Supportive.
Laurensmiled brightlyas she stood up. “Thenitlooks like myjob here is done,” she said simply, as ifshe’d untangled Skye’scomplicatedsituationandthenwrappeditallupinaneatandtidybow.
Thatsaid,shewaswellawarethatchoosingTrippwouldmeanemotionalentanglementsshewasn’treadyfor.Shepicked up a penand tapped it onthe desk, ponderingthe best wayto deal withher ownanxieties over the arrangement whenthe thoughtcametoher.Theonlywayshecouldavoidemotionalcomplicationswastoinsistonafewstipulations.Onethatlaid outstrictrules,bothaboutthe babymakingprocess andthe jointcustodyterms thatmade thembothcomfortable before they dovein
Nowthatshehadananswertogivehim,itwasn’tsomethingshewantedtodiscussoveratext.Shewouldn’tseehimuntil the charityevent onSaturday, whichgave her time to come up withthe parameters she needed before goinginto their new venturetogether.
Besides, she needed to getused to the changes thatwere inher future. She’d waituntil after the eventand give himher answerthen
Chapter Six
FINDING AN OPPORTUNITY togetSkyealoneatthecharityeventwasnotaneasyfeatforTripp AsoneoftheMeridian’sevent planners, alongwithLauren, she was constantlymovingaround the roomto make sure everythingwas runningsmoothly He had attempted to talkto her a few times, butwhenitbecame clear thather mind was strictlyonbusiness, or she was being pulledintwodifferentdirections,hestoppedtryingbecauseherespectedthatthis was partofher jobandhedidn’twantto interruptordistracther.
So,hekilledtimevisitingwithfriendsduringthereceptionhour,theneatingdinnerwithDrew,Beck,andChloe allwhile keepinganeyeonSkye,whichwasmoreatreatthanachoreconsideringhowstunningshelookedinasilky,darkpurpledress that skimmed all those sexy curves he’d enjoyed the previous weekend She’d worn her hair down in soft waves, and he couldn’tstopthinkingabouthowthosestrandsfelttangledaroundhisfingerswhilehe’dmovedinsideher.Ithadbeenaweek sincehe’dlastseenortouchedher,andhewasdyingtogethishandsonheragain.
Hopefully,she’dgivehimthatopportunity.
While dessert was served, Tripp continued to watch Skye and waited for an opening to approach her Meanwhile, he absently listened to Drew and Beck discuss a real estate venture Beck was considering Usually he joined in on the conversation,buthecouldn’tdothatand stillkeepSkyeinhislineofsight.
Buttime was runningoutto talkto Skye and the bachelor auctionwas due to startshortly Ifhe didn’tfind a momentto speaktoheralone,hewasgoingtoendupwithadatehedidn’twant
Since his brothers were engrossed intheir conversation, he stood up, and neither siblingevennoticed. He didn’tbother tellingthemwherehewasgoing,buthewascertainthatChloe’sgazewouldfollowhim,ifonlyoutofpurecuriosity
“Ineed youto do me a huge favor,” he said, gettingdownto the reasonhe’d soughther outbefore the auctionactually startedandhelosttheopportunitytoconvincehertobidonhim.
