Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 115308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“Sweetheart.”
“But gratitude,” I hurried to say. “To you and Dad and all my family and friends because you’ve all just been amazing throughout this. And … I’m so deeply, deeply in love with that man out there.” I gestured back to her shop. “It terrifies me to think that one day I might not have him anymore.”
Shannon wrapped me in another big hug, swaying me from side to side. She pulled back, reaching up to cup my face, a beautiful smile wreathing hers. “I know that kind of love, Maia, and I am so excited for you. Just know that it is terrifying at first. It takes a while for that to settle. But you’ll get there, and when you do, there’s only the love.”
“Thank you for being my aunt.”
“That, sweetheart, is a privilege. No thanks required.”
Baird held my hand tightly in his as we drove the five minutes to his place. He seemed to know I was in processing mode and so he talked quietly to me, but his next words had me on alert. “Mum, Ains, and the grandparents called. They’re asking for you.”
“What was their reaction to the articles?”
“What do you think? They’re angry at your mum and feel bad for your family. No judgment. Granddad said your dad sounds like his kind of bloke.”
“Did you … did you tell them about the club?”
“Aye. They’re proud of me.” He gave me a pointed look. “They didn’t raise a man who would choose anything over family. And you’re my family, My.”
“You’re my family too. How are you, really? You’ve spent the whole morning by my side, dealing with my stuff, and you went through something huge too.”
“Maia, I meant it. I am totally at peace with my decision. I wouldn’t lie about that just to appease you.”
“I’m here if you do find yourself needing to talk about it.”
“I know, gorgeous. I promise. I’m good.”
“Have you told Callan and John?”
“They were with me when I did it. Callan wanted the gaffer to know that as captain, he felt it was a catastrophic decision for the team.” He grinned. “That was the word he used.”
“He’s right. You’re an amazing goalkeeper.”
“Aye, well, Fred Burbank thinks he knows best, and I don’t want to waste my energy on an arsehole like that.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“Proud of you too.”
“God, we’re sickeningly cute.”
Baird chuckled and nodded in agreement.
After we parked outside his place, he rounded the vehicle to take my hand again. “You must be exhausted.”
I was definitely emotionally drained. Yet I needed something more than I needed rest.
Baird turned to me after closing the apartment door and I wound my arms around his neck, pressing the length of my body to his. “Make love to me,” I whispered.
He squeezed my hips. “Are you sure that’s what you need right now?”
“Yes. I just want to feel you. Only you.”
It had quickly become apparent over the months that Baird genuinely found it difficult to say no to me. That wasn’t something I’d ever take advantage of, so I didn’t push. I waited.
His answer was to kiss me with a tender sweetness that was always a prelude to lovemaking. Baird had tells for whatever sexy kind of mood he was in. If he wanted athletic, energetic sex, his kisses were hungry and needy. If he wanted to take his time, his kisses were softer in their passion.
We climbed upstairs to his not-private bedroom and undressed one another. He kissed me all over, paying extra attention to my clit to bring me to orgasm. Afterward, he moved up my body, and I wrapped him up in me, arms around his shoulders, legs around his waist, holding him close. Tears of relief pricked my eyes as he pushed inside me with slow, deep undulations.
Those salty tears fell at his murmured love words and my soft cries of pleasure filled his ears as he kissed the tears from my cheeks.
Looking into his eyes, seeing his love for me, feeling the beauty of his body on mine, finally allowing it to sink in that Baird McMillan loved me and would support me and protect me and always choose me … it was the most beautiful moment. For the first time ever, we climaxed together, as if cementing physically the agreement that we were one now.
We spooned afterward, talking quietly about all that had happened, and all that was still to come. At some point I felt him harden against me and sighed in pleasure as he kissed my upper back as his thumb rolled between my legs over my swollen clit.
“I-I’m thinking about getting a tattoo there,” I murmured and then hissed in reaction to his touch.
Baird lifted his head. “Where?”
“On my upper back.”
“Here?” He removed his hand from between my thighs to touch the exact spot I was thinking of.