Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 280(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 280(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
As she continues to talk, I find myself excited and nervous to tell her that I’ve finished my book. She’s more than just someone who loves books—she’s my muse, the one who inspires me to put words on the page. The excitement she shows when I send her something new, the way she eagerly offers input and ideas—it’s something I can’t quite explain.
As she continues to talk, I prepare myself to tell her. I shouldn’t be nervous, but her reaction is the one I care most about. So when she smiles up at me, I feel my heart pounding in my chest.
“I have to tell you something. I finished my book last night ,” I admit quietly, my fingers tracing small circles on her back.
She tilts her head up to look at me, her expression softening. “Tripp, that’s amazing, congratulations. I can’t wait to read it.”
Her words are reassuring and I feel like I’ve accomplished two huge things. Finishing my book and telling Millie about it.
She twists a bit in my hold, her warm hands resting on my chest as she looks up at me, her eyes full of curiosity and something that feels a lot like hope. “Can I ask you something?” she says, her voice soft but with a hint of excitement.
I grin down at her, unable to resist the urge to place a gentle kiss on her full lips. “You can ask me anything,” I whisper against her mouth before pulling back slightly to meet her gaze.
“Have you considered submitting your work to a publisher?” she asks, her eyes searching mine as if she’s hoping for a particular answer.
The question hits me off guard. I hadn’t really considered submitting my work—not seriously, anyway. If I’m honest, I don’t even know the next steps now that it’s done. The idea of putting my story out there, of having it judged and critiqued, feels like another layer of pressure that I’m not sure I’m ready for.
“I don’t know about that,” I say slowly, my hand moving to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Right now, I’m just happy I finished it.”
“I get that,” she replies, nodding in understanding. But then she presses on, her eyes shining with a conviction that makes my heart swell. “But you really should. Your story could be the reason someone takes an extended lunch just to read as much as they can. You have something special, Tripp.”
Her belief in me and my story is something I’ve always cherished, but now, instead of feeling inspired, I feel the pressure mounting, and it’s almost suffocating. It’s like the weight of expectations—both hers and my own—is settling on my shoulders, making it harder to breathe. I want to live up to her confidence in me, to be the writer she believes I am, but what if I can’t?
And what about the brewery? Callum? My family?
I take a deep breath, trying to push those thoughts away as I focus on the woman in my arms. “I appreciate you saying that,” I tell her, my voice steady but laced with uncertainty. “But right now, I just don’t know.”
She nods again, her expression softening as she leans her head against my chest. “I understand,” she murmurs. “I just want you to know that I believe in you, Tripp. And when you’re ready, I’ll be right here, cheering you on.”
Her words are like a balm to my anxious thoughts, and I tighten my hold on her, pulling her even closer. I don’t know what the future holds for my story, but having her by my side makes the uncertainty a little less daunting. I’ll deal with everything else when the time comes. Maybe.
Wanting to change the subject and the sense of dread I’m starting to feel, I kiss her neck. We’re in our bubble, the one I’ve been craving, and there’s nothing else I want more than her. To feel her soft skin against mine. To listen to her scream my name while I take her release. To be buried deep in her tight pussy and feeling like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
“I’ve been desperate for you,” I whisper against the soft skin of her neck.
She tilts her head slightly giving me better access and I groan taking the advantage.
“Show me, Tripp.”
Chapter 27
Millie
Having Tripp here feels like a dream come true. I can’t get enough of him, and honestly, I don’t want to. Every moment with him feels electric, like he's awakening a part of me I never knew existed. He’s everything I never knew I needed—strong, attentive, and with a quiet intensity that draws me in deeper every day. I’m falling so quickly, it’s terrifying, but there’s no stopping it. I’ve never been in love before, and the depth of what I’m feeling scares me.
But with Tripp, I feel safe, like he’ll always cherish and protect me. I hope I’m right. Sure, there’s so much we still need to figure out, but I believe we’ll find our way through it together. There’s a connection between us, something undeniable that makes me believe we can overcome anything.