Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
I push.
I push.
I thrust to catch up, to find the darkness and then myself again. I’m buried to the hilt and still fucking until I finally reach the precipice. Nails scrape against my skin, but there’s no pain. The ache I was hunting drowns in my release.
She falls forward, her bare and glistening body my temple and salvation.
I push, and she takes until the trembling stops, and my body is depleted. We’re so wrapped around each other, wrapped in each other that I don’t want this to end. When my breathing finally evens, she says, “You’re going to be in so much trouble if you gave me a hickey.”
A release of a different nature welcomes me back. A kind welcome after the heat of the other. Inspecting her neck, I rub my fingers over the bruising skin. “When you say trouble . . .”
“Noah!”
22
Liv
Heated skin.
Hard muscles.
Heartbeats steady in his chest.
Waking up to Noah has its perks. I’ve never felt safer, more cared for, and lov—I shouldn’t think about that five-letter word. It’s too soon for feelings that hold that much weight in the world, much less my heart.
The sun shines across his chest, and I don’t blame the light one bit for wanting to touch him. I do too. I kiss his shoulder, not wanting to wake him before I slip out of bed. Pulling on a T-shirt, I grab a pair of cheekies to wear before sneaking out of the closet to go to the kitchen, careful to quietly close the door to the bedroom behind me.
I slept like a baby after our activities last night. This morning, my body is loose like I had a great massage, though my thighs let me know that muscles that haven’t been used in years are still there. All the kinks have been worked out, and I’m ready to tackle the day. Though kinks are relative this morning. Last night was a different story.
There’s no embarrassment with Noah. I can do whatever feels good, and he’s all about it. That has me thinking that I might want to try new things with him. It’s a little early for the tingling below my stomach. Coffee is needed first, and then maybe I’ll wake him up.
While the coffee brews, I click the remote to raise the shades and let the sunlight brighten my place. I sit on a dining chair and kick my feet up on the windowsill, taking in the city. It’s an incredible view, but Noah’s apartment is still on my mind. I’ve always appreciated my place, but it’s exhilarating to think about a new perspective here and there. I’m jumping a few steps ahead, but what if we were more than just co-parenting?
It’s silly to even consider a relationship at this stage. Maxwell needs to come first. Always. But this contentment I’m experiencing, the happiness that fills my bones is welcomed with open arms. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so good, and Noah is a part of the reason. Maxwell is the love of my life, but maybe my heart has started making room for someone else.
It’s early, but I text my mom:
I told Noah he’s Maxwell’s father.
My mom has always been an early-bird riser, so I’m not shocked when my phone rings. I answer, “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you. How are you? How did the conversation go? How did he react?”
I glance back toward the bedrooms as if I’ll wake them. Whispering, I reply, “I’m so happy, Mom.”
“This is great news. What happened?” She doesn’t sound suspicious, though her question tilts it in that direction. She’s been my rock my entire life, and I want to tell her everything, but some things about Noah and I should remain between us.
“There’s so much to discuss and figure out, but seeing him with Maxwell . . .” I grip the phone tighter, holding it closer to my mouth. “He’s a natural, and Maxwell already adores him.”
“Olivia, that makes my heart so happy to hear. What a relief to have a dream reaction from him.”
“It is a relief. As much as I tried to prepare myself for the worst, he did the opposite and stepped in for Maxwell and for me.” I take a breath. “It’s so good. But is it too good to be true? I’m so happy that I almost can’t trust my own instincts.” I lower my feet, a new fear hijacking my happiness. Happiness has never lasted, so when will the other shoe drop?
I’m overthinking this. What happens tomorrow happens tomorrow. Today, I need to stay in the moment and enjoy each day. Trust your gut, Liv.
“The hardest part is over. You know his response to the situation. From here, the two of you will decide how to move forward.”
Standing, I walk to the window and stare out—a quiet home behind me and the early morning sounds of the city waking up outside. “Mom?”