It’s so much fucking better.
I savor the taste of her as we explore, reacquainting ourselves with one another’s mouths. Unlike in the rest of my life, time with Alyssia feels unhurried, timeless.
The rest of my life moves at a clipped pace but here and now it’s just the heavy breathing sounds between kisses, the glazed look in her eyes, and the softness of her body underneath my hands.
The pressure to perform stripped away.
Alyssia pulls back. “Stay the night.”
Alyssia
“You could also stay at the apartment,” Travis says as he stands in front of the door, preparing to leave.
He has to head out early for a meeting.
We spent the entire night kissing, cuddling, and sleeping. The best night I’ve had in a very long time. Since Vegas.
“With my uncles?”
“And after.”
I go to tell him that I have an apartment, but he cups my face, kissing me before I can say anything.
“Think about it,” he says, his voice imploring. There’s a look in his eyes as if he wants to say more but doesn’t. “Please.”
The desire to tell him I can take care of myself dies on my tongue with that one word.
“I’ll think about it,” I say, but it feels more like a ‘yes.’
The grin on Travis’ face indicates he gets the same impression.
Yet, I don’t feel my heartbeat turn up or a churning in my belly when I think about possibly giving up my apartment to move into his place. This time it doesn’t feel like I’ll be losing a part of myself, but gaining something I’m not ready to put into words.
“That’s all I ask.” He kisses me again, which I give into willingly.
Then he lowers his hands to my belly. “Oh shit!” he blurts out, and I giggle.
“Did you feel that?” he asks, eyes going wide. “Is that …”
“Yup, it’s our little one.” I cover his hand with mine. “They’ve been doing it more and more lately.”
He marvels at the feel of the baby moving in my belly, and I revel at the light in his eyes. Travis surprises me when he bends down and kisses my belly.
“I love you,” he tells the baby.
Now, my heart does speed up.
A yearning in my belly starts and I fight to suppress it.
Before I know it, Travis kisses me again. “I hate having to leave so early.” The regret in his voice is evident.
“It’s okay. I have to work anyway,” I remind him, though I’m working from home today.
He gives me another kiss before leaving, his gaze hanging on me until the very last moment the door closes.
I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face even if I wanted to.
But when I look over at the entryway table, my breath hitches.
