Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Lauren treated her to a warm smile. “Any time, Skye. I mean it.”
As she watched Lauren leave the office, Skye accepted that her friend had helped to solidify her decision.
A sperm donor was easy and simple and uncomplicated . . . for her. But it was her child’s welfare and emotional stability that mattered the most, and he or she deserved every advantage of being raised and loved by two parents and all they both had to offer a child. Even if in an untraditional way.
Knowing she had a man who was offering to give her the child she wanted, while also being a part of the kid’s life was the best of both worlds and an ideal solution when that man was Tripp. There was no one she trusted more to be her baby’s daddy.
That said, she was well aware that choosing Tripp would mean emotional entanglements she wasn’t ready for. She picked up a pen and tapped it on the desk, pondering the best way to deal with her own anxieties over the arrangement when the thought came to her. The only way she could avoid emotional complications was to insist on a few stipulations. One that laid out strict rules, both about the baby making process and the joint custody terms that made them both comfortable before they dove in.
Now that she had an answer to give him, it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss over a text. She wouldn’t see him until the charity event on Saturday, which gave her time to come up with the parameters she needed before going into their new venture together.
Besides, she needed to get used to the changes that were in her future. She’d wait until after the event and give him her answer then.
Chapter Six
Finding an opportunity to get Skye alone at the charity event was not an easy feat for Tripp. As one of the Meridian’s event planners, along with Lauren, she was constantly moving around the room to make sure everything was running smoothly. He had attempted to talk to her a few times, but when it became clear that her mind was strictly on business, or she was being pulled in two different directions, he stopped trying because he respected that this was part of her job and he didn’t want to interrupt or distract her.
So, he killed time visiting with friends during the reception hour, then eating dinner with Drew, Beck, and Chloe—all while keeping an eye on Skye, which was more a treat than a chore considering how stunning she looked in a silky, dark purple dress that skimmed all those sexy curves he’d enjoyed the previous weekend. She’d worn her hair down in soft waves, and he couldn’t stop thinking about how those strands felt tangled around his fingers while he’d moved inside her. It had been a week since he’d last seen or touched her, and he was dying to get his hands on her again.
Hopefully, she’d give him that opportunity.
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, but he couldn’t do that and still keep Skye in his line of sight.
He ate a bite of his chocolate torte and caught his sister-in-law looking at him. Judging by the slight arch to Chloe’s brow and the quirk to her lips, she must have seen him staring at Skye, but much to his relief she didn’t say anything in front of his brothers. The last thing he wanted to do was answer their nosey questions.
But time was running out to talk to Skye and the bachelor auction was due to start shortly. If he didn’t find a moment to speak to her alone, he was going to end up with a date he didn’t want.
Finally, he saw her go to the bar, and the bartender gave her what looked like a glass of water. She stood off to the side, sipping on the drink, and Tripp took that as his cue to finally speak to her.
Since his brothers were engrossed in their conversation, he stood up, and neither sibling even noticed. He didn’t bother telling them where he was going, but he was certain that Chloe’s gaze would follow him, if only out of pure curiosity.
He quickly made his way over to Skye, relieved that something else hadn’t yet pulled her in another direction, though time was limited since it was announced that the auction would be starting soon. Skye’s eyes lit up when she saw him, and a genuine smile touched her lips as he approached.
It took monumental effort to keep from taking her in his arms and kissing her, but he somehow managed to stifle the impulse. “Are you still working?” he asked instead.