Chapter 10

Tripp

Millie’s taste invades my mouth long after I pull my fingers out. The thought of making her come with my mouth is now the only thought that invades my mind as I stare at her sated face.

When I felt how wet she was, it was over. There was no way I could walk away without making her come.

Proving to her that she isn’t the problem.

Now that I’ve done that, the want I feel for her is a burning need.

“Tripp, I think we need to have one rule,” she whispers.

I grin, running my thumb across her plump bottom lip. “I’m a rule breaker, little bunny.” Her serious face has me taking a step back. Whatever this rule is, it’s something she’s not willing to bend on. “All right, what’s the rule?”

She clears her throat and glances at the floor before lifting her gaze to mine. “No sex.”

I chuckle, but her face remains serious. “Wait? For real?”

She nods, wrapping her arms around herself. “That was by far the best orgasm I’ve ever had and the first I’ve ever received from someone. But if I’m being honest, I am a good girl who believes that there needs to be a relationship involved before sex.” She lets out a soft sigh and searches my eyes. “It keeps things from getting complicated.”

“Because of Brock.” It’s not a question. I know that’s where she’s going with this.

“Not just because of Brock, but yes, he is added to the equation.”

She is my brother’s ex and I need to remember that. I may be able to make her come, but that’s all it’s ever going to be. She doesn’t see me in the same way I’ve admired her from afar. To her, I’m Brock’s little brother. I fucking hate it, but I understand it.

I also know that I will selfishly take any piece of Millie that she gives me.

“Okay, no sex, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to make you scream my name in other ways,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

Finally, a smile lights up her face along with a beautiful blush. Her shyness is something I find so sexy. She has no idea what she does to me.

I’ve kept it to myself for this long.

“I’m here for you to use, little bunny. In every way you want.” This time I claim her mouth because the thought of leaving her is causing an ache I can’t quite describe.

Her soft moan is music to my ears when my tongue tangles with hers. I echo the melody with my own moan when her small hands snake around to my back and she pushes under my shirt. My skin burns from her touch in the most delicious way.

I pull her hair slightly as I deepen the kiss. My cock is painfully hard at this point and I know if I don’t leave I will indeed break her rule.

Slowly, I pull back, placing a few soft kisses to her swollen lips. Our eyes collide and I see something in hers that I’ve never seen before. It’s desire and it’s fucking hot.

“I need to go, but you have my cell number now.” I grab her hands and squeeze them as I back away. “Use it, Millie.”

She bites down on her bottom lip, making my exit that much more difficult. “I will,” she whispers.

I smile as I turn around and head toward the door. “Tripp, wait.” I spin around and she's walking toward me, her hard nipples visible through her thin shirt.

Fuck me.

“Please send me more from your book,” she says with a shy smile.

I nod, trying to hide my smile. “I will,” I say, repeating her reply.

As much as I don’t want to walk away, I do. Once the door closes behind me I let out a sigh.

A rule of no sex.

What the hell was I thinking?

I am drawn to her in a way that defies logic, a pull so strong it felt like the universe itself conspired to bring them together. It wasn't just her beauty—though I found her breathtaking in every possible way. It was the way she carried herself, with a quiet confidence that spoke of inner strength and grace.

Every time she spoke, I found myself captivated, hanging on to every word as if they were the only thing that mattered. Her laughter was a melody that echoed in my mind long after it had faded, a sound that made my heart skip a beat.

But it was her eyes that truly ensnared me, deep and expressive, revealing glimpses of the thoughts and emotions she often kept hidden. When our gazes met, I felt an electric charge, a connection so profound it was as if our souls recognized each other.

I noticed the smallest things about her—the way she absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair when lost in thought, the way she bit her lip when concentrating, and the way her face lit up when she smiled. These details, insignificant to anyone else, became the essence of my growing affection.

I was helpless against the tide of my emotions, drawn to her not just by desire, but by something deeper, something I couldn't fully understand. All I knew was that being near her made me feel more alive, more myself, as if she were the missing piece of my soul.

“Tripp, the place looks great,” Paxton says, putting his arm around my shoulder.

“It’s getting there.”

My housewarming party is in full effect and it’s great having everyone here. I appreciate their excitement and love, but two things are taking over all other thoughts—when will I taste Millie again and what will she think of the chapters I sent over earlier.

“I can’t believe my last baby has left the nest,” my mother says.

“He’s not far, Mom. Plus, think of all the free time you have now with an empty house,” Paxton says.

“He’s a grown man, Paxton. I still had my free time,” she says, laughing as she pats my cheek.

“Oh great, Mom, you better not be in here crying like you did when I left,” Anya says.

“No one is crying,” my mother replies.

“No, she did enough of that the first night he left,” my dad says, stepping into the ever growing circle of Atwood’s.

I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket and I pull it out as more of my brothers gather to talk about the way my mom reacted when they left home.

Millie: Tripp, I’m speechless. That was incredible. Please tell me there’s more? I want them to get together so badly.

I grin as I stare down at the message. She has a way of boosting my confidence without even trying.

Me: He’s working up his confidence to make his move. I’ll have more later. Waiting for my family to leave so I can get to writing.

Millie: I didn’t mean to bother you. Go enjoy your family.

Me: You, my little bunny, are never a bother. I promise you that.

"Damn, who are you texting?" Brock asks, his voice laced with curiosity as he leans in, craning his neck to peek over my shoulder.

I swipe my phone off and shove it into my pocket, taking a deliberate step away from him. "No one, Christ, move back," I say, trying to keep my tone casual, though my heartbeat betrays me with its quickened pace.

"That’s not the face of someone talking to no one," Hartford chimes in, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She’s perched on the edge of the couch, one eyebrow raised like she’s already pieced together some grand mystery.

"You know we’re gonna find out," Brock continues, his grin widening as he exchanges a conspiratorial glance with Hartford. "So you might as well spill now. Makes it easier for everyone."

"Is it someone we know?" Paxton adds, his voice softer but no less inquisitive. He’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, studying me like I’m a puzzle he’s determined to solve.

Before I can respond, my mother’s voice cuts through the room, bright and eager. "Are you dating someone?" she asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she clasps her hands together, as if she’s already planning the wedding in her head.

“She must’ve said something good to get that look on your face. Was it about sex?” Brock says, wrapping his arm around Willow.

“Brock Atwood,” my mother scolds.

“He’s a grown man, Carol,” my father says.

“Holy shit. Enough. I was talking to a friend.”

“Friend with benefits?” Shepherd asks with a conspiratorial smirk.

“Shep, stop,” Felicity says, slapping his arm playfully.

“I don’t like thinking of my brother like that,” Anya comments.

“I’m about to put the food away, so if you want more, grab it now,” Griffin says, interrupting everyone.

I’ve never been more grateful. Especially, because they all rush off to grab more food. They are always in each other’s business and making assumptions. But Brock said something that is true—they will find out.

“This is the girl you told me about, isn’t it?” Griffin asks when it’s just the two of us.

I shrug, hating that my phone vibrates in my pocket and I can’t pull it out and see what Millie’s reply is.

I did confide in Griffin before I even knew he was together with Anya. He helped me out when I got into some trouble and he was determined to help me. He has no idea it’s Millie, but he knows I’m into someone.

“Yeah,” I confess.

He grins and looks around before focusing back on me. “I can keep my mouth shut, so if you need someone to talk to, you have my number.”

He walks away, kissing the top of Anya’s head as he joins the rest of my family. I appreciate his offer, but I’m not ready to tell anyone anything.

I’ve got a girl I’m crazy about who I’m helping by giving her orgasms. All while I hide my true feelings.

Not to mention, I’m writing a romance novel.

My life is nothing like they think.

Only one person knows and she’s the only one not here.