Chapter 8

Tripp

My eyes are locked on hers as I listen to the advice she’s giving me. This girl is the only person in my life who is getting a glimpse of the real me. There’s no judgment and it feels amazing. Until I told Millie about my book, I felt so alone, and listening to her talk about losing her parents, I know she’s in the same position.

She’s helping me and I want to do the same for her.

“I never would’ve considered switching the chapters, but it makes so much sense. Thank you, Millie,” I say, reaching out and resting my hand on her slender shoulder.

I notice her slight blush and it stirs things in me that shouldn’t be stirring. This is my brother’s ex, but I’m having the hardest time remembering that when I’m around her. The pull, the attraction, the want, it’s all there and it gets stronger every time I see her.

“I’m happy to help,” she says, biting her lower lip.

I squeeze her shoulder before taking a small step back. She needs help too and I know for damn sure I can help her with it. Paxton helped Hartford with her BDSM article, so why can’t I help Millie with her problem?

I grab the back of my neck and glance at the floor before lifting my eyes to meet hers. “Millie, I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support since you found out my secret. And I’m beyond grateful that you’ve kept it to yourself.”

“I’d never say anything. It’s not my story to tell. It’s yours.”

I grin. “I’ve kept your secret too,” I whisper.

Her face flames red as she bows her head, her hair falling around her face like a curtain.

“I know, thank you,” she says, barely audible.

“Hey,” I say, using my fingers to lift her chin. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

She pulls away from me and crosses her arms. “I need to lock up,” she says, avoiding eye contact.

“Millie, let me help you,” I rush out.

“I close up by myself every night, thanks.”

She turns to walk away from me and I’m momentarily frozen. How do I do this? How do I offer to give her the mind blowing orgasm she’s seeking without sounding like a total creep? I don’t want her to think I’m taking advantage of her situation or that I’m using her.

I’m supposed to be good with words, but right now they all fail me.

She’s a few steps in front of me and something just clicks. I gently grab her arm, stopping her from walking away from me.

“I want to help you like you’re helping me,” I say.

She turns around as I drop my hold on her arm. “What?”

I’m not generally a nervous person, but right now while her gorgeous blue eyes are locked onto mine I feel the nerves. I sigh as I run my fingers through my hair. “I can help you with your problem.”

She takes a step back with wide eyes, shaking her head. “Oh, what problem is that?”

“You’ve never experienced an orgasm. I can help you experience that,” I say, squeezing the back of my neck.

She begins to giggle and covers her mouth trying to stop it, but that giggle quickly turns into a laugh and before I know it, she’s holding onto the counter uncontrollably laughing.

“Yeah, okay, not the response I was expecting.”

“I’m sorry,” she manages, stopping again as another fit of laughter takes over. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just, I’m sorry.”

The laughter continues and I cross my arms. I really thought I felt something between us. I know it’s not something we can explore because she’s my brother’s ex, but I didn’t expect this. Maybe I misread the entire situation. Maybe I’m mixing up fiction with reality.

“This is really good for my self-esteem, by the way,” I mumble.

“Oh no. No, no,” she says, straightening herself and trying to get her laughter under control. She takes a few deep breaths and shakes her head as she looks at me. “Tripp, I’m not laughing at you. It’s sweet, totally crazy, but sweet that you’d want to help me. I’m not the kinda girl who does things like that without being in a relationship. There should be a bond or connection at the very least. Things would get complicated and confusing. I dated your brother.” She pushes her hair off her face and sighs. “I’m sorry I laughed at your gesture. It just sounded like a book I read where the guy offers to help his girlfriend who is having trouble breastfeeding their baby by milking her. I don’t want to be milked.”

This time I laugh. “I’m not offering to milk you like a cow.”

“I know, but still,” she replies, shrugging.

“Until I told you my secret I felt completely alone. There was no one to talk to when I was excited about an idea or complain to when something wasn’t coming together how I wanted. I hide who I really am to everyone but you.” I take a step closer to her. “You’re hiding too and I’m the only one who knows the truth. You don’t need to feel alone anymore.”

Her eyes bounce between mine. They’re mixed with confusion and curiosity.

“I dated your brother,” she whispers.

“Did I ask you to date me?”

“No, but this is all a lot, Tripp.”

“You didn’t have sex with Brock,” I say.

Her eyes widen as she bites her lower lip. “How do you know?”

“I asked him.”

“What? When? I mean, why?”

“I’m a curious person, Millie,” I whisper as my eyes run the length of her sexy body.

“It feels wrong,” she whispers back.

“What feels wrong? Me wanting to help you or you wanting my help?”

She shakes her head and moves a few steps away. “All of it. Sex isn’t supposed to be set up with a time and a place. It’s not supposed to feel like an obligation. That’s what this is. You feel obligated to help me and it’s wrong. It’s all wrong.”

“Who said anything about setting up a time and place? I’m not a plotter, I’m a pant-ser.”

She grins, tucking her hair behind her ears. “Either way, it doesn’t change that it feels wrong.”

“You want rules? Will that help?”

Paxton and Hartford had rules when he offered his help to her. Maybe that’s what Millie needs. I’m not entirely sure, but every time she says it feels wrong, it turns me on more. Doing something that is forbidden makes it that much more enticing.

Her eyes sparkle, pulling me in deeper as she searches my face. “What kind of rules?”

“How about rule number one? This stays between us. I know we’re both good at keeping secrets.”

She rushes away from me and I hang my head. I’m pressuring her and she’s had enough. I should just walk away before she starts hurling books at me.

Feeling defeated and embarrassed, I turn around.

“Here,” she says, a bit out of breath.

I turn back around and she hands me a notepad and pen. My smile is unstoppable as my pulse races with excitement.

Millie wants my help.

My eyes darken as I stare at her.

Fuck, I’ve never wanted something more in my life.