28. Skylar

“I”m going to go shower,” I whisper, tracing random designs on Tucker’s stomach.

“Oh yeah? Alone?” Amusement fills his voice. I don’t need to look at him to know he’s smirking at me.

“I mean… it doesn’t have to be alone.” I peek up at him through my lashes and sure enough, the smirk covering his lips is just what I imagined.

“I wanna check on Riley, then I’ll join you.” He pulls me back into his arms, kissing me firmly before pulling away. “I’m so fucking happy you’re back, Sky.”

“Me too.”

Happiness isn’t an adequate description of how I feel right now. I feel weightless, free, unlike ever before. There are no expectations I need to live up to and I”m done running from my past. Life is good… no, perfect.

Turning the knobs, I wait for the water to heat up before I climb under the spray. Warmth seeps into my skin, making me groan as my body relaxes. There’s nothing better than a nice hot shower.

The door opens and shuts quietly, then the shower curtain is being pulled aside and the man of my dreams is stepping in. My gaze instantly rakes his body, loving how he’s all mine.

Tucker’s always been attractive. Marissa wasn’t the first girl I had to shoo away from him over the years and I’m sure she won”t be the last.

But Tucker’s changed. He no longer has the boyish features he had when I left, now he’s all man. He’s sculpted in a way he wasn’t before. He’s defined, but not bulky. Dark hair dusts his chest and stubble coats his jawline. I don’t believe in perfection, but Tucker’s about as perfect as a human can be.

“Jeez, baby, are you trying to melt your skin off?” He jumps back when his hand hits the water.

“It feels so good.”

“I think you’re delirious. The scorching water is probably boiling your brain.”

“If I turn it down, will you stop complaining?” I arch a brow.

“Yes, your skin will too,” he mutters under his breath.

I twist the knob until the water temperature cools a bit, then pull him under the spray. Dragging his head down to meet mine, I kiss him softly, slowly, enjoying him. His arms slip around my waist, yanking me flush against him. One hand moves up my back until it’s tangling in my hair, the other falls to my ass, squeezing my flesh.

I explore every inch of him, never severing our kiss. Tucker conveys every emotion he has through his lips. He makes me feel loved and cherished, like I”m the only person in his world. When we pull back, we’re both breathless.

“If you keep looking at me like that, I”m going to slide back inside of you,” he growls, resting his hands on my hips.

“Maybe that’s what I”m hoping for.” I smirk up at him.

“Baby… it’s past midnight. Riley will be awake at five in the morning.”

“Are you getting old, Mr. Donahue?”

“Why, yes, I am, Ms. Barren. Riley even found a gray hair the other day.” He chuckles softly.

“Fine! But you owe me tomorrow.” I point a finger in his face. He nips at it, before he pulls my back into his arms.

We shampoo and wash each other’s bodies, taking so long the hot water turns icy. I jump out of the shower, slipping and nearly face planting on the bathroom sink, but strong arms wrap around my waist, saving me from a broken… something.

“I’ve got you, babe.” His warm breath fans over my neck, making a shiver roll through my body.

Tucker engulfs me in a fluffy towel, drying every inch of my body. He takes the towel, quickly soaking up the water from his own body, then he’s lifting me into his arms. After placing me in the center of the bed, he throws on a pair of sweatpants and tugs a shirt over my head. He climbs into bed with me, being the big spoon to my little spoon.

It only takes a few minutes for my eyes to drift closed. Soon, I”m dreaming of my future with Tucker. How perfect our life could be together with a few kids running around our house. It sounds as close to perfection as life can get.

“Daddy... Daddy?” Riley’s soft voice pulls me from my dream. She shakes Tucker’s arm, but he isn’t waking up.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” I sit up a little bit so I”m able to see her.

“It’s time to get up!” She’s way too excited for… I glance at the clock, letting out a small groan. Tucker’s right. Five in the morning on the dot.

“How about we let Daddy sleep? He’s old, I even saw a gray hair last night.” I scrunch my nose. Riley covers her mouth, a little snicker filling the silence.

“Ok. I”m hungry, could we make something?”

“Of course.” I tap her nose, rising from the bed. I quickly find another pair of Tucker’s sweatpants and slide them on before following Riley into the kitchen. “Do you like pancakes?”

“Yes! Daddy’s horrible at making them though.” She frowns.

“That’s because I always made him pancakes. Mine are extra good and were always Daddy’s favorite.”

The front door opens and shuts, making me freeze in my spot. My wide eyes find Riley’s, but she just giggles at me.

“It’s Uncle Colt. He comes every Saturday for breakfast.”

“Damn, Skysky, what are you doing here?” Amusement fills his voice, making me groan. The sun isn’t even up yet, it’s too early to deal with Colt.

“She had a sleepover last night.” Riley smiles up at him.

“Oh really?” Colt turns his attention to me. A slow devilish smirk spreads, lighting up his entire face.

“Don’t you dare say a word.”

“Hey, Riles? Where’d Skylar sleep?”

“In Daddy’s bed.” Riley blinks up at Colt. She’s so innocent, I could never be mad at her. Colt moves so his lips are almost touching my ear.

“What else did you do in Tucker’s bed?” He steps back, wiggling his eyebrows.

Pulling my fist back, I slam it into his shoulder, making him yelp in pain.

“What the hell, Skylar! That hurt!” He rubs his shoulder, glaring at me.

“I told you not to say a word.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I return his glare just as hard.

“Ah, I see Colt’s here.” Tucker wraps his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. “And he’s already tormenting my girl.”

“He’s not tormenting me, Daddy. Uncle Colt is the best!”

Tucker’s chest shakes against my back with laughter.

“Wait… Are you making pancakes?” Tucker spins me around to face him.

“I am.”

“With chocolate chips?” The hope filling his features makes me giggle.

“If that’s what my boyfriend wants.”

“He does. He really, really does.”

“So does his best friend!” Colt raises his hand.

“I like chocolate chips in my pancakes too!” Riley tugs on my arm.

Riley works with me, making one pancake after another. Colt and Tucker are eating them almost as fast as we can make them.

“Hey, buster! Leave some for us!” Riley points a finger in Colt’s face.

“But they’re so good! Skysky used to make these for us every weekend when we were teenagers. I forgot how much I love your cooking.” He winks at me, trying to get back on my good side.

“You’re going to have to do a whole lot more than just compliment my pancakes to get back on my good side.” I raise a brow, daring him to argue.

“At least I”m on her good side. I made her plenty happy last night.” Tucker smirks, biting into his bottom lip, his gaze runs up and down my body. My cheeks heat and my gaze flies to Colt, hoping he didn’t catch Tucker’s meaning. Based on the shit-eating grin, he heard. Here we go…

“Oh, really?” Colton moves closer, his gaze focused solely on me.