Page 216 of The Coach

And just like that, my entire fucking world shifts.

Because she’s mine.

She’s been mine since the moment I laid eyes on her.

And now?

Now, she always will be.

Chapter Forty-Four

IVY

The first thing I feel is warmth.

A big, solid body curled behind me, rough fingertips tracing slow circles on my bare back. The engagement ring on my finger feels heavier this morning—more real somehow.

Then, a deep, sleepy voice rumbles against my ear.

“Morning, baby.”

I shiver, but not from the cold. The sheets are tangled around us, and Jackson’s body heat is keeping me plenty warm.

I stretch with a soft sigh, my legs brushing against his. His hand drifts lower, skimming over my hip, possessive and slow.

“Mm, morning.”

He presses a kiss to my shoulder, and then another, traveling down the bare expanse of my spine. I already know that look is in his eyes.

“Gotta make sure everyone knows you’re mine before I leave again.” His voice is rough, gravelly from sleep, but laced with something darker.

I smile lazily. “Oh yeah?”

Before I can process what’s happening, Jacksonmoves. Suddenly, he’s up, scooping me into his arms with that effortless strength of his.

I squeak, laughing as he carries me toward the master bathroom. “What are you?—”

He flips on the shower. “Christening our house, baby.”

“We already christened it!” I joke as he sets me down carefully.

The steam rises around us, curling in the morning light. His hands roam my curves, gripping my ass before lifting me against the cool tile.

“Hold on to me, baby.”

I do.

His mouth is everywhere—claiming, teasing, devouring. Water beads down his shoulders, running over every ridge of muscle as he pins me there, fitting his body to mine.

His lips brush my ear. “I need you one more time before I go. You’re the mother of my child—the one I love. And the one I’m going to protect and loveforever. I want you so much, baby.”

“I want you too, Jackson. I’m yours.”

It’s slow and deep, an unhurried possession that leaves me trembling, breathless, my nails digging into his skin.

This isn’t just sex.

It’s a promise.

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