Page 50 of Secret Baby for the Triplets

“My turn,” he gasps. “You ready?”

“Oh, fuck yes!”

He tenses, a final groan tearing from his throat as his release overtakes him. His arms tighten around me, holding me firmly against his chest as tremors course through his body. His heartbeat thunders against my back, quick and erratic, while his lips find my neck, trailing tender, appreciative kisses across my flushed skin. As our breathing gradually steadies and the haze of pleasure begins to clear, he eases us both down to the futon, rolling to his side and bringing me with him, a satisfied smile warming his features.

“You good?” he asks tenderly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I cup his face. “I’m better than good,” I promise him. “I think I might just sleep tonight, after all.”

“Good. Then my work here is done.”

* * *

To my utter relief, Mae did not bring Will with her. It’s not that I don’t like Will—I do—but I want my alone time with my best friend today.

“He got called into work,” she explains, jumping out of her little sedan and looking around the property in awe. “And he is going to be pissed that he missed this! Look at this place!”

I embrace my friend. “He can come next time.”

She drops her bag on the ground and returns my hug. “Emmy! How did you end up here? And how can I get a job here, too?”

“I’m sure I can find you a position mucking out stables.” I pick up her duffle and wave her into the coach house as she checks out one of the ranch hands walking by, her eyes popping in disbelief. “God have mercy! Who is that?!”

“I can’t remember his name,” I answer honestly. “There are a bunch of them. I’ll take you around later and introduce you.”

Mae follows me inside, whistling under her breath as she takes in the cute accommodations. “It’s like the most darling home that ever was!” she squeals. “I honestly don’t understand why you didn’t tell me about this.” She eyes me suspiciously. “Is this some mob front or something? Some money laundering scheme? You running drugs out of here?”

I hoot and swat at her, closing the door. “No! Stop it. I told you. I’m the ranch administrator, and this place has been here for fifty years. You looked it up.”

Mae nods in agreement. “Yeah, I did, and Will checked it out too. It’s legit. I just don’t understand what all the secrecy was about.”

She peers at me, and I look away, knowing she can read something hidden on my face. “Spill it, Emmy.”

“What?” I ask evasively, ushering her inside. “You want iced tea?”

“No. I want you to tell me why you look as guilty as a hooker in church.”

“You know you can’t say shit like that anymore, right?” I tell her dryly.

“Tell it to my politically incorrect grandmother, Emmy,” she shoots back. “And stop changing the subject.”

“I’m pregnant.”

Mae’s knees buckle, and she reaches out to steady herself. “What?” she gasps, paling.

Maybe I shouldn’t have sprung it on her like that.

“Sorry.” I reach out to steady her. “Are you okay?”

“Me?” she cries. “Areyouokay? What do you mean you’re pregnant? Does your mom know? Who’s the daddy? Please don’t tell me you reconciled with that dumb prick software developer with the personality of a dehydrated turnip!”

I lead her to the futon and wince, thinking of what Owen and I did on it last night. Mae doesn’t need to know about that.

“I’m fine, and no, it’s not his baby,” I tell her. “I wouldn’t get back together with him.”

“Okay…” She inhales. “Is that why you left Austin so fast?”

I nod and swallow, deciding to tell Mae everything. I need an ally, and she is my best friend. And if things go south, I’m going to need a backup plan.

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