He waited, holding on as he ground into her as she rode out her orgasm, only letting himself go when she was through. He picked up his pace, but it only took three more hard thrusts before he came harder than he ever had before, releasing inside her.
He collapsed on top of her, breathing in the mixed scent of sweat on her skin and the sweet fragrance she’d used tonight. He inhaled, taking in her essence.
“Are you sniffing me?” she asked.
He let out a low chuckle. “I might be.” He reached down and tickled her sides, causing her to giggle before he rolled off her, separating them and definitely feeling the loss.
“I’m going to get rid of the condom,” he said, rolling to the side and putting his feet on the floor.
He headed to the bathroom and cleaned up, returning just as she sighed, stretching her lithe body out on the bed.
“God, that was good,” she murmured.
“Just good?” He lay back down by her side, looking into her eyes.
Her expression softened. “No, it wasn’t just good. It was incredible,” she murmured, reaching out and running her hand over his cheek.
Thank God. Because it had been a life-altering experience for him. Quinn wasn’t just a good fuck. Hell, she wasn’t even a passing fling. He wanted her in his life for good. He just knew better than to think he could keep her.
* * *
After Quinn fell asleep, Austin rose and walked out of the bedroom. He flipped on the hall light and stepped into Jenny’s room. A night-light lit the room and, along with the hallway glow, gave him a good view of the baby.
She slept on her back, as Quinn had explained to him was necessary, and every so often, little baby sounds escaped from her mouth. She was perfection, from her flawless skin to her tiny nose. Even so, he made a mental note to make an appointment with a pediatrician and have her looked at. The first week had been too full of adjustments for him to have even thought of taking her to a doctor for a checkup. But he wanted to make certain she was as healthy as she appeared.
He drew in a deep breath, watching her sleep, and a warm feeling flowed through him, settled in his chest, and remained. He stayed for a good twenty minutes, aware of the thoughts going through his head, what they meant for his life and his future, waiting for a feeling of panic to surface. None did.
And as he headed back to his room and settled in with Quinn, pulling her into his arms, he was still sure he planned on doing the right thing. Even if it cost him the woman he was certain he loved.
* * *
Quinn rose to the sound of the baby crying. She paused for a brief moment, cataloguing the good aches and pains in her body. She’d even woken up in the middle of the night to find Austin’s head between her thighs, his mouth on her sex, his tongue toying with her clit. He’d been voracious. She’d been his plaything, and all he’d cared about was her pleasure.
She moaned at the memory and Jenny cried once more.
Austin lifted his head and met her gaze.
“Diaper or bottle?” she asked the usual question.
That had been their routine. One of them would choose who took what job and they did it. Together.
“Bottle,” he said.
She knew he’d become an expert at either making one from scratch or warming it up from the fridge, and she was impressed with his new skill. In fact, she doubted he even needed her to help anymore, whether his mother was back or not, but she was reluctant to bring up the question. She wasn’t ready to leave him just yet. Soon. But right now she wanted to enjoy what little time she had left.
“I’ll get her.” Quinn pulled on one of Austin’s tee shirts and walked barefoot to the baby’s room. Austin headed for the kitchen.
“Hey, little girl. Good morning.” Sunlight had just begun to stream through the blinds, and Jenny’s little face looked up at her. “Are you ready for the whole family to descend for football Sunday?”
According to Austin, it was a family tradition to watch the games together whenever they could when Damon or Jaxon was playing. Damon was at the end of preseason and he probably wouldn’t play much. The teams tended to protect their better players, keeping them unhurt until the season officially began, but he’d told Austin he expected to have some playing time. But Jaxon would be on the field.
Quinn picked Jenny up and cuddled her against one shoulder. “Austin’s mom will be here if she’s better, and his uncle Paul and Ron. Bri is coming, too. You remember Bri, right?” She babbled to the baby and walked to the small makeshift changing table they’d put together on the dresser. “I think I’ll call Evie and invite her, too.” Quinn wouldn’t mind having her best friend by her side today.