Page 27

Chapter Twenty-Six

Savannah

The bathroom fills with steam as Jamie sets me down on the cool tile floor. He turns on the water, letting it heat up while his hands move to my hips, pushing the sheet away.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” he murmurs, his fingers tracing gentle circles on my skin.

I’m still a little sore from last night, and he notices immediately. His touch softens as he grabs a washcloth and lathers it with soap.

“Jamie, I can do it myself,” I protest, even though I don’t mean it.

He raises a brow. “Oh, yeah? And miss this view?” His eyes flick down, and his grin turns wicked. “Not a chance.”

I roll my eyes but let him work. The cloth glides over my arms, down my sides, and across my thighs. When he kneels to clean between them, his movements are slow, careful, and so damn tender it makes my chest ache.

“You’re being way too sweet,” I say, trying to ignore the heat rising in my cheeks.

He looks up at me, his face all fake innocence. “Too sweet? You’re the one who let us ruin you last night.”

“Jamie!” I swat at him, but he just laughs, the sound echoing in the small space.

“You loved it,” he teases, standing to kiss my shoulder.

“Maybe,” I admit, my voice soft.

He grins, pulling me under the spray of water. “Good. Now shut up and let me take care of you.”

The water cascades over us, washing away the soap and any lingering soreness. Jamie’s hands roam my body, his touch becoming less about cleaning and more about exploring.

“You’re fucking gorgeous,” he says, his voice rough as his lips find the curve of my neck.

I shiver, pressing closer to him. “Jamie…”

“Shh,” he murmurs, his hands sliding to my hips. “Let me.”

Before I know it, he’s pinning me against the cool tiles, his body pressed against mine. The contrast of heat and cold sends a thrill through me, making my breath hitch.

His mouth crashes against mine, hot and demanding, and I cling to his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin.

“You drive me fucking crazy,” he mutters, his lips moving down my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

My laugh turns into a gasp as he grips my hips, lifting me easily. “Jamie…”

“Shh,” he murmurs, his voice low and full of promise. “Just enjoy this.”

I wrap my legs around his waist, feeling the strength of him as he aligns us. And then he’s there, filling me in one smooth thrust that steals the air from my lungs.

The water pounds down, mingling with the sounds of our ragged breaths and soft moans. My fingers tangle in his wet hair as he moves, his rhythm steady and sure.

“Jamie…” I breathe, my head falling back against the tiles.

“Look at me,” he demands, his voice rough.

I force my eyes open, meeting his intense gaze. His jaw is tight, his eyes blazing as he watches me fall apart under him.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against mine.

The world narrows to just him—the heat of his body, the strength of his hands, and the way he knows exactly how to leave me completely undone.

When the end comes, it’s like a wave crashing over me, pulling me under. Jamie holds me steady, his forehead resting against mine as he follows, his breath ragged in my ear.

We stay there for a moment, the water cooling around us as our breathing slows.

“Okay,” I finally say, my voice shaky but teasing. “Now you’re just showing off.”

Jamie laughs, pulling back to look at me. “Damn right I am.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” he says, kissing me one last time before setting me back on my feet.

I grab the towel he hands me, wrapping it around myself as he steps out to dry off.

“Come on,” he says, flashing me that mischievous grin again. “Let’s see if Troy’s made coffee yet.”

I’m still flushed when I make it to the kitchen. My hair is damp, wrapped up in a messy bun, and I’ve thrown on one of Troy’s oversized hoodies. The fabric smells like him—woodsy and warm.

Troy’s in the living room with Noah, who’s babbling at his toys while Troy adjusts a small blanket around him. Jamie’s taken off to grab his gear for practice, leaving me to figure out breakfast.

“Pickles,” I mumble, pulling the jar from the fridge. It’s not the most conventional snack, but my stomach growls, and I grab one before grabbing the eggs and bread.

By the time I’ve got the pan heating, Jamie strolls back in, eyeing me with amusement.

“Pickles? Really?” He leans against the counter, smirking. “Not exactly a breakfast food, sweetheart.”

I wave a half-eaten one at him. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”

He chuckles, stealing the jar and popping one into his mouth. “Fine. But if you ruin breakfast with this…”

“Please.” I roll my eyes. “I’m a fantastic cook.”

By the time the eggs are sizzling and the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, Troy joins us. Noah’s in his arms, looking entirely too smug for a toddler.

“Smells good,” Troy says, setting Noah in his high chair. He brushes a kiss against my temple as he moves past me.

“Sit,” I tell him, plating the food. “It’s almost ready.”

We’re halfway through breakfast when Jamie finally brings it up.

“So…about last night,” he starts, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

I pause mid-bite, looking between the two of them. Troy raises a brow but says nothing, letting Jamie take the lead.

“What about it?” I ask, feigning innocence.

Jamie smirks. “You enjoyed it.”

Heat creeps up my neck, but I refuse to look away. “I mean…yeah.”

Troy’s grin spreads slowly. “Good. We’d hate for it to feel like…too much.”

I snort, shaking my head. “Oh, it was definitely too much. In the best way.”

Jamie leans back in his chair, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “That’s what we like to hear.”

I roll my eyes but smile. “Okay, fine. Yes, I enjoyed it. A lot. Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” Jamie teases. Then his expression sobers slightly. “But we need to talk about something else.”

I tilt my head, watching him closely. “What’s that?”

“We didn’t use condoms,” Troy says, his voice steady but serious.

The reminder sends a fresh wave of heat through me, but I nod. “Yeah, I noticed.”

Jamie leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “We get tested every season. Full physicals. We’re clean.”

“That’s…good to know,” I say, my cheeks warming.

“But,” Troy cuts in, “we should probably talk about a more permanent solution.”

I blink at him. “You mean…?”

“Family planning,” Jamie says bluntly. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

I set my fork down, mulling it over. “I can grab the morning-after pill today. But yeah, maybe something more long-term makes sense.”

Troy nods. “We’ll help with whatever you need. Jade knows a great gynecologist. We can set something up.”

“I can handle it on my own,” I say, but Jamie’s already shaking his head.

“Nope. We’re coming with you.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I argue. “I don’t need an entourage to discuss birth control.”

“It’s not negotiable,” Jamie says firmly. “We’re in this together.”

Troy reaches across the table, covering my hand with his. “He’s right. We’ll be there.”

I sigh, but their determination is oddly reassuring. “Fine. But I’m still stopping by the pharmacy today.”

“Deal,” Troy says with a small smile.

After breakfast, I move to the counter to start baking. I want to make some more cookies and try out a few holiday pie recipes I’ve discovered.

The guys stick around, helping where they can—Troy chopping fruit for a pie filling, Jamie stealing bites of dough when he thinks I’m not looking.

“You’re amazing,” Jamie says, popping a piece of stolen dough into his mouth.

I swat at him with a spoon. “Stop eating it raw!”

Troy chuckles from across the room, Noah giggling on his hip. “She’s got a point, Jamie.”

Jamie grins but backs off, watching me with that familiar mischievous glint in his eye.

When the pie’s finally in the oven, they pull me close, wrapping me in their warmth.

“Thanks for breakfast,” Troy murmurs against my hair.

“And for putting up with us,” Jamie adds, kissing my forehead.

I laugh softly, letting myself sink into their embrace. For the first time in a long time, everything feels…right.