down at her lying there. All teasing was gone from her features. Instead, she looked just as vulnerable as he felt.
“Don’t be mad, but I have to ask.”
“Ask what, Skye?”
Her eyes locked with his and Trent knew whatever she was about to ask was important. “Do you want to be with me because I’m, you know, ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ because you want to be famous?”
Trent’s answer was immediate. There was no thinking about it. “I like you in spite of it. I don’t want America’s Sweetheart. I want you, Skye. Just you. I don’t care if you ever act again. But I know it’s important to you, so I’ll support you in every way you need me to. Does that answer your question?”
Skye nodded and he felt that he’d passed a very important test. However, it did bring up a lot more questions. Questions that they’d need to discuss sooner rather than later if they were to take this relationship as seriously as they were talking about.
“Trent?”
“Yes, Skye?”
Trent watched as she kicked off her shoes and scooted back onto the bed. She reached down and slowly stripped off her clothing. “Come make love to your girlfriend.”
“You just want me to do that thing.” He smirked at her as he pulled his shirt over his head. He didn’t think she’d realized that she licked her lips as her eyes traveled over his chest and landed on his pants. He worked the button and zipper free and shoved them down.
“Oh yes, but I also have something I want to try.” She licked her lips again and Trent groaned as he reached for a condom and tossed it on the bed for easy access.
“Ladies first.” Trent’s voice rumbled as he leaned down, grabbed her ankles, and pulled her toward him.
Joining with Skye was like coming home. The excitement of knowing you’re near and then the feeling of welcome when you’ve finally arrived. The panting breaths, the sighs, and the tightness all felt like heaven. This was where he belonged. This was who he belonged with. Skye cried his name as she dug her fingers into his back and he was lost in her, around her, with her.
16
The morning sun slipped through the large trees outside and into the bedroom. Skye was used to her blackout curtains that shut out not only the morning sun, but also the world. That was why she found herself up so early.
Trent was asleep on his back and her head was snuggled into his arm with her back pressing against his side. They were both still nude from last night and she knew they needed to talk, but last night had been perfect. A thought stuck in her mind, though, and she wanted to talk it out. She would talk to Trent, but first she wanted to talk to Karri. While Trent was filling her heart and mind, Karri was still like a sister and always would be.
Skye reached for her phone slowly so she wouldn’t wake Trent.
Are you up? Skye texted Karri as she snuggled back against Trent’s warm body.
Yes. No blackout curtains. Although the sunrise is stunning.
Skye almost laughed out loud as she had the same thought about the curtains and the mornings. You know how I talked about wanting a private life?
Karri sent a GIF back of a woman saying, “Duh.”
Skye smiled at her phone and took a moment to just breathe in the Shadows Landing air from the open window. She looked out at the sunrise, heard the birds chirping and the river flowing.
I’m at peace here.
That’s all Skye needed to type. Karri would know what she meant.
Me too. So, we’re doing this? Even if things don’t work out with Mr. Hammer Hottie?
Skye looked at the text and knew right away what her answer was. Yes. The second she hit Send, she felt free. She’d made yet another move to take back control of her life. But things are going to work out. He’s the one. I know that too.
There was a pause, then a GIF saying, “You go, girl!” came through from Karri.
Skye smiled to herself but her heart suddenly felt heavy. She didn’t want to make this decision for them both. What do you want? You don’t have to stay with me. I can take care of myself now. Chase your dreams, Karri.
Skye waited as Karri took a long time to respond. I had a dream last night.
Dreams were very important to Karri. This could change everything. Skye saw that Karri was already