Page 23 of Griffin

“She fell asleep,” I repeat, reaching out to grab my keys. “She’s okay.”

Griffin shakes his head in disbelief.

“Wow. You’regood, I’ll give you that. It usually takes me five stories to get her to consider closing her eyes.”

I smile, pleased that Melody is comfortable with me.

“So, tomorrow, what time do you leave?” I ask, avoiding making eye contact with him.

This is absurd.

Griffin clears his throat.

“Six forty.”

“I’ll be here before that. What time does she need to be at school?”

Griffin answers easily. “Eight fifty.”

“Okay, great, I’ll be here.”

Griffin grins, and he reaches out to pull me into a hug.

I’m not expecting it, but when his hands wrap around me, I close my eyes and imagine him doing this and wanting me like a man wants a woman.

God, he smells so good. Fresh air, cologne, and just … man. His arms tighten around me just before he releases me, and he steps back, looking alarmed.

“Sorry, I’m just really grateful,” he mumbles, cringing.

“It’s okay; I like hugs. But, I better go; I’m wiped.”

If my shaking legs will carry me, that is.

Griffin nods, watching me walk to the door.

“I can pay you weekly? I get paid on Fridays if that works for you?”

I stifle a yawn, waving a hand at him.

I’m not doing this for the money or the eye candy. I’m doing it for Melody.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Thanks. See you in the morning.”

Griffin leans in the doorway, watching me until I’m in my car. I can feel his gaze on my back, burning into me like raw electricity.

I back out of his drive and give him a little wave, which he returns, still watching me. I’m halfway down the street when he finally closes his door, the light going off.

He’s so nice.

So. Nice.

When I get home, Dad is mirroring his best friend by snoozing on the sofa. He wakes as soon as I close the door, glancing around him like he’s been awake the whole time.

“Hey, Daddy.” I drop a kiss on his head and go to the kitchen, yawning.

“Hey, how was Melody?” Dad peers over the sofa at me, rubbing his tired eyes.

I fill a glass with water and nod while gulping.

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