Page 20 of Dad Bod Secret Santa

“You two be good,” Hank says. “I trust you’ll respect Uncle Jax and follow his instructions.”

“Of course, Dad,” Vivian says.

The cabin is suddenly, wonderfully still. Hank turns to me, his eyes dark with desire. “Finally,” he murmurs, “we’re alone.”

This time, when we kiss, there’s no hesitation, no holding back. I melt into him, relishing the solid warmth of his chest against mine, his hands spanning my back and drawing me closer. When we finally break apart, both breathing heavily, I’m dizzy with want.

“We should talk,” Hank says softly, though his hands don’t leave my waist. His thumbs trace small circles on my hips, each touch sending sparks through my body. For the first time with a man, I don’t feel like I have to suck in my stomach or hide my body. Hank has shown he loves me as I am and my body as it is.

“We should,” I agree, even as I press closer, aching to kiss him more and make love to him.

We move to the couch, and Hank takes my hands in his. “Maggie,” he begins, his voice husky. “This past week...” He pauses, struggling to find the right words. “You’ve taken me completely by surprise.”

My heart skips. “I know what you mean,” I say softly.

“To tell the truth, I’ve had feelings for you since we first met. But you were with your ex then.”

This is news to me. All this time? Has my perfect man been right in front of me, even when I was with the wrong man? “Really?”

“Of course? Why wouldn’t I be attracted to you? You’re amazing with your daughter, you’re gorgeous, and now I know you’re as exceptional a woman as I thought you were. In fact, you’re more amazing than I thought you were.”

“Thank you,” I say, beaming with love at this wonderful man.

He hesitates, looking into the fire. “Vivian’s mom, Karen, left when Vivian was a toddler,” he says, his voice strained and sad. “One day, after I was home from my final deployment, she decided she didn’t want that life anymore. She walked out on us, and I had to figure out how to be enough for Vivian alone.”

I reach out, my hand finding his, relishing the warmth of his skin under my palm. “Hank, I’m so sorry. That must have been incredibly hard.”

He nods, his gaze steady on mine. “It was,” he admits, his fingers shifting slightly to hold on to mine. “For a long time, I thought I’d never…never have anything left to give anyone. It felt like Karen took everything I had to give.”

I take a deep breath. “My ex left, too, though not for the same reasons. I’m not sure how much Wendy has told Vivian andwhat you’ve heard.” I pause, experiencing a familiar pang of insecurity. “He…well, he’s in the Bahamas now. With someone a lot younger. I’m not even sure he’ll remember to call Wendy today.”

Hank’s jaw tightens as he listens. “I’m sorry to hear that, Maggie. Regardless of what happened with the two of you, he should be here for Wendy.” His voice is filled with restrained anger, and somehow, I don’t hate it.

“It’s…He left because after I had Wendy, my body changed,” I say, the words tumbling out. I'm surprised that I don’t feel the need to hide this from Hank. “He couldn’t handle that I didn’t look the same as before.” The words are heavy and raw. I look down, feeling like I’ve said too much. “He told me he didn’t find me attractive anymore.”

Hank’s fingers tighten around mine, his eyes darkening. “What the fuck is wrong with that man?”

I look up in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“There’s nothing wrong with your body, Maggie.” He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my palm. “I want everything with you. A relationship, a future. I want to wake up to your smile and fall asleep holding you. I want our girls to be sisters.”

My heart swells at his words, but old insecurities flutter in my stomach like trapped butterflies. “Hank, I’m not...” I swallow hard, forcing myself to voice my fears. “I mean, my body isn’t what it used to be. After Wendy... I have stretch marks. I’m softer now, and—”

“Stop,” he says firmly, cupping my face. His eyes bore into mine with a fierce intensity. “You’re perfect exactly as you are. Every inch of you is beautiful to me. Those marks? They tell the story ofhow you brought our incredible daughter into the world. They’re part of who you are, and I love who you are, Maggie. All of you.”

Tears prick at my eyes. “I love you, too.” So many emotions overwhelm me that I don’t know if my heart can hold them all.

“Let me show you how much,” he murmurs.

He moves so that he’s kneeling in front of me, and I take off my blouse. Hank inhales sharply, his eyes flaring as he looks at me with such deep lust that I ache with anticipation. In moments, he’s kissing my breasts, tracing his tongue over my stretch marks—which I swear has to be the fucking hottest thing a man has ever done with me. My body shivers as he licks and kisses his way down my stomach and making me squirm.

“I need more,” I moan, lifting my hips and rushing to get out of my pants.

“Let me help you,” Hank grins, and suddenly I’m naked in front of him. For the first time since I had Wendy, I don’t feel ashamed about my body. Hank is looking at me with such fierce desire and love, it’s overwhelming me in the best possible way.

Hank returns to his place kneeling before me, and slowly kisses my stomach, while gripping my hips and moving me closer to the edge of the couch.

“Fuck, I’ve waited so long to taste you,” he moans, then kisses the insides of my thighs, teasing me with his hot tongue. I squirm, trying to lift my hips up for him, but he firmly holds me in the position he wants. He looks up at me, smiling and with a wicked glint in his eyes.

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