Page 25 of Gifted To His Dad

“Morning. Merry Christmas”

“Merry Christmas.” Warmth builds in my chest just as a yawn takes over. “I think I could’ve slept another six hours.”

“Were we too rough on you yesterday?” Griffin’s hot breath fans along the back of my neck as he places gentle kisses along the tender skin.

Cole brushes his knuckles over my cheeks. “Look at you blushing so pretty for us.”

A very naked Griffin presses his length against my back. “Let us help get you back to sleep.”

Cole kisses me while Griffin’s hands explore, lighting up every cell of my body. I’m gasping for breath by the time Cole takes my nipple into his mouth, and one of their hands descends between my thighs.

A phone rings on the night table, and I turn to get it.

Griffin gently bites my shoulder. “Just ignore it.”

I try. I really do, but after the call ends, they just call again, finally breaking all of my concentration.

Griffin groans, turning over, and grabs his phone. “Something better be on fire.”

Cole’s soft chuckle reverberates through me as he tucks me against his chest. “I’d hate to be whoever’s on the other end of that call.”

It’s not until Griffin goes quiet, listening carefully, that I realize something is really happening. I check his face, praying nothing tragic happened, but he looks frustrated, not sad.

“I’ll be there in a few hours. Don’t fuck it up before I get there,” he says and hangs up the phone.

Griffin leans over and places a gentle kiss on my temple. “I’ve got to go to work, Baby Girl. There’s a critical emergency at work I have to take care of.”

My ribs constrict around my lungs, but I put on a smile, not wanting either man to see how I’m feeling. This has always been the plan. It’s just happening a day early.

It doesn’t take long for Griffin to pack up his stuff and drop his bags at the door before turning to me. His brows are pulled low over his eyes, his mouth together in a thin line.

My throat grows thick, and the back of my eyes sting as I fight down this growing feeling.

He reaches out to me. “Come here.”

I take a step toward him, and he wraps me in a bear hug, tucking my head into his chest.

“I hate leaving you, Baby Girl. I don’t want to say goodbye.”

A small sob escapes my mouth before I can stop it, and he cups my face, pulling it back so he can see me. He swipes his thumbs under my eyes, catching my tears. “Don’t cry. I promise it’ll be okay.”

For his reassurance, he doesn’t let me go for several minutes, as if he doesn’t want to leave as much as I want him to stay. His lips take mine in a deep kiss that takes over my every thought.

It’s Cole who finally breaks us up, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his chest. “I’ve got her.”

“You better,” Griffin replies, then takes one last look at me before walking out the door.

Pain radiates through my chest, stealing my ability to breathe properly. I just want to curl up into a ball and pull the covers over my head.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you.” Cole sits me up and takes his time helping me dress. My legs feel weak as he lifts me off the ground, cradling me in his arms, and sits us on the living room couch. He runs his hands through my hair quietly until I’ve calmed down.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m reacting this way.” I sniff and stare up at the light, trying to stop the tears that threaten to overflow my lashes.

Cole kisses my forehead. “I’m sad too. What do you say if we head home tonight instead?”

I nod, half hating that it’s over, half glad that I don’t have to spend any more time here. How can it feel like everything just clicked into place to have it all snap apart a moment later?

I need to pull myself together before Cole’s feelings get hurt. It’s not like he offered to open up our relationship permanently.

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