Page 122 of Rival
Gritting my teeth, I do my best to smile. “I’ll be fine. I just want this over with. Then I can go back to the house and get a heating pad or something.”
He studies me with worry for a moment, then lowers his voice. “Will you let me help you?” Holding up his hands and wiggling his fingers, he curls his lips up in a sympathetic smile. “I’ve got good hands that could at least try to ease some of the aches.”
I can’t help smiling at how earnest he seems. Things have been so awkward ever since I came back, but it seems to be only on my end. Griffin has been here every step of the way and hasn’t pushed me to talk about things. He knows I’m just trying to make it through my pregnancy, but I owe him a conversation. I owe it to all of them. Not just because I’d love some closure for my own peace of mind, but one of themisgoing to be a father.
Another pain shoots through my leg and it’s strong enough that I find myself gasping out, “Yes.”
There’s no sign of pleasure from my agreement because he’s watching me carefully, concerned every time I wince. It’s sweet, but I’ve been dealing with it for the past few weeks.
The couple purchasing my house is led into the conference room, along with their realtor and another employee of the title company we hired to oversee the closing.
I force myself to plaster on a pleasant smile and we work our way through the paperwork fairly easily. It’s not long before I’m happily handing over the keys to the property and watching as they leave the room, excited and whispering over their plans for their new home.
A small bit of longing hits me hard, wishing that place would have been a home to me, but it never was. I’ve always viewed it as my father’s house, which I was allowed to reside in, and had the job to keep it in running order. I never felt a sense of pride or ownership.
It’s the same with Jaxon’s home I’ve been staying in. I’m so thankful he’s given me the space to use, but I’m anxious to leave, evenifit’s incredibly wonderful there.
The pillows smell like him…
“Let’s get you home.” I wince when Griffin holds out a hand and I stand with his help. I’m sure he saw it, but I hope he thinks it was because of pain and not because he called Jaxon’s placehome.
It’s not a home if you haven’t been invited to make it your own.
On the drive back, Griffin and I don’t talk much because I’m shifting around in my seat in an attempt to get comfortable. I’m absolutely miserable and I think I should talk to my doctor about the pain. This can’t be normal. She mentioned I could use some over-the-counter pain relievers, and I read Tylenol was okay to take.
Griffin takes the keys from my hand and unlocks the door. As soon as I’m inside, I make a beeline for the bathroom where I know Jaxon has a medicine cabinet. I pick through the bottles until I find what I’m looking for.
As soon as I have them poured out in my hand, Griffin pushes a small glass of water toward me. After swallowing them down, I set the glass on the sink and dig my fingers into my lower back.
“Put your hands on the sink.”
My eyes fly to the mirror, and I see Griffin standing right behind me, watching intensely. He nods ever so slightly, so I shakily place my palms on either side of the sink, never taking my eyes off him.
Settling the tips of his fingers on my lower back, he digs his fingers into the muscles just above the curve on my butt. My eyes close as a gasp, turning fast into a groan, escapes my lips.
One of his hands glides up my spine to the back of my neck and I let my head fall, my hair hiding his reflection in the mirror. He grips it gently, guiding me to bend over a bit more. I follow, adjusting my position so my forearms are now supporting my weight and he brings that hand back to my lower back, now working his fingers carefully along the top part of my hips.
He digs into my sides, and I want to cry it feels so good. Instantaneously, the ever-present shocks of nerve pain dissipateand I’m left with only a dull ache as he works my body under his fingers.
“Is this helping?” he murmurs. All I’m capable of is a nod, which I do with as much exuberance as I can muster, and I blush when he chuckles.
He continues working on my back and I’m honestly afraid my knees are going to give out underneath me. Pressing my palms against the cool marble of Jaxon’s counter, I spread my fingers and shift my feet a tad wider so I don’t collapse.
Griffin rolls his fingers over my hips again, stretching them far enough that it feels as if he’s holding them the same way Mason did when he slammed into me in a similar position.
It takes great effort not to push my body back into his. This is only a massage. Not once has he pushed for more, so my hormones can just get in the backseat and allow Griffin to drive.
He interrupts the silence, leaning over my prone position to ask, “Would it be easier if you laid down?”
“No. This is… this is perfect. Just like this. Please don’t stop.”
I swear I hear a rumble escape from him, but when I lift my head to glance at him in the mirror, he seems to have himself controlled. But those eyes are focused hard, and I can’t drag mine away.
Running a firmer hand up my spine again, he squeezes the back of my neck harder this time, then shifts closer. “Darlin’, I want to make you feel better,” he rumbles out, and I realize he’s more affected by this than I thought. He’s also lettingmemake the call.
My legs are trembling as I part them wider, removing even more pressure from my hips, and I feel my wetness pooling within my folds. The books say when you’re pregnant, your libido might increase, which apparently, mine has. But what theydon’tsay is how quickly desire will slam into you and make your brain absolute mush.
His lids are heavy, mouth parting slightly as he moves even closer, and I feel the warmth of his body heating me.
