I can’t and I won’t. Not without Callahan here too. Not without my plan.

I’m about to start counting sheep when Nik shifts under me, a groan vibrating his chest against my face. The small sleepy movement has his thigh glide against my pussy and I lose it. I bite my lip to muffle a whimper and my eyes roll behind their lids. My orgasm rolls through my whole body with a hot flush and my cunt pulses around nothing.

I almost faint when a strong hand grabs one side of my ass andsqueezes. Either Nik thinks I’m Callahan in his sleepy state, or he’s unconsciously needing me too.

Nothing good will come from overthinking this. It couldn’t be controlled, and it can’t be changed.

Newly relaxed and satiated, my mind drifts and I fall back into a deep sleep. I dream that I don’t have to let go of him when we wake up.

* * *

Somehow I manage to get myself together and get out of my apartment before Nik wakes up. Thank god he’s a heavy morning sleeper. The man would sleep until noon every day if he didn’t run an empire worth hundreds of billions of dollars with Callahan.

I feel a little bad for running off without a goodbye, but I had to. I need to keep myself together until the time is right. Plus, I can’t feeltoobad. I left him with a text apologizing and explaining that I needed to leave.

Ivy:

Sorry to run out! I have girl errands to take care of and I didn’t want to wake you. Stay as long as you like, Gouda was already cuddling up with you when I left.

It takes a half hour for him to reply.

Nik:

I feel abandoned.

I could have come with you, you know? I don’t have work today.

I shake my head at the prospect of Nik coming to the wax salon and then lingerie shopping with me. No way.

Well,maybeone day. But certainly not today.

Ivy:

Personal errands, sorry! Go see Cal for lunch, I’m sure he’d love that.

Nik:

Good idea, you can join us.

I groan. Why does he have to be so sweet and considerate?

Ivy:

I’ll be really busy. Probably grab something fast. I’ll see you for Christmas dinner, though!

And Christmas afternoon.

Nik:

I have to wait three days to see you again? Pchelka, you wound me.

How will I survive?

How will Cal survive? He’ll be going even longer since he couldn’t come last night.

I bite back a smile. I adore how much we all miss each other when we’re not around.

Ivy: