I focused on what she was wearing and smiled. “That’s cute and yes, women wear shorts sets to bed.” I set down the toothbrush and moved closer. “I think they’re normally a bit shorter or sleeveless when night sets but so what? As long as you’re not going to bed in something uncomfortable—who cares, Aurora?”
“I don’t. I just wanted to explain.”
I leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. “I like knowing where your head is, and I’m very glad you want to be a couple who communicates well, but you don’t need to explain anything to me.”
“I want us to,” she whispered. “Not because we have to. I want us to be the team.”
“Me too.” It was true.
And terrifying. I’d never been a team with a woman.
Here was to learning how to be one.
13
Aurora
I woke with a large hand cupping my breast… And I was fine. I think realizing that worried me more than I had been shocked there was a hand touching me so intimately.
Did that even make sense? Had my brain unplugged?
Creed took in a sharp breath behind me, letting me know he was waking up. His hand moved a bit, but then he flinched before bolting upright.
“I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry, Aurora,” he whispered, swearing a couple more times.
“It’s fine,” I forgave.
“No, it’s not, and I’m such a fucking asshole. You had—you asked for something so simple—I couldn’t even do one—”
I sat up and moved my fingers over his lips, giving him a smile. “I’m fine. It was an accident, and I realized I’m okay. So let’s just accept that and now we know.” I nodded when he did. “And that was maybe the best night’s sleep I ever had.”
He kissed my fingers and leaned away. “Me too. I’m not sure I’ve ever slept feeling so…” He shook his head. “I’m not sure but good.”
“Good.” That wasn’t the right thing to say, but it was all I had at the moment, so I was grateful when he left it alone and simply gave me a heated good morning kiss.
Yes, I was definitely a fan of sleeping with a man in my bed as long as the man was Creed.
We got ready for the day, both of us chuckling that he showered but put on the same clothes he’d been wearing. I prepared everything for breakfast and was glad that Ha-joon had offered to bring over some food as well.
It was still awkward to let them in and have this discussion with Ellie, Theresa, and Ha-joon. I was definitely relieved when Alexis and my doctor were both able to make it and showed up.
Alexis greeted me but then handed something to Creed. “That’s from Gerald. He wouldn’t tell me what it was, but he said it’s solid and done. Also, he’s boasting about it at his next family party—whatever that means.”
Creed snorted. “Of course he is.” He took it and looked lighter somehow. “Thank you. Really.”
“Just tell me what it is because the suspense is killing me,” she grumbled, shooting me a worried look like she thought it involved me.
I set out everything the others brought and then everyone made a plate, bringing them into the living room.
“You’re really going to do it, aren’t you?” Theresa demanded. “You’re going to mate the mob lawyer and—”
“Shut up,” Creed snapped. “She’s your mom, not your fucking—you piss me off.” He sighed and set his plate aside when I couldn’t hide my shock. Then he knelt in front of me and handed me the envelope Alexis had given him. “No matter what you decide, you helped me and gave me the way to cut the leash I was still on. I wanted to do the same for you.”
I set my plate on the table and took the envelope. I opened it and my hand immediately started shaking as I read what was inside.
Divorce papers.
Filedand processed divorce papers.
