Hours later, I step out of the bathroom after my nighttime grooming routine—face washed and glazing from moisturizer, teeth brushed, and hair wrapped in a silk bonnet—to find Silver already in bed.
He’s propped up against the headboard, the comforter peeled back, his broad chest in full view (he always sleeps shirtless). Even with the bandage still wrapped around his thigh and his cane propped against the nightstand, he’s sexy and masculine.
He looks like my fantasy.
I pad over to the bed in my baggy nightshirt, a grin tugging at my lips.
“You know,” I tease as I crawl onto the mattress beside him, “with that cane, I really do feel like I’m dating an older man.”
Silver makes a low, growly noise in his chest—the same kind that sends a shiver down my spine—and reaches for me. His large hands grip my waist and pull me toward him. Before I can say another word or even begin to protest, his mouth is on mine.
The kiss is hot and hungry, his lips claiming mine with a possessiveness that makes me forget the rest of my train of thought. His fingers dig into my hips as he angles my head just right, deepening the kiss ’til I’m breathless.
He tastes like the mint toothpaste he brushed his teeth with, and I’m sure I do too. I melt into him, my hands sliding up his bare chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath my palms.
When he finally pulls away, we’re both breathing harder than before.
“I’m old enough to spank you if need be,” he rumbles, his blue eyes glinting with amusement. “Don’t forget that.”
I giggle, nipping at his lower lip. “Sounds more like a reward than a punishment.”
He groans, and then we’re kissing again—playful this time, trading pecks and teasing bites. His hands roam under my nightshirt, warm against my bare skin. I arch into him instinctively, right away seeking more of his touch.
We’re so silly at times, which would probably surprise most people. Silver lets his fingers tickle the sides of my stomach, and I squirm into him, nipping at his jaw as I hold in the laughter.
It’s just one of the many ways we’ve learned to be affectionate with each other. Tangled up in bed making games out of how much we enjoy each other’s touch.
Eventually, we settle down, my head resting on his chest, his arm wrapped securely around me.
“Tabby came by earlier,” I confess, letting my fingers run over his sparse chest hairs.
Silver cocks a brow, glancing down at me. “Yeah? That’s news to me. What’d she want?”
I summarize the conversation, telling him about the apology about the lip gloss and how she said she always thought I was cool. When I get to the part about pizza and the play, a slow grin spreads across his face.
“She wants to come to opening night,” I say. “With Jack. And then maybe we can all go out for pizza after.”
Silver is quiet for a moment, considering the proposal. “Might reignite a feud with Rachel,” he admits.
“Maybe,” I agree.
“But it’s not as if she hasn’t been doing what she wants with Fred,” he goes on, folding an arm under his head. “Besides, the kids are old enough to know what’s going on. I don’t want to hide our relationship anymore. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
I lean up and kiss him, filled with the gratitude and affection swelling in my chest. When I pull back, I press my palm to his cheek. “Did you take your pain meds? For your thigh?”
“I appreciate how concerned you get about me, baby. Yeah, I took them.”
I kiss him again. “I want you back to your strong, healthy self. No more limping around with that old man cane.”
“I will be soon enough. Got a pretty good girlfriend taking care of me.”
“You’ve taken care of me too, you know,” I remind him softly. “Helping me through everything I’ve gone through. Still helping me today. Making sure I go to my therapy sessions.”
Silver’s arm tightens around me, and he brushes his lips against my brow. “I’ll always be there for you, Solana. You’re not getting rid of me.”
I smirk against his chest, snuggling closer. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He reaches over and clicks off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. I close my eyes, nodding off within minutes in his arms.
