And strangely, that felt easier. Safer.
Slowly, I leaned back against the pillows, my gaze settling on the ceiling. The faint sound of water running in the bathroom filled the room, distant and steady, like everything else between us.
Adrian didn’t take long.
The bathroom door opened, followed by the soft sound of his footsteps against the floor. He stepped into the room a moment later, a towel hanging low around his hips, his hair still damp. Droplets of water trailed down his skin, disappearing along the lines of his chest. For a second, my gaze lingered—out of habit more than anything else—before I looked away again.
He moved past the bed, slowing briefly as if to glance at me, then reached for his phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up in his hand.
“Avery just texted,” he said, his voice casual. “She’s on her way. She’ll be here soon with Haille.”
I gave a small nod. “Okay.”
—?—
Adrian
“Daddyyy!!”
The second I heard her voice, everything else faded. Haille came running toward me, curls bouncing, arms already reaching out before she even got close. I barely had time to bend my knees before she collided with my chest.
“Hey—hey, easy there,” I laughed, crouching just in time to catch her.
She wrapped her arms around my neck like she’d been holding it in all day, and I lifted her up effortlessly, pulling her close. I pressed my cheek to hers and snuggled her until she burst into giggles, her laughter bright and contagious.
“There you are,” I murmured, smiling against her hair. “I missed you, bug.”
She giggled harder, squirming happily in my arms.
Avery stepped in behind her, keys still in hand. “How was the trip?” she asked casually.
“Smooth,” I replied.
“Good,” she said, already backing toward the door. “I’ll head out then.”
“Thank you, Avery,” Elena said warmly, stepping closer. “Really.”
“Anytime,” Avery replied. Before leaving, she leaned in and kissed Haille’s cheek, ruffling her curls playfully. “Be good, okay?”
Haille lifted her little hand and blew her a kiss. “Bye, Avewyyy!”
The door closed behind her, leaving the house quiet again.
I looked down at Haille, still tucked comfortably against me. “Did you miss me?”
She nodded vigorously, then leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek. “Missed yousomuch,” she said seriously.
My chest tightened in the best way.
“I missed you too,” I said softly. “Both of you.”
Elena smiled faintly before asking Haille, “So... what did you do at Grandma’s house?”
Haille lit up immediately. “Playyy,” she said, then added proudly, “ice cweam.”
Elena sighed, shaking her head. “Ice cream?” She glanced at me. “Let’s hope there’s no sugar rush tonight.”
I laughed. “If she can’t sleep, it’s fine. I’ll stay up with her.”
