It’s been weeks. My visit with Hudson is next week. I feel ready and seeing him soothing my son makes me want him even more.
“He’s missed you.” When I look back at Griffin’s eyes, I see he’s already watching me.
There’s emotion in his gaze before he says deeply, “I missed you both.”
“What happened?” I ask, knowing something did.
“Old scars have a way of resurfacing. Just needed to deal with it. Didn’t want to put any of that on you.”
I nod, understanding but also wishing he felt comfortable coming to me. “You can talk to me, you know. I can be there for you.”
I see him swallow. “I don’t want you to get remotely close to what I’m dealing with. I don’t want to tarnish you with my demons.”
“I used to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer; I kinda have a few tricks up my sleeve.” I try to keep it light, hoping to ease the tension.
“I don’t doubt it, sweetness. But I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you or Tommy because of me.”
I frown. I thought he meant his nightmares and dark thoughts, but it sounds like it’s something more.
“I might buy some extra garlic and hang it in the kitchen… you know… just in case,” I add, my mind now a whirl, but I don’t prod. We’re safe here with him. Griffin would never let anyone hurt us. Not my family, not the pastor. No one.
He nods, his smile small but there, and I watch my son finally fall asleep as Griffin holds him. Knowing that this is everything I never thought I could have and praying it will last.
33
Savannah
I’m nervous.
I’ve had a shower, shaved everything, washed my hair, and now blow-dried it, and while the body I see in the mirror is not one I’m overly familiar with, it’s the one that I’ve got and the one that bought me Tommy, so I’m grateful.
Now as I pace the bedroom with my robe on, I feel flutters in my stomach like I haven’t in a long time.
“Well, he’s down. Out like a light and no fussing.” Griffin walks into the bedroom absentmindedly, and I pull in a breath. “He’s so cute when he—” He stops short when he sees me, his feet glued to the floor, halfway turned from the door, looking to where I’m standing.
I can’t help smiling at his reaction. “Hi…”
I watch his gaze widen in surprise, then heat as he looks at me from my head to my toes and back. He swallows before his eyes meet mine again.
“What are you doing, sweetness?” He tilts his head a little, his face softening as he tentatively takes another step toward me.
“Well… I had my doctor’s appointment today. I’m officially healed…” I tell him, my heart beating faster. It’s not unusual for Griffin to see me in my robe, but this is different. This robe is satin and lace and barely covers my body. One Victoria helped me pick out. My hair is usually up in a messy bun, but it’s now in soft waves around my shoulders. I grab the collar, widening it a little, showcasing a little peek-a-boo of what’s underneath. Which is absolutely nothing.
“Are you telling me I can touch you…” Hungry eyes search mine as he takes another step. “That I can taste you? Feel you…?” He continues, all the while taking frustratingly small and slow steps to me.
I nod as my core clenches. “Yes.” It’s barely a whisper. “We have to go slow… careful… but yes…” I’m already panting. It should be embarrassing. But it’s not. It never is with him. He makes me feel so safe, secure, and assured.
“I’m guessing we have about three hours?” I tell him, because Tommy will wake for a feed at some point. Griffin steps right up to me, our toes almost touching. I lean my head back, looking up at him as his hand runs down the soft satin lapel of my robe until it hits the flimsy belt half tied at my waist.
“Hmmm, and I’m planning to use every single second of them making you mine,” his lips hit mine, and I almost stumble. But I don’t, because his warm hand is at my back, pulling me to him as his other opens my robe.
The cool air hits my skin, my nipples pebbling as my body alights. I didn’t want to get flashy underwear or fancy panties. With time not on our side, I didn’t want to waste a moment. His lips are warm, and as his tongue swipes against my own, I lean into him instantly. His hands wrap around me, making me feel like they go around twice as he lifts me from the floor, my feet dangling before he places me on the bed.
“Look at you…” He stands at the side of the bed, looking down on where I lie on my back. My robe is completely open, my entire body on display.
“You’re the most beautiful woman in the world…” He admires me, and I take a small breath and swallow.
“I mean, my breasts are—”
