Her Holiday Heartthrobs: An Age Gap, Secret Baby Christmas, Reverse Harem Romance (The Forbidden Reverse Harem Collection) by Lisa Cullen

Author:Lisa Cullen [Cullen, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-14T00:00:00+00:00

PAIGE

Dad’s grin is full of love—like the warm hug he wraps me in before he takes two steps past the door. I soak it in. The feeling of being surrounded by him and his ocean-scented aftershave brings the kind of comfort that stems from a solid childhood. From knowing that Dad will love me no matter what I do.

Even if I disappoint him, which I’m sure he would be if he knew about what happened in this apartment just minutes ago. God, I hope it doesn’t smell like sex in here.

When I step back from his embrace, I take a deep breath and wave him inside.

“Aw, baby. Have a rough day? How’s Bubba?” Dad steps in and blinks for a second when Henry steps forward. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

“Just checking in. Got worried about the family emergency.” Henry grabs his jacket off the back of a kitchen chair. How can he act so relaxed, so calm, right now?

“He helped with dinner and watched Paxton while I took a shower.” I suddenly feel entirely underdressed. And tired. Limbs heavy and drooping. I could use a good night’s sleep. I’d settle for a nap.

“You look like you needed the help. Well, I came prepared.” Dad holds up the grocery bag I got him when the plastic bag ban went into effect. “Medicine for the monkey, some things to settle his tummy, and a few treats for you both.”

He puts it on the counter and shakes Henry’s hand. “You don’t have to run away on my account.”

Henry waves it off, and my heart is seizing in my chest. Is he going to give us away? I’m not ready for that conversation. With either of them.

“No. I just wanted to check on her. I know how late football practice can go this time of year.” Henry slips his jacket on, buttoning it closed. It accentuates the width of his shoulders and chest, and the narrowness of his waist. I hadn’t even gotten to see any of it this time. He spares me a few seconds and a smile. “Happy to give you a break and see that everything’s okay.”

I offer him a shaky smile back. “Thanks. I really appreciate it. Paxton likes you.”

Why did I have to offer him that tidbit? He didn’t even know Paxton existed until tonight. But it was obvious from the moment he saw his dad that they connected. Fear kept me on edge all night, waiting for Henry to ask me about Paxton’s father.

You’d think four years would be long enough to have that conversation figured out in my head, but I don’t even remotely know what to say about it. Not to him anyway.

“He’s a good kid.” His hand slips over my shoulder, just a light touch of goodbye.

It’s enough for me, even though it doesn’t look like it’s enough for him. Too many layers of emotions muddle together when I meet his gaze.

Henry doesn’t linger, giving my dad a hug, promising to see him Sunday for their football game, and then he’s pulling the door closed behind him.

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