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I nodded, not speaking since it would draw attention.
She looked at me for a second longer, and then she turned to listen in to whatever stories Paxton’s dad was sharing. I wanted to listen too. Wanted to know more about the man I’d been falling for.
But I didn’t have it in me to focus on the words. I was deep in my own inner ramblings.
I looked around the table, and I thought about the wordfamily.About what it meant to have someone look at you and decide that you belonged to them. With them.
“Hey,” Paxton said quietly, close enough that it wasn't for the others. “You want to take a walk after?”
“Please,” I whispered.
“Anything for you, baby.” He lifted my hands, kissed my knuckles, then turned to interrupt his dad for apparently telling the story wrong.
I sat there watching, unsure how this had come to be my life. I had coworkers who’d become friends and now were more like family. There was the Daddy of my dreams and his super supportive dad who welcomed me with open arms.
Aside from my vision issues, I had a damn good life. Maybe with their help, I could find the bright side to my future. And then I could stop dreading what came next.
CHAPTER 21
Paxton
I had been to Jake Bellport's house once before. It was the day I first saw Grizzly, and to say it changed my life would be an understatement. This time I was coming back with my boy as my date and a bag in the back seat with all the goodies he’d need to have a fun time.
When Jake texted to let me know he wanted to throw a party for my signing deal, I told him to keep it close-knit and let the Littles have their space to play. He’d easily agreed since he’d wanted the same.
Since then, I had been looking forward to tonight’s gathering.
Grizzly had eventually said yes when I asked him to be my plus-one, even though I could tell he was nervous. He'd been quiet about it for two days and then brought it up himself, which I'd taken as a good sign. He'd said,I think I'd like to go. If you're still offering to take me.I'd pulled him into a hug before he could even finish.
I pulled up to his building a few minutes early since I figured he was probably already done for the day. If I left him alone, he’d probably worry himself sick. Grizzly ran either on time or slightly ahead of whatever he had planned. I’d learned that arriving exactly when I said I would was something he appreciated.
After a quick text to let him know I’d arrived, I climbed out of the car to wait for him. I’d only been leaning against the side door, arms crossed and body relaxed, for a couple of minutes when he appeared.
He was wearing a soft tee in a blue color somewhere between gray and slate. It contrasted with his skin in a way that made him look like he was glowing. He had on loose, comfortable pants that weren't quite athleisure and weren't quite business casual either.
I looked at him for a moment, fighting back a mix of desire, love, and utter joy at being able to call him mine.Fuck, I was so weak for this man.
"You look really good, baby," I told him once he was right in front of me.
He ducked his chin slightly. "It's just clothes."
"Just clothes or not, I’m fighting a boner and the desire to take you home so I can snuggle you close alone." I opened the passenger door for him, taking his bag off his shoulder when he moved around me.
In the time since we’d started dating, I’d made sure moments like this were the norm for us. He didn’t open his own door or carry anything if I was around. We’d gotten a few looks from people, though no one had said anything to us directly.
When I climbed in after closing his door, I saw his fists clenched on his lap. I reached over slowly, placing my palm on top of the one closest to me.
"Hey," I said gently.
He looked over.
"It's going to be a good night." Smiling, I added, “You’re going to have the best time.”
He held my gaze for a second. "You don't know that, Daddy."
"I know the people who'll be there. I know you. I'm pretty comfortable calling it now." I started the car. "You can be nervous if you want. I'm not going to tell you to stop because that invalidates your feelings. Just know I’m always a few steps or one Daddy away. Plus, I brought a few surprises."
He was quiet for a moment. "Okay."
