A grin spreads slowly across Damon’s face, and Gabe laughs a little harder.
The light moment cuts the tension between them a little. It’s not fixed or even comfortable, but it’s better.
Gabe’s gaze flits between the two of us before landing on his dad. “You look happy,” he says finally. Damon stills beside me. Gabe shoves his hands deeper into his pockets. “Like…reallyhappy. In a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before.”
Emotion flickers across Damon’s face so briefly that most people probably wouldn’t notice it, though I do. His arm wraps around my waist slowly before pulling me a little closer into his side. “I am,” he states simply, glancing down at me. And the way he looks at me nearly steals the breath from my lungs. “Very happy.”
No one has ever looked at me the way Damon does, like loving me is the easiest, most natural thing he’s ever done.
Gabe notices it, too, I can tell by the way his expression softens and tightens at the same time. Part of him still doesn’t know how to process seeing his father like this. Seeinguslike this.
He shifts uncomfortably. “I’m sorry,” he starts honestly. “This is going to take some time.”
Damon nods immediately in understanding. “I’ve got time. However much of it you need.” His voice softens slightly further. “But I’m your dad, Gabriel. I’m always here for you.”
Gabe’s gaze falls to his feet for a second before he clears his throat roughly. “So…” He gestures vaguely. “Dinner sometime?”
“Dinner sounds good.”
“With rules,” Gabe adds quickly while pointing betweenus. “If either of you starts flirting aggressively in front of me, I’m leaving.”
I laugh. “That’s fair.”
“Very fair,” Gabe mutters.
The goodbye afterward is still awkward, but promising. Maybe this impossible situation won’t stay impossible forever.
Gabe starts backing away, while Damon rounds the SUV toward the driver’s side. As he opens the door, Gabe pauses. “Hey, Dad?”
“Yeah?” Damon stands against the open door.
“When you come to parents’ weekend…” Gabe’s eyes flick toward me mischievously. “Maybe don’t bring my new stepmom.” The huge smile splitting his face makes my humiliation approximately one hundred times worse.
“Oh my God.” My entire face combusts, and I bury it in my hands.
His stepmom… The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind.
“Gabe,” I groan through my hands.
The tires crunch softly on the gravel driveway as Damon brings his Tahoe to a stop. My heart pounds in anticipation as I gaze at the house—a modern three-story masterpiece that takes my breath away. The exterior is a stunning combination of warm tan brick on the lower level, contrasting beautifully with rich black siding on the upper floors. Natural wood trim frames the numerous large windows, reflecting the soft hues of the setting sun, creating a warm, inviting glow.
“This is it,” Damon announces, his voice low and filled with pride as he puts the car in park. When he turns to me, his dark eyes smolder with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “Home.”
Before I can respond, he’s out of the car and opening my door like the gentleman he is. His strong hand engulfs mine, helping me out. We walk up the stone pathway, my heels clicking against the smooth surface, the sound echoing in the quiet evening. He unlocks the front door with afamiliar ease, pushing it open and gesturing for me to step inside.
The moment I cross the threshold, I’m struck by how perfectly the interior reflects the exterior’s sophisticated aesthetic. Off-white walls create a bright, airy atmosphere that’s enhanced by the natural light streaming through the expansive windows. Rich wood and wrought iron details add warmth and character to the space. My eyes are drawn to the gleaming hardwood floors that stretch across what appears to be an open-concept living area. To my left, a plush leather couch in a deep cognac invites relaxation, arranged around a minimalist stone fireplace that rises two stories high.
Damon follows silently as I wander through the space, my fingers trailing along the smooth surface of a reclaimed wood dining table that seats at least eight. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a massive quartz-topped island that appears to float in the center of the room. Everything is immaculate yet lived-in, with personal touches that make it feel like a home rather than a showroom.
As I pause to admire the view from the kitchen’s floor-to-ceiling windows, Damon approaches from behind. His strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as he lowers his head, his lips pressing on the sensitive crook of my neck. “Welcome home, trouble,” he murmurs over my skin, his voice vibrating through me.
A soft sigh escapes my lips as he kisses along the column of my neck, his mouth leaving a trail of fire in its wake. His fingers deftly work to undo the button of my jeans,the slight scrape of his knuckles against my skin sending jolts of desire straight to my core.
“It’s been far too long since I’ve been inside you,” Damon growls, his warm breath causing goosebumps to form on my arms.
I lift my arms above my head, wrapping them around the back of his neck as he slowly lowers my zipper. “Where’s the bedroom?” I ask, my voice breathy with anticipation.
Damon chuckles, a low, predatory sound that makes me wet instantly. “Upstairs,” he answers, working the tight denim over the curve of my hips and down my thighs. “But I’m afraid we aren’t going to make it that far.”
