The Hardest Fall(126)
Zoe and Chris’s relationship had definitely evolved. They were much closer than they had been six years before during those first few months after he learned about everything, but it had taken them a long time to get where they were. There were still moments where you could see them holding back, but Zoe was happy she got to see him as often as she did since we were playing for the same team and were pretty much unbeatable.
And Sophia…well, Chris was her favorite human in the world, and we were pretty sure her feelings were reciprocated, which was probably why he came to our house for dinner three or four times a week.
As I walked through the corridor that held my talented wife’s beautiful photographs and made it to the front door, Sophia was talking to her favorite uncle through the door.
“I missed you, Uncle Chrissy. Where were you? Did you bring my presents with you? It’s my birthday today.”
Laughing, I opened the door and Sophia threw herself at Chris, shouting joyfully when he lifted her up in his arms.
“Who is this beautiful girl?” Chris asked, and my daughter beamed at my best friend.
“It’s me, silly.”
Chris drowned her in kisses and her laughter echoed throughout our house, as it continued to do for the rest of the day.
*
It was eleven PM and my parents had gone to sleep when I found Zoe sitting on our bed.
“Where did you disappear to?” I asked as I opened the door wider and stepped inside.
She looked at me over her shoulder and smiled. “I’ll be down in a minute. Where is Sophia?”
I grinned. “Sleeping in Chris’s lap.” I sat down beside her and grasped her hand in mine. “Is everything okay? Did Chris say something about…?”
“What? No, no. They haven’t talked in years, if that’s what you’re asking. As far as I know, he only talks to his mom, and they’ve divorced, although—I don’t want to talk about him. You don’t have to ask anymore.”
“Okay, Flash, whatever you want. Are you just tired then? You barely sat down today.”
She sighed and rested her shoulder against mine, eyes on our hands.
“It’s a good tired. It was the best day.” She glanced at me and our eyes met as she whispered, “Happy birthday, Dylan. Don’t think I forgot you. I’ll give you your present after everyone goes to sleep.”
“Thank you, Flash.” My smiling lips touched hers and we broke apart too soon for my liking. “What are you doing in here?”
“I came up to get my laptop. I was gonna show Kayla the shoot I did for that couple I mentioned at dinner. And the other two I decided to send out to the gallery in New York. I just sat down for a minute.”
“You okay?”
She touched my cheek and smiled. “Yes.”
“Are you happy, Zoe?”
She laughed. “It’s your birthday—I should be the one asking you that.”
I just continued with my questioning. “Do I make you happy? Does our life make you happy?”
Her brows drew together and then she was climbing onto my lap, holding my face in her hands.
“Where is this coming from?”
“Just want to make sure.”
Her hands moved to my shoulders and she settled down more comfortably on top of me, earning a small grunt and groan from me.
“I never thought I could be this happy,” she whispered.
“Do I give you everything you want?”
“Yes, you idiot, and so much more. I would’ve been happy with just you—”
I cut her off. “Deliriously happy.”
“Yes, deliriously happy, but look at everything you’ve given me. I love our family so much. I love you so much, Dylan Reed. I’m so happy I barged in on you in that bathroom and saw your glorious cock.”
“Glorious, yes—good word choice.” We laughed together as I caressed her back. “And your little family loves you back, especially me. I love you the most, baby. I’m your biggest fan. However, you missed our breakfast this morning, so clearly I’ve been worrying. I could barely do my push-ups without your eyes on me. Don’t make it a habit, my little pervert.”
My dick was already hardening under her, and with the smile she gave me, I lost the battle.
“I was getting our daughter ready.”
“And that’s the only reason I didn’t come get you so you could stare at me.”
Holding my neck, she rested her forehead against mine, our lips almost touching.
“Am I too weird for you? You always make fun of my quirks.”
“Quirks? Oh, is that what we’re calling them now?”
I held her butt in my palms and pulled her a little forward then pushed a little back. Thanks to her short skirt, she could feel all of me. Her eyes closed on their own and she bit her bottom lip.
“I’m stuck with you so…I guess I’ll make do?” I smirked and she chuckled.
Ever since the first day I met her, she’d never seen her own perfect, but that was okay. I wasn’t planning on going anywhere; I’d be right next to her to show her every day for the rest of our lives.
It’s hard to explain what draws you to a person, what it is about them that makes them so special that you give them your heart. I believe it’s all about who you are together, how you are together. It’s simple, what I feel for her—simple, and the most powerful thing in the world.