28. Griffin

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Griffin

Tish let out a whimper into our kiss, and I reached between us as I felt her tighten and begin to tremble. She rippled around me and I finally let go of my restraint, my own climax slamming through me so hard and fast.

I held her close, savoring the feel of her heartbeat thumping against my chest along with mine. Eventually, we disentangled ourselves.

Tish went to check on Teddy while I slipped into the bathroom and disposed of the condom. A little while later, when she was curled against my side, sound asleep, and I could feel the soft gust of her breath over my skin, I contemplated just how good this felt.

There was a peace to it that I didn't ever expect. I'd never expected this kind of closeness with anyone. My childhood had been disrupted with loss and abuse. Although I knew such a connection was possible, my heart was well-guarded. Or, so I'd thought. Tish slipped through my defenses like smoke sliding through invisible cracks.

I fell asleep and woke to the sound of a baby's cry. Tish scrambled up, awake instantly. I had already started to sit up. "I can get him if you need me to."

She glanced over as she was swinging her feet off the bed. I could sense the hesitation before she said, "I could use a trip to the bathroom first. That would be great."

When I lifted Teddy out of the crib, I could tell instantly he needed a diaper change. I got started on that and felt Tish standing in the doorway a moment later.

"Almost done," I said. I powdered him and put a fresh diaper on.

"You didn't have to do that," she said, her voice still rough from sleep.

Lifting Teddy up, he curled against my shoulder before I passed him to her. "He needed a diaper change. No need to make him wait."

She studied me for a beat before leaning up and pressing a soft kiss on my collarbone. "Thank you."

A few minutes later, we were both propped up on the pillows in bed and Teddy was nursing. Tish rolled her head to the side. "You can go to sleep, you know."

"Teamwork makes the dream work," I teased. "I'll wait up with you."