Page 118 of Dr. Bad Boy

“One more,” she says, pointing to the last book with a little smile.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.

I don’t know how I know, but this one’s going to be the worst. And by that I mean the best. I flip open the cover.

Max,

Next Christmas, you can read this to our child.

Love, Violet

Christmas 2016

I set the books aside and tumble her to the ground. “I love you,” I say against her mouth. “I don’t deserve you, and you’re amazing, and you’re having my baby. I love you.”

She laughs, but I steal that because I kiss her. I kiss her long and hard and deep, stroking my tongue against hers as my hands eagerly trace her curves. I’m stroking her nipple with my thumb, slowing tongue-fucking her as I’m thinking about using those handcuffs in the garland for a better purpose when she presses her hand against my chest and shoves me back.

“I love you too, baby, but there are still more presents to open.” She bites her lip and lies back against the carpet.

Too tempting. I crawl over her and she squeaks, rolling away.

“Presents!”

I sigh and reach for the next one. It’s a tie. “You’d look good tied up with this,” I growl.

That sends her into peals of laughter. “That’s what I thought you’d say,” she giggled. “When I bought it.”

“Good.” I wink at her and reach for the last one. It’s biggish, and square, but actually quite light when I pick it up.

Under the paper I find a cardboard box with the top folded shut, one flap half over the next. It’s beat up, and it looks like a decoy box to hide whatever’s inside. Clever little Christmas game, I’ll have to remember that for next year.

When I tug open the flaps, I catch a flash of blue, green, and white.

I’d know the Vancouver Canucks colours anywhere. I lift out the jersey, a grin on my face, and a smaller jersey falls into my lap.

It’s so fucking small.

My gifts are so…selfish in comparison.

She crawls next to me. “Too much?”

“No.” Jeez, I’m getting choked up.

“I didn’t put your last name on the back, I didn’t have time, but…I thought…you know.”

“You weren’t tempted to get us Leafs jerseys?” I make a joke, because my heart is still catching up to the moment.

She laughs. “I’ll sneak those into the closet.”

I groan as she wraps her arms around me. “My turn now.”

“Wait,” I say, holding her close. “My presents… they’re not baby related.”

“Awesome,” she says, her voice sweet and soft. “Why are you warning me about that?”

“Because your stuff was just so thoughtful.”

She pulls back, and I don’t miss the eye roll. “I know you like to pretend you’re not romantic, Max, but I’m going to bet that whatever you got me is plenty thoughtful.” She wiggles her fingers. “Gimme.”

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