Page 163 of Silver Fox Puck

Because if I stay any longer, I might never leave.

In the kitchen, I move on autopilot.

Grind the coffee beans. Measure the water. Let the soft sounds of morning fill the silence in my head.

I unlock my phone, not really thinking, until I see—

My name. Still trending.

The news cycle hasn’t moved on.

Comments pour in, a mess of support, speculation, and outright insults.

Some people think it’s romantic.

Some think I’m a distraction.

Some think I’m using him.

Some think he’s using me.

I let out a slow breath, staring at the screen. It should bother me. Maybe, a week ago, it would have.

But now?

Now, I just take another sip of coffee. Because Grant chose me. And that’s all that matters.

Arms wrap around my waist from behind.

I jump, gasping.

A deep, sleepy chuckle rumbles against my back.

“You left me alone,” Grant murmurs, voice rough with sleep.

I roll my eyes, grinning despite myself. “I was being sneaky.”

“You suck at sneaky.”

His mouth ghosts over the curve of my neck, his beard scraping just enough to send shivers dancing down my spine.

I tilt my head slightly, giving him access, my fingers tightening around my mug.

“You’re not going to be late?” I tease, breathless.

Grant hums, nosing along my jaw.

“Let them wait.”

I laugh, turning in his arms, pressing my palms against his bare chest.

His dark eyes flick over me, slow and lingering.

My pulse skips.

He grins like he knows it.

I shove at his chest, pretending to scowl.

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