Dad Bod Secret Santa (Dad Bod Christmas)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

MAGGIE

H ank and I sit side by side on his leather couch, each with a mug of hot toddy, our daughters’ giggles spilling in from Vivian’s bedroom.

“I think they’re planning world domination,” I chuckle, lowering my voice. “Or maybe they’ve discovered the meaning of life and can’t believe us old folks haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Oh, so we’re old now, huh?” His voice is light, teasing, and he leans in a little, enough that his arm presses against mine more firmly. Even his smallest touch makes my skin tingle, and warmth floods my cheeks as I smile at him.

I shrug. “Speak for yourself. I still feel like I’m twenty-one—mentally, at least. I just have no idea what’s happening with TikTok and all that.”

Hank’s low chuckle rumbles between us. “Can’t help you there. Vivian said something was ‘mid’ the other day, and I’m still trying to figure out what it was supposed to mean. I thought she was saying ‘mad,’ but that made even less sense.” He stands and heads toward the kitchen. “Another hot toddy?”

I nod, my anticipation sparking again. “That sounds good,” I reply, watching him move around the kitchen. “It’s good to relax after a long week.”

“Any update on the power situation?” Hank asks, turning the stove on for the kettle and grabbing the whiskey, lemon, and honey for our drinks.

I sigh and shake my head. “They keep saying ‘twenty-four to thirty-six hours,’ but they’ve been saying that all week. I know they’re working hard. I hope we’re not an imposition here, Wendy and me.”

“Not at all. Don’t even think that,” Hank says quickly, turning to give me a look that makes my core twinge with desire. Damn, the effect this man has just by looking at me… “You two are welcome for as long as you need. I’m serious about that.”

The strength of his voice takes me by surprise. I didn’t seriously think he was upset about us being here, but with the fooling around we’ve been doing, I wasn’t sure if he was feeling awkward. I guess not.

When he returns, he hands me my mug. Our fingers brush, and my core flares hotter.

Hank raises his mug with a small grin. “To surviving tween daughters,” he jokes, a glint of something in his eyes—a playfulness and something deeper.

“To parenthood, then,” I reply, my heart fluttering as we clink mugs.

We both sip, letting the warmth of the drink settle in.

“So, Maggie…” Hank’s voice is soft, with a vulnerability I didn’t expect. “This week has been unexpected in a lot of ways.”

I nod, finding it hard to meet his gaze. “Tell me about it,” I say, trying to sound light, but the words feel inadequate.

“I’m not sure how to say this, and I’m seriously out of practice, but I like you, Maggie. A lot.” His voice is low, filled with an intensity that gives me goosebumps. He pauses, his voice softer as he says, “You’re beautiful and…fuck, you’re sexy.”

The intense, raw heat in his eyes takes my breath away. My cheeks flush, and my heart pounds in my chest. “That must be the hot toddies talking,” I deflect, even though my mind and heart are in overdrive as I process Hank declaring his attraction for me.

“No.” Hank leans closer, brushing his thumb over my cheekbone in a touch so gentle that it makes my heart ache. “Maggie, no. This isn’t the whiskey or anything else talking. This is me talking. I don’t know who might’ve told you otherwise, but you’re beautiful—exactly as you are.”

It’s been a long time since a man told me I’m perfect as I am. With Oliver, it always felt like I should have been doing more, making more effort. Like I was the one who had to prove myself in the marriage—even before things went south.

Hank’s gaze drops to my lips, and I lean in, my hand finding his as he moves closer. He lifts his hand, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. A shiver dances down my spine, and I close my eyes, giving in to the moment and our desire.

His lips meet mine with an intensity that makes me gasp. I can’t stifle the moan building in me as he deepens our kiss, his tongue deeply stroking mine. His hands tangle in my hair, cradling my head as he draws me closer, and heat floods through me at the contact.

“God, Maggie,” he breathes against my mouth.

His voice is rough with desire as he slides his hands down my back, pulling me firmly against him. I arch into his touch, hungry for his body against mine.

Our kiss intensifies, and I moan quietly into his mouth, vaguely aware we need to keep this quiet so the girls don’t discover us. I run my fingers through his hair, loving how he groans in response. His lips trail down my neck, finding that sensitive spot below my ear that makes me whimper.

“Hank,” I gasp, my nails scraping lightly against his scalp.

He lowers his head to my chest, tracing the top of my breasts with his hot tongue. I raise my hand to my mouth and bite down because I know the girls will definitely hear us if I don't. Hank looks up at me, his eyes filled with raw lust, and I feel myself falling for him. He gently undoes the top buttons of my blouse, then deftly reaches behind my back and unhooks my bra.

“Oh!” I exclaim softly, thinking once again that it feels like we’re teenagers, running around, taking whatever moments we can, and hoping we’re not caught.

Hank’s hands roam my body with increasing urgency, and I press closer, wanting more. His mouth teases my nipple, and my skin clenches. I grab a pillow and groan into it.

“You’re so goddamn beautiful,” Hank murmurs, staring at my breasts and then licking and sucking on the other. I swear I might come from this heady mixture of gentleness and raw passion he’s lavishing on me. I’m so wet and turned on, I can smell my musk floating in the air around us. “You are so perfect.”

I’m reaching for Hank’s jeans because, girls in the next room or not, I can’t stop what we’re starting here.

“Dad!”

We both freeze, and then we’re in a frenzy of standing and smoothing our clothes. I grab a cardigan from the side chair and slip into it quickly, despite the lust burning through my body like a hot flash.

“We’ll finish this later,” Hank promises, giving me a lingering kiss before getting up to see what Vivian needs.

I could get used to this.