Worth It (Damie)

Part 12

A/N: Thank you for your patience and understanding as I got through some real life things. I've always believed in quality over quantity, and did not feel right posting an update that wasn't deserving of my full satisfaction! You deserve what I'm capable of, not a half-assed version ;) Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAKOTA! I started this chapter before she was in NYC, so please don't read it as present day and me writing about this week, because that's not my intention, just a happy accident!! Appreciate your love and support, enjoy <3

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I'm lying on the sofa, browsing news and sports on my phone when Dakota comes home from a meeting. Zepp greets her at the door and I chuckle.

"Hey baby," I say, putting my phone in my pocket.

"Hi boys," she responds as she scratches Zepp's head before walking over.

She drops her purse on the chair then drops her body down on mine. I huff with a laugh when she buries her nose in my neck.

"You okay?" I ask, wrapping my arms around her small frame. I peck the top of her head as she nods.

"Tired. Let me nap on you." She rests one hand on my chest, scratching a pattern across my shirt as her other comes up to run through my hair.

I love these moments when I can hold her and rest assured she needs me as much as I need her. This is where she wants to be. There is no greater realization after the shit storm we've survived.

I grip her ass in one palm, rubbing my fingers up and down her back with my free hand. "Go ahead."

She giggles. "Is that your phone or are you happy to see me?"

I snort. "A healthy mix of both."

She snakes her hand from my hair to my pocket, retrieving the device that's likely pressing into her hipbone. I watch as she slides open the camera and takes a picture of us. She examines it to make sure it's worthy before setting my phone on the coffee table and nestling back into me.

"We're cute. You should make it your background."

I grin to myself, tapping her ass lightly. "I like the one I have."

It's of us in Finland. The one she'd taken spontaneously prior to our adventures. It gives me butterflies every time I recall that trip, but as a man I would never admit something so girly to her.

"True. It matches mine." She kisses the side of my neck.

And those girly butterflies return over realizing not only does she know which picture I mean, but she has the same one set as hers.

We lay like that while the minutes pass— her breath light across my skin, her hands stilled, and I'm almost convinced she's truly fallen asleep when she speaks.

"I'm going to New York this weekend."

I slow the pattern I've been rubbing across her lower back. "Oh. Okay."

"I'm sorry," she says. "I know we talked about going to the beach, but my friend is hosting an event for her charity, and I've already been involved enough that I'd look like an ass if I didn't attend."

"It's fine, baby. The beach will always be there. I think this sounds amazing. You're amazing."

She sits up to eye me, a sly grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "I do have a small surprise."

"Will it keep me company while you're gone?"

She laughs. "Zepp is offended."

I smile and look over at him as he rests on the rug. "Sorry man, my bad."