Christmas with My Ex’s Dad: An Age Gap Holiday Romance (Forbidden Silver Foxes)
Christmas with My Ex’s Dad: Chapter 7

I don’t know why I expected my sister to have the answer. She’s got enough on her plate with her own life.

The sound of shattering glass pierces the air, followed by a child’s scream. Iris muffles the phone, her voice muffled as she shouts at one of her kids. When she returns to the call, her tone softens. “Look, I know it’s not ideal, but why not just stay with Griffin? Elliot’s gone now, so it’s not like it’d be awkward with him around.”

I groan, leaning my head against the steering wheel. “It would still be awkward. I can’t just live alone with my ex’s dad.”

Before Iris can respond, another commotion erupts in the background – something about spilled juice. “I have to go,” she says quickly. “But think about it, Faye. You need somewhere safe, and if he doesn’t mind then it’s a win-win, right?” The call ends, and I stare at the phone in my hand, feeling more alone than ever.

Taking a deep breath, I let the silence envelop me, contemplating my options. Staying with Griffin is far from ideal, but what choice do I really have? Iris can’t take me in, and I don’t have anywhere else to turn. It’s infuriating that I’ve been backed into this corner, forced to rely on the kindness of someone who’s tangled up in the mess my relationship with Elliot has become.

No, I refuse to take advantage of Griffin’s kindness.

Gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles, I seethe at the memory of him walking out with Nara. As if our relationship meant nothing. As if I were nothing.

I should be crying, I think bitterly. But the truth is, I haven’t shed a single tear. Their relationship had been falling apart for months, and I know now that I haven’t loved him the way I used to. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise, but that doesn’t make this situation any less painful or humiliating.

“Okay,” I murmur to myself, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. “First things first—get my stuff out of that house.”

I drive back to Griffin’s house. Pulling into the driveway, I hesitate for a moment before stepping out of the car. The familiar sight of the house brings back memories I’d rather forget.

Shaking off the ghosts of the past, I walk up to the door, only to find it locked. Fumbling through my bag, I search for a key, growing increasingly frustrated when I realize I don’t have one.

“Seriously?” I mutter under my breath, feeling the weight of the situation press down on me. I hadn’t even thought about needing a key since Elliot was always around to let me in.

Anxiety swells in my chest as I pull out my phone, my fingertips trembling slightly. Biting my lip, I dial Griffin’s number and wait for him to answer. The sound of his deep voice instantly sends a shiver down my spine.

“Faye?” he says, concern lacing his tone.

I haven’t heard his voice since I abruptly left earlier that morning after the whole thing with Elliot…

“Hey,” I reply quickly. “I just… I’m trying to get my things out of the house, but I don’t have a key.”

There’s a pause on the other end before Griffin speaks up. “I’m at GreenFrame Construction. Come by, and I’ll give you a key.”

“Thanks,” I murmur, my gratitude genuine despite the awkward situation.

I stride toward the office building, only to be stopped by a group of workers leaning against a truck. They whistle and call out to me, making my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“Damn, look at those legs,” one of them says, grinning like a fool. Another adds, “Need a ride, sweetheart? I’ve got a big truck.”

I’m used to men like this but never outside of the strip club…

As I struggle to find the words to respond, Griffin’s voice suddenly cuts through the air, authoritative and commanding. “That’s enough,” he snaps, striding over with an expression hard as steel. “She’s off limits.” His glare is so intense that the men mutter apologies and disperse quickly, leaving me alone with Griffin.

I guess that’s a perk of being the boss.

“Sorry about that,” he says, his face softening. “They’re idiots.”

I let out a shaky breath, relieved to be away from their leering gazes. “It’s okay,” I manage to say, looking into Griffin’s hazel eyes – eyes that I find both captivating and unnerving.

“Let’s get you that key,” he says, motioning for me to follow him. When we make it to his office, he clicks the door shut behind us. He crosses the room to his desk where he grabs a key from one of the drawers.

“Here you go,” he says, extending it towards me.

I take it, holding it tightly in my hand. “Thanks. I’ll make sure to bring it back.”

“Do you have somewhere else to go?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I hesitate. “Not yet, but I’ll figure it out. I always do.”

He leans back against his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. “You shouldn’t have to. Look, you can stay at the house. There’s plenty of space, and Elliot’s not there anymore.”

My head shakes almost involuntarily. “That’s… weird. I mean, you’re his dad.”

A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. “And? It’s not like I’m asking you to move into my room. Just think of it as a favor—for both of us. I was actually starting to enjoy having help with the cooking and cleaning.”

His words give me pause, but the uncertainty remains. Living with Griffin could lead to complications neither of us are prepared for. Yet, as I stand here in his office, the weight of my situation leaves me feeling more vulnerable than ever. And for the first time in a long while, I find myself leaning on someone else, even if it’s just a little.

I let out a soft laugh, the sound more nervous than amused. “A compromise, huh?” The word tastes strange on my lips.

“Exactly,” Griffin agrees, his hazel eyes warm and steady.

Drawing in a deep breath, I concede to the arrangement. “Okay. But just for a little while. And I’ll pay rent or something.” The thought of living off someone else’s generosity, even someone as understanding as Griffin, doesn’t sit well with me, but it’s better than sleeping in my car or something.

“Rent” seems to barely register as he waves a dismissive hand. “We’ll figure it out. I’ll be home tonight if you need anything.” His voice is gentle.

And I find myself looking forward to seeing him back at his house where it’ll be just the two of us.