Page 140 of Triplet Trouble For My Billionaire Boss

He chuckles, his chest rumbling against my cheek. "Don't apologize, baby. You have nothing to be sorry for."

"But, I'm a mess," I protest, trying to pull myself together.

"I happen to like messy," he replies, his voice teasing.

"Shut up," I mumble, swatting him playfully.

"Make me."

I laugh, the tears forgotten.

"You're terrible," I say, smiling up at him.

"Guilty," he says, his eyes twinkling.

He leans in and kisses me, then pulls back after a moment.

"Come here," he says, pulling me close.

I let him wrap his strong arms around me, feeling safe and content.

I sigh and relax into him.

He runs his fingers through my hair, and I'm lulled by his warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

I don't know how long we stay like that, wrapped up in each other, but after a while, I realize that I'm exhausted but not so sleepy.

He must realize it too, because he speaks up.

"Annie?"

"Mm?"

"You should get some rest," he says gently.

I know he's right, but I'm not ready to let go of him just yet.

"I'm not ready to sleep yet," I whisper.

"No? How do you feel about the hot tub?" He presses a kiss to my head. "Hm?"

"Sounds perfect."

Chapter Thirty Three

Cole

"Sounds perfect."

I smile at Annie's lazy, satisfied voice, then untangle myself from the sheets and stand. Before she can attempt to follow, I pick her up. She practically weighs nothing.

"Cole," she gasps, clinging to me. "I can walk."

"It's just easier this way," I say. Truth is, I'm enjoying the way she's holding onto me.

"We should put clothes on first."

"Nope," I say, heading toward the sliding door. "I want you naked."