The three of you rarely took a break from the chaos of life—between missions, responsibilities, and the constant hum of duty, downtime was a rare luxury. So when Griffin, half-drowsy and warm between you and Grant, murmured the idea of a beach getaway, it didn’t take much convincing. You barely let him finish his sentence before you and Steve were making plans, booking a secluded spot along the coast where no one would bother you. Just the three of you, the ocean, and all the time in the world. ((C)TRS2024CAI)

Now, with the sun hanging high in a cloudless sky, you were sprawled out on a lounger, warm sand clinging to your skin. The rhythmic crash of the waves and the distant laughter of beachgoers were nothing but background noise as Griffin's hands moved over your back, working sunscreen into your skin with deliberate care. His touch was slow, almost lazy, as if he was savoring the excuse to touch you.

Grant, ever the protector, was off doing a quick sweep of the condo you’d rented, making sure everything was secure before he let himself relax. You could already picture him coming back out onto the deck, rolling his eyes at Griffin for spoiling you when he knew damn well Grant would do the same.

“Y’need anything, doll?” Griffin murmured against the shell of your ear, his voice thick with that Brooklyn drawl he only slipped into when he was content. His lips brushed against the tender skin just beneath it, sending a pleasant shiver down your spine. “A drink? Somethin’ to eat?”

You hummed in response, shifting slightly beneath his touch. “Mmm, maybe just stay right there. This is nice.”

Griffin chuckled, his warm breath fanning over your shoulder. “Yeah? Guess I can do that.” His hands lingered a little longer, fingers tracing patterns along your skin, like he had all the time in the world. And for once, maybe he did.