Building Our Love (Griffin Brothers #2)

by Crystal Perkins

  “I want to.” She grabs my hand. “Come on, let’s go. See you later, Owe. Thanks for everything.”

  * * *

  Chloe

  We walk back into the Griffin building holding hands. A bunch of people smile at us as we walk by, and I greet a couple of them who I didn’t see earlier. Ellen stops us before we get on the elevator.

  “Ryan, can you sign your statement and the separation papers before you go back to your office?”

  “Of course.”

  “Chloe, I’m so sorry about that girl.”

  “It’s not your fault, Ellen. My guy is kind of hard to resist.”

  “Yes, well, everyone here knows he’s yours. That makes this situation even more unbelievable. I’m just glad that Ryan found you and explained.”

  “He did. Thanks, Ellen.”

  Ryan finishes the paperwork, and we head upstairs. He pushes his chair out of the office and grabs one from an empty desk nearby. I laugh because the chair is going to be way too small for him. “Put your chair back in the office, Ry. It has more good memories than bad, and you won’t fit in the other one.”

  “Are you sure, sweetheart? I can squeeze into a little chair for a day if it’ll make you more comfortable.”

  “I’m sure. Now, let me get to work.”

  He laughs and kisses me as he walks back into his office with his chair. I spend all afternoon returning calls and answering emails. I missed this. Ryan comes out of his office at 5:30 and tells me that it’s time to go. We head over to his parents’ house for dinner.

  When we arrive, everyone hugs me and tells me how happy they are to see me. I give everyone the little gifts I brought for them. We’re all having a fun dinner until Owen brings up Liam.

  “I’m glad that I’ll be in London for most of the next month so I can keep that dickwad landscape designer in line.”

  “Is he hard to work with?” Maggie asks.

  “He has a hard on for Chloe. When I saw him all up on her before we left, it took all I had not to throw him out the window.”

  “What the fuck? Some guy is harassing you at work, Chlo?” Ryan looks like he wants to commit murder.

  “He’s just a jerk. I told him that I have a boyfriend, but he said he thought I was lying since you hadn’t come to visit me.”

  “I should have flown out to visit you. My boyfriend skills suck.”

  “Stop it, Ry. You have a job, too. An important one. We talk every day, text at least hourly, and Skype several times a week. Plus, you send me gifts and notes with Owen. You have wonderful boyfriend skills, and I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Chlo. I just wish that it wasn’t going to be another month before we’re together, though.”

  “I’m sorry, son. If we could spare you, I’d let you get on the plane with Chloe and Owen. But we have a ton of stuff to get in order before we leave for London.” Gary looks sad that he’s having to let Ryan down.

  I reach over and squeeze his hand. “I know you’d let him go if you could, Gary. We have the next two days together, and I’m sure that time will fly. I’ll have my guy back permanently soon.”

  “Do you want me permanently? I’ve worked really hard not to pressure you about anything.”

  “I know, Ry. I appreciate it, and yes, I want to be with you permanently. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

  He leans over and kisses me. We should keep it short because we’re in the middle of the family barbeque. But after what I just told him, Ryan is not letting me go.

  “Get a room, dude,” Luke yells.

  “Or a plane,” Owen suggests.

  We break apart and Ryan flips off his brothers. Scott can’t help reminding him, “you asked for it, man.”

  “Yeah, yeah. As much as I love you all, I need to take my woman home now. So, goodnight everyone!” Ryan grabs my hand and pulls me up, barely letting me hug everyone goodbye.

  We spend the next two days in Ryan’s condo. We order in food, watch TV, talk, and make love. It’s hard to leave him, but I’m thankful for this weekend, and I know that I’ll see him in a month. We’ll have the rest of our lives together after that.

  Chapter 25

  Ryan

  I cannot believe this is happening. I’m supposed to be on a plane to London right now, but a bunch of shit is going down at one of the buildings. My dad left yesterday with my mom so that they’d have time to enjoy the city. I have two hours to get this straightened out so I can make it to the charity ball on time. As it is, I’ll have to fly by helicopter from Heathrow to the hotel.

  Two and a half hours later, and I’m in the air. I texted Chloe to let her know that I’ll be late. I assured her that I would be there, though. Nothing can stop me from getting to her and seeing her on this special night. I get dressed on the plane and run off as soon as we land.

  The helicopter is waiting, and it whisks me off to the hotel’s helipad. I jump out and head into the waiting elevator. On the ground floor, I follow the signs to the ballroom. I missed cocktails, so everyone is seated already. I head to the table that Chloe told me she would be at.

  I stop short at the sight of some guy sitting next to Chloe, instead of one of the otherempty chairs at the table. She’s looking uncomfortable, and I’m so not in the mood for this. I walk up and hear him tell her, “Come on Chloe. Your imaginary boyfriend isn’t here. So, let’s just go upstairs and have a proper shag.”

  “The only one who’ll be fucking Chloe is me, asshole.”

  Chloe looks up and rises from her chair, smiling. I’m momentarily distracted by the sight of her in her gown. It’s sleeveless and has black sheer fabric over what looks like a nude colored fabric. There’s some black lace and cool black lines down the front and over her hips. Right above her knees, solid black fabric falls to the floor and into a short train. My woman has done it again. Damn is she hot and classy at the same time.

  “Holy shit! You’re Ryan Griffin.” The asshole is on his feet now.

  “I am. You can think of me as Chloe’s non-imaginary boyfriend, though. And get the hell out of my seat.”

  “Whoa. I had no idea that she was your flavor of the week.”

  I start to move to him, knowing I’m looking a little crazed, and watch his eyes widen. Chloe steps between us. “He’s not worth it, Ry.”

  “No one disrespects you when I’m around, Chlo. You know that.”

  “Liam’s an idiot, obviously. Just ignore him. We can even move to another tableif you want.”

  “Liam? The Liam who was harassing you when Owen came into the office last month?”

  “Harassing? I was just trying to show Miss Ice Princess here a good time. You should appreciate me wanting to break her in for you.”

  “Ice princess? Break her in for me? Are you fucking kidding me? Chloe’s the hottest woman I’ve ever met in my life. In and out of bed. And she’s mine. I don’t share.”

  “Yours? What, are you a piece of property, Chloe? You let him say that you belong to him? I know he’s a big deal, but come on. Have some respect woman.”

  “We belong to each other, Liam. And he’s a verybigdeal.” I have to smirk at that. “Not that our relationshipis any of your business.”

  “My business is to protect my employees. I’m sorry Chloe. I knew that Liam was abrasive, but I had no idea he was harassing you.” An older gentleman stands and glowers at Liam. “You’ll not work on any of my properties again, ever.”

  “Like I need you, old man.” Liam storms out of the ballroom.

  “I’m sorry for causing a scene, Mr. Williams.”

  “You’re not the cause of this, Chloe. Now, introduce us to your young man. I’ve heard of him, of course.”

  Chloe introduces us, and I take the seat next to her. “You look so fucking amazing, Chlo. I can’t wait to peel that dress off of you at your flat,” I whisper in her ear.

  “We don’t have to go that far. I got us a room here in the hotel.”

  “Have I told you lately that I love you
, sweetheart?”

  “Yes. But I don’t think that you can over say it.”

  “I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.”

  “Okay. Maybe I was wrong.” Chloe is laughing as she places a hand over my mouth.

  We eat and dance for the next few hours. We hang out at my parents’ table for a little while, too, chatting with everyone. The whole family flew in to support Chloe and Owen. Everyone in the rooms seems to stop by the table or come up to us on the dance floor to tell Chloe how great the hotel looks. Mr. Williams gives a great speech, thanking both Chloe and Owen. After that, Chloe grabs my hand and leads me from the ballroom.

  * * *

  Chloe

  I pull Ryan out of the ballroom and head to the elevators. He’s been making me crazy in his tux all night. I need him inside of me. He pulls me to a stop in the lobby.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong, Chloe. Your work is amazing as usual.” He’s looking around with a big smile on his face.

  “Thanks, Ry. Now let’s go upstairs and see how comfortable the beds I ordered are.”

  “I’m not going to argue with that.”

  It seems to take the elevator too long to get to the top floor. I wanted to throw him against the wall, but I know there are security cameras, and I don’t want to give those guys a show. We make it into one of the penthouse suites, and I’m on him as the door clicks shut.

  I push his jacket off while I attach my mouth to his. I’m rubbing against him as I undo his tie and throw it to the side. I rip the buttons off his shirt as I pull it apart. I moan as I run my hands over his chest. He has my zipper down, and my dress falls to my knees. I step out of it without breaking the kiss.

  “Fuck, Chloe.” Ryan pulls back to look at me naked in front of him. “If I’d known you were commando, I wouldn’t have made it through dinner.”

  “You saw the dress. How would I wear a bra and panties under it?”

  “Point taken.”

  “Great. Now can you put your point in me and take me now?”

  Ryan laughs so hard he has to bend over. I put my hands on my hips and glare at him. “Seriously? You’re laughing while I’m standing here naked? Maybe you didn’t miss me this last month.”

  He stands up and quickly takes off his pants and boxers. His large erection springs free. “Does it look like I didn’t miss you, sweetheart? You’re just so adorable when you get turned on and start saying funny things.”

  “Adorable? Just what every woman wants to hear when she’s naked and wet for her man.” I know that I’m being pouty, but I wanted him to be as out of control as I was.

  Ryan reaches for me, and I’m in his arms before I can even think about it. He carries me into the main bedroom and sets me on the edge of the bed. “I already said that you’re the hottest woman I’ve ever met. You can see how hard I am for you. There’s nothing wrong with being sexy as fuck as well as being adorable. In fact, I love that you can be both. Sex should be fun and it always is with you, Chloe. Now watch me show you just how hot and sexy I think you are.”

  Ryan drops to his knees in front of me and lifts my legs over his shoulders. He moves back and forth between my thighs. He’s biting and licking as I writhe above him. He finally puts his mouth where I need it. As he sucks on my clit while darting his tongue out to lick me, he puts two fingers in me. It only takes a few pumps before I’m coming apart and screaming his name.

  Ryan kisses his way up my body until he reaches my ear. “Will you ride me, sweetheart? I want to play with your breasts, but I can’t wait to be inside of you.”

  “Do you even have to ask? I love riding your cock. Now roll over.”

  He moves off of me and onto his back. I climb onto him and sink all the way down. We both moan as he fills me up. I lean forward and grab the headboard as I slide up and down. My breasts are right where he wants them, and he starts licking and sucking one while his hands squeeze them both. He switches sides as I move faster. His fingers pinch one nipple while his teeth bite my other, and I explode again. As I’m shuddering, he follows me over, his head flying backward as my nipple slips out of his mouth. Seeing him with the look of ecstasy on his face while he is shooting himself into me sends me into another orgasm. I collapse onto his chest, and he wraps me in his big arms.

  “Now do you believe that I missed you, Chlo?”

  “I always knew you missed me. You just weren’t giving me your cock fast enough.”

  “God, you get more amazing every day. I promise to try to meet your needs better from now on.”

  “You always meet my needs. I was just impatient because you looked so hot in your tux.”

  “You looked hotter. I seriously thought that I was going to have to throw down with some of the guys in that ballroom.”

  “Really? What about that woman who grabbed your ass?”

  “She was like 90!”

  “You might be into that extreme cougar thing.”

  “If you don’t know by now that I like younger women, especially an adorably sexy blonde one, then I don’t know what else to do.”

  “Maybe you could make love to me again. That might clear my head.”

  “Oh, that I can do.”

  Ryan moves over me and then spends all night reminding me that it’s me he wants. We stay in bed the whole next day, too, ordering up room service. I’m sad that our time here is going to end soon. I had planned on us spending the day sightseeing, but I didn’t want to go out into the world. I feel bad for ruining his dream of us seeing London together, though.

  “What time do we have to leave for the airport tomorrow?”

  “We aren’t leaving tomorrow, Chlo. I mean, not unless you want to.”

  “Don’t you have to get back?”

  “Nope. I’ve spent the last three months learning how to delegate, and now I can spend the next week exploring London with you. If you still want to do that.”

  “Of course I do. I felt so guilty about keeping you locked up in here because I thought today was our only day for sightseeing.”

  “I wasn’t exactly a prisoner, sweetheart.”

  “I know, but you had talked about wanting to be in London with me, and here I was tempting you back into bed.”

  “You can tempt me into bed anytime. But I’m glad that we can go out and have some fun. I planned a few things but left time open so that we can do whatever you want, too.”

  “Planning our days for us, again, huh? That sounds perfect.”

  It was a perfect week. We went to museums, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Covent Garden. Ryan surprised me with the Harry Potter tour and an overnight trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. He also took me to Bond Street and Harrods, where I bought some great clothes. On our last night, he rented out a capsule on the London Eye. We had champagne and chocolates as we enjoyed the view and each other. Of course we gave each other notes at random times and made love all over the city. It was the best week of my life.

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  Chloe

  The wedding is about to start, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Yasmin is in a white halter dress with silver glittery dots all over it. The bridesmaids, including me, are in 50’s style black dresses with a silver rose print. We’re carrying bouquets of deep purple flowers. The tent is decorated in deep purples and black with crystal and silver accents. It’s really beautiful.

  We walk down the aisle, and I smile at Ryan when I get to the front. He winks at me and smiles, too. The guys are in black suits with purple shirts and no ties. Scott would wear a full tux if that’s what Yasmin wanted. She wanted him to be comfortable and let some of his tattoos show. I know that he has a new one for her, and since they spent last night apart, she hasn’t seen it yet.

  Everyone rises as Yasmin comes down the aisle with my dad. Since her parents died, she asked my dad to walk her. She knows how important he is to Scott, and he happily said yes. Scott steps out into the aisle to meet them and
hugs John before taking Yasmin’s hand and walking the couple of steps back to the minister.

  The ceremony goes like normal and then the minister says that they’ve written their own vows. He asks Scott to go first. Scott takes a deep breath and then begins to speak.

  “When I met you, Yas, I felt things that I had never felt for anyone else. That scared me, and I acted like an ass. You challenged me and didn’t take my shit. I admitted my love for you here in Chicago. You showed me your love and supported me through some of the hardest times of my life. You also gave me some of the best times of my life. I screwed up and almost lost you. I wasn’t sure that I could go on after screwing up so badly, but I pulled myself through—with help—and did what I had to in order to win you back and show you my love. I’m so thankful to you for giving me another chance and helping to show me that I am worthy of your love. I love you so much, and I’ll do everything in my power to show you that for the rest of my life.”

  Tears are running down Yasmin’s face, and she has to take a moment to compose herself before she says her vows next.

  “When we met, I was in a bad place. I was struggling financially and emotionally. You made me feel things that I never thought I could. You put up with me being an emotional wreck and wooed me beyond belief. We had some rough times, but also some completely amazing ones that have blown my mind. I realized here in this city that my love for you was so intense that I didn’t just want you, I needed you. And you needed me. Thank you for wooing me and doing all of the wonderful things that you did to win me back. I wake up every morning thanking God for giving me you. I love you more than my next breath, and I can’t wait to continue our life together.”

  There’s not a dry eye in the tent when they are named husband and wife. Scott steps away from Yasmin, pulling open his shirt so that she can see his new tattoo. Ryan told me what it is: an open book with a stylized “YAS” written on it. It is on his left pec over his heart. Yasmin lets out a cry and reaches forward to press a kiss to it. “I love you so much, Pretty Boy.”

  “I love you too, my beautiful Yas.” He leans over then and gives her the traditional wedding kiss, only a little more passionate than some I have seen. It’s so wonderful to see Scott with someone who loves him.