by Lea Coll
He squeezed my hand. “You’re good for my ego.”
“I could say the same for you.” I tilted my face toward his, feeling relaxed, happy.
He smiled down at me. “What are you in the mood for?”
“Can we eat by the water?”
“There’s only one place for that.”
I smiled. “Then let’s go there.”
We walked to the only restaurant where you could eat on the patio overlooking the water. When we were seated, I said, “You promised you’d bring me here.”
“I keep my promises.” His eyes never strayed from mine, his hands clasped together as he rested on his elbows.
My breath caught. “You’re too good to me.”
“You are under the mistaken impression that I’m good for you when you are better for me. Before you came into my life, I was struggling. I wasn’t sure I was the right choice for Declan. I couldn’t even think about work or what I should do with my life.” He held my hand on the table between us.
“And now?” I was mesmerized by the soft stroking of his thumb over the underside of my wrist. It sent shivers down my spine, making it difficult to draw a deep breath.
“And now I know I’m the right choice for Declan. I’m investing in Morrison Rebuilds and I’m working on new software.”
“You are?”
He smiled. “I’ve never been more focused. This software could be better than what I came up with before.”
“That’s amazing, Griffin. I’m so happy for you.”
The waitress stopped at our table. We placed our order for food and drinks.
When she left, I asked, “I didn’t realize you were working with Cade on Morrison Rebuilds.”
“Yeah, we talked at the Kids Speak fundraiser. Then I met him for lunch last week. He’s going to show me one of his projects.”
I wasn’t sure how I felt about him being friends or business partners with Cade. It brought him farther into our circle, raising the stakes if things between us didn’t work out. “I guess I thought you didn’t want to partner with anyone anymore.”
“I can’t go through life not trusting anyone because of what Lorelai and Damon did. Besides, I won’t be his partner. I’ll be a silent investor. I give him money, but he chooses how he uses it.”
He talked about Cade and his business, then what he was working on. I nodded and smiled in the right places but something was niggling my brain. Was it the fact he’d seemingly gotten over what had happened to him? Could I do the same? Could I let go of the past forging a new path with Griffin?
My heart swelled in my chest, emotion welling in my throat that I could leave the past where it was meant to be, that I could move on a lighter, happier person, open to whatever life had to offer.
“Are you okay?” Griffin paid the bill, then stood, waiting for me so we could leave.
“Yeah.”
When we were outside, Griffin paused by his car. “Did you want to come back to my house tonight?”
“I don’t have my car. I need to leave early tomorrow morning.”
His eyes were steady on mine, lowering his voice, he said, “I’d like you to stay.”
I tilted my head. “I know Declan’s at his friend’s house, but are you sure that’s a good idea? What if Declan found out, or he isn’t okay with us being together? Is it too much too soon?”
“I spoke with Declan, told him we were dating. I’m not sure how much he understands, but he said he was okay with it.”
I felt almost giddy at the idea he’d spoken to Declan. It was a sign that Griffin was serious about us. He wasn’t stringing me along, or hiding me like a secret, he was all-in with me, and I needed to be the same with him.
I wanted to stay overnight. I wanted the peace that seemed to settle over me when I was with Griffin. “Okay.”
He opened the passenger side door, waiting for me to get inside. We drove in silence with Griffin glancing over to smile at me every few minutes as if he couldn’t believe I was here.
I wanted to reassure him. Tell him I was in this as deeply as he was but I was afraid I wasn’t. I wanted to be with him. I longed for what I’d never had but something always seemed to hold me back. I wasn’t sure I was as strong as he was.
He parked in his garage, leading me through the house to his bedroom. He turned to face me. “I need to call and check on Declan.”
“Okay. I’ll use the bathroom.”
He leaned closer, breathing the words across my mouth, “I’ll be right back,” then he kissed me on the lips, lingering for a few seconds before pulling away. His eyes held a promise of more to come.
Smiling, I went into the bathroom, removing my jewelry, washed my face, and took off my clothes. I vowed not to bring any of my worries or fears into the bedroom tonight. I’d give in to whatever I was feeling.
When I came out of the bathroom, Griffin sat on the edge of the bed. His gaze drifted slowly from my bare toes up my body. “Avery?”
I moved between his legs, his hands automatically rising to touch my hips lightly as if he was afraid to hold me in place, he was uncertain I wanted to be here. “I want this. I want to be with you.”
Griffin’s expression morphed from uncertainty to relief as he tugged me closer, kissing my stomach, nuzzling my breasts before sucking one nipple into his mouth. The grip on my hips tightened, his fingers digging into my skin. I welcomed the bite, the slight pain, the knowledge he wanted me too. I spread my legs as wide as I could with his legs bracketing mine, begging for his touch, his lips lower.
I gave over to the sensations, his breath on my breasts, his lips on my nipple, trailing kisses to the other before sucking it into his mouth. He lifted me until I straddled his hips on the bed, his hard cock nestled between my legs with nothing but his shorts between us. With one arm holding me in place, he caressed my breasts, licking and sucking, while I writhed in his lap seeking more friction, a sense of rightness and contentment settling over me.
When he finally lifted his head, I kissed him, my fingers tangled in his hair. I wanted this to last forever. I wanted this sweet contentment to be mine. When his finger touched my clit, I jerked in his arms, spreading my legs wider as I moaned into his mouth. His finger slid inside as I rode his finger. I wanted his cock inside me, filling me up.
He moved me so I was lying on his bed as he shoved his shorts down then off, his shirt ripped over his head. Every movement jerky, hurried as if he couldn’t get inside me fast enough. He ripped the condom open, smoothing it down his erection before he was kneeling over me, nudging my legs apart before hooking one leg around his arm, entering me in one swift motion. My inner muscles squeezed his cock, silently urging him to move.
My head tipped back when he didn’t move, closing my eyes at the sensation of him filling me.
“You feel so good.”
My eyes flew open at his words, to find his gaze on mine, full of emotion. I smoothed his hair back from his face. “You do too.”
I wanted to pause this moment, stay here forever, him filling me, his body surrounding me. He slowly began to pump, my hips tipping up to meet him with each long thrust.
My chest filled with warmth, spreading to my limbs, my fingertips tingling. I closed my eyes, tears welling behind them. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I’d promised myself I wouldn’t worry or doubt myself, I’d let myself feel.
“Avery, open your eyes.” His words were light, pleading, not commanding.
I couldn’t deny him anything. My eyes opened, the tears shimmering for him to see.
He dropped my leg, lowering his head, kissing first one eyelid then the other. “Are these for me?”
“I’m not sure.” I wasn’t sure what was coming over me except that it was all-encompassing.
His mouth was on mine and I didn’t need any more answers, just my hips meeting his, his tongue reaching for mine. When we climaxed together, I thought my heart would beat out of my chest. A light sheen of sweat covered our bodies, our breath was r
agged and rough, his fingers gripped my shoulder tightly as if stopping me from rolling away.
I had nowhere I wanted to be except here. Eventually, Griffin rolled over, going to the bathroom to take care of the condom. He slipped in behind me, his arm around my middle, his body curved around mine, his breath in my hair.
His body was tense as if he had something he wanted to say, but he didn’t. I refused to question anything, but to be content with him in the moment.
We drifted off to sleep.
The next morning I woke to the sounds of Declan and Griffin talking in the kitchen. The sheets beside me were warm as if Griffin had only recently gotten up. Instead of languishing in bed, I wanted to join them. I wanted to be part of the laughter, the conversation. Remembering the day I ran into them biking on a Saturday, touring the town, I wanted to be part of their weekend plans.
I ignored the voice in my head that said this was a mistake, pulling on my sundress, brushing my teeth with Griffin’s toothpaste, and finger-combing my hair.
What would Declan think? Was he too young to understand? Was it different because Griffin wasn’t his father, but his uncle? I trusted Griffin knew what he was doing with children because I didn’t. My vow to go with the flow last night would continue through today. I wanted to see what I was missing.
I softly padded downstairs, pausing in the kitchen doorway, unsure for the first time this morning. I wanted to be here, but did Griffin want me here? I pushed away the thought he’d changed his mind, stepping inside to say, “Good Morning.”
Declan was home from Ian’s, sitting on a stool in his pajamas as Griffin flipped pancakes in a T-shirt and shorts at the stove. They both looked up, then smiled.
The warmth of their expression sent heat curling in my belly. What would it be like to wake up to these two every morning?
Declan slid off the stool. “Hey, want to see my new police station?”
My gaze went to Griffin, seeing only happiness. “Sure. I’d love that.”
Declan slid his hand into mine, my heart stopped then beat rapidly as I caught Griffin’s satisfied gaze for a second before Griffin spun me, leading me upstairs to his room.
Declan opened his door to chaos. Legos were strewn on the floor, his bed was unmade, every surface was covered in one of his Lego creations, the Hogwarts Castle, a police station, fire station. Last time I was in his room, it was neat and organized.
“Wow. You’ve been very busy.”
“I make them, tear them down, then make them again. It’s fun.”
“I bet.” I sat cross-legged on the floor while he added on to his police station. We fell into an easy rhythm where I’d find the piece on the instructions and he’d add it.
“Breakfast is ready,” Griffin said from the doorway, his expression soft.
Declan stood, rushing out of the room ahead of me.
I stood slower, brushing the lint from the carpet off my dress. Griffin crossed the room to me, wrapping an arm around my waist, kissing me. He tasted like pancakes and coffee. I loved Sunday mornings.
“Come eat. I made a ton of pancakes.”
We sat at the island eating pancakes and fruit. When we were finished, Griffin braced his hands on the countertop. “What do you say about going back to the shelter today and finding our dog?”
Declan hopped off his stool, whooping in excitement. “I’ll grab my shoes.”
“What do you think?” Griffin asked me, his eyes hopeful.
A lightness filled my chest. “You want me to join you guys?”
“You’re a part of our lives. Your opinion matters.”
His words wrapped around my heart, squeezing until nothing remained but warmth in my chest. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll go get dressed.”
“Do you think we could stop by my house first so I can change?”
“Sure.” After heading to my house so I could change into jeans and a T-shirt, we headed to the shelter. I’d forgotten how much I longed for a dog as a child. I was so happy to be included in Griffin and Declan’s day.
Barking greeted us when we opened the door. Griffin and Declan had been there before, so the lady took them back to the cage of the dog they’d considered before.
She handed Declan the chocolate puppy, whose eyes were wide with awe. “He’s twelve weeks. He’s ready to go home.”
The sight of the soft wiggling puppy in Declan’s arms was so sweet. The puppy licked Declan’s face and he looked up at Griffin, love for the puppy already shining in his eyes.
“You like him?” Griffin asked, smiling at him, then grabbing my hand.
The movement pulled me further into this moment with them, the three of us. I hoped it was the first of many to come.
We sank to the floor so Declan could cradle the pup in his arms without dropping him.
I stroked the puppy’s soft head. “He’s so precious.”
“You want him, bud?” Griffin’s voice was rough with emotion.
“Yes,” Declan barely breathed as if talking too loudly would change Griffin’s mind.
“He’ll be a lot of work in the beginning. We’ll need to take him out often to housetrain him. He’ll need to learn puppy manners too.”
“I don’t mind, Uncle Griff. I’ll do it.” Declan’s eyes were determined as he squeezed the puppy tighter to him.
I knew he’d try hard to be responsible.
“What do you think, Avery?” Griffin looked over at me.
“I think he’s perfect.” I was talking about the dog but my eyes were on Declan. In that moment, I knew I’d do anything for Declan. He’d been through way too much as a young child. One parent abandoning him, one dying. I wanted to make things better for him. I hoped this pup would help.
“What should we name him?”
“What about Potter?” Declan asked, letting the puppy wiggle out of his arms onto the floor between us.
“For Harry Potter?” Griffin asked.
Declan rolled his eyes as if it was obvious. “Yes.”
I smiled at their easy exchange. “I love it. Such a distinguished name for this little ball of fur.” I pulled the wriggling puppy into my arms. I hadn’t considered a pet since I was a child, but now that Potter was in my arms, warm and snuggly, I couldn’t get enough. “I think I’m in love.”
I kissed Potter’s head then lifted my gaze to Declan then Griffin who were watching me, their eyes full of happiness.
I’d do anything to keep that look on their faces. I loved they included me, making me feel like part of their makeshift family.
Chapter Twenty
Avery
On Friday, Dylan popped into my office. “Want to go out tonight?”
“Um.” I tried to remember if Griffin mentioned any plans for this evening.
She sat in the chair across from me. “Or do you already have a date with a certain landlord?”
I glanced at my calendar. “Other than the meeting we have with him in a few minutes, we don’t have any plans.”
“Perfect. I want you to meet a few men who are interested in volunteering with Kids Speak.” Dylan was practically vibrating with energy.
Inwardly, I cringed. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m not good with schmoozing potential donors.”
“I think it’s best if all three of us talk to them. We need to present a united front.”
“Why is it so important?” It was rare for Dylan to ask me to speak to potential investors or volunteers.
“I have a connection to professional athletes. I need your help.”
“That’s amazing, Dylan. If you think it will help if I’m there, I will be.”
“I do.”
“How has everything else been going with Kids Speak?” I felt a twinge of guilt I hadn’t been more involved.
“Hadley’s busy getting the program running in the schools. The financial stuff is falling to me.”
“I’m sorry. I should have been more involved.” I’d been so wrapped up in Griffin, I hadn’t even th
ought about Kids Speak other than our weekly meetings.
She waved me off. “It’s not your fault or your responsibility. Funding was mine.”
“I don’t think anyone meant for you to shoulder it entirely on your own.” Guilt slid down my spine for not offering to help her.
“You can make it up to me tonight at the yacht club. Wear a cocktail dress.”
“Am I invited?” Griffin appeared in the doorway. “Hadley said I could head back.”
Dylan tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. “Sorry, it’s a work meeting for Kids Speak. We’re speaking to a few potentially influential volunteers.”
“Declan and I can have a guys’ night at home, video games, and junk food.” Griffin winked at me, his shoulders were relaxed, his hands in his pockets. He was casual in jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers. It was a stark contrast from our last meeting when he wore a pressed suit.
He’d changed so much over the last few weeks since he initially walked into the office requesting my help. Had I done the same?
“I’ll get my stuff and meet you in the conference room.” Dylan left us alone.
I rose, gathering my legal pad and pen.
Rounding my desk, Griffin gripped my hips, pulling me into him. “I missed you.”
“You saw me at dinner last night.” I batted my eyelashes, teasing as if I hadn’t missed him when I had.
“It’s not enough. It’s never enough.” He pushed a strand of hair off my forehead, his expression tender and full of love.
My mind whirred with the possibility that Griffin could be in love with me.
Sure, we liked each other, but wasn’t it too early for feelings of love? Pressure filled my chest, making it difficult to breathe. If he told me he loved me, what would I say?
“Are you guys ready?” Dylan popped her head into my office.
Relieved Dylan interrupted the moment, I stepped back from Griffin.
Ever the gentleman, Griffin waited for me to precede him down the hall, my hips swaying a little more than usual knowing he was watching.
