by L. M. Reid
36
Chloe
As I look around the stadium, take in the crowd of people, I still can’t believe today is finally here. Four years of hard work finally paying off.
With everything that’s changed over the past several months, I’m not really sure what my next step is or where I want to go from here. And, that’s okay. I’m still young and I have my whole life ahead of me. There is so much to see and do, so many opportunities that I can’t decide on just one.
What matters most though is that no matter what I do, I know Griffin will be my side.
Just like he is right now. I smile as I feel his arms wrap around me from behind.
“I am so proud of you,” he tells me.
I turn to him, my hand caressing his stubbled cheek. “I couldn’t have made it through this last year without you.”
“I know,” he says with a cocky smile on his face that makes me roll my eyes in amusement. “That’s why your graduation gift, it’s for both of us.”
“Oh really?” I say with a laugh. “What is it?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” He gives me a wink that makes sets my whole body on fire.
When I first met Griffin, I knew he was attractive. But I never understood why women seemed to acquiesce to him so easily. Then he winked at me. And touched me. Suddenly, I didn’t understand why the whole female population didn’t do it. The man was pure sex appeal with a side of sweetness and a hint of naughty. Eloquent, sexy, and cocky as hell. While I didn’t at first, I absolutely love every single piece of him now.
He checks his phone. “Your parents just arrived. I’m going to go meet them.” He presses a chaste kiss to my cheek. “I love you.”
God, I love him too.
I take my seat among my classmates. There is a slight pang in my chest as I look around and think of all the things that Sierra missed out on. Things that I get to experience that she never will – graduation, true love, a future. It makes me sad for her, but at the same time gives me further incentive to make the most out of my life. I fully intend on making living it to the fullest – for the both of us. My hand touches the necklace that hangs between my collar bones. The tiny piece of gold that once belonged to Sierra, that is now one of my most prized possessions. Today, is for us, I think to myself.
Turning in my seat, my eyes study the stands looking for my parents, and Griffin of course. As I watch them sitting there, chatting and laughing, I smile. Two men who couldn’t be more different in so many ways, found a common ground and an almost father-son bond. I wouldn’t be surprised if I found the two of them playing catch next week.
The ceremony commences. As hard as I try to focus on the speeches being made by the chancellor and the dean and several others, my mind is focused on the man whose eyes are boring into the back of my head right now. Even from hundreds of feet away I can feel him looking at me. That gaze, it gives me the security and confidence I need to face anything that comes my way.
They call my name and I make my way across the stage, accepting the diploma and hearing Griffin’s insanely loud and out of character cheering. I look into the crowd, the gorgeous man standing in the middle of a seated crowd, clapping and cheering for me. Things that no one ever did for him. I blow him a kiss, not caring who sees or what anyone thinks.
The ceremony concludes and I meet my parents just outside the field where it was held. My mother’s arms envelop me, my dad deciding to join in while Griffin stands off to the side beaming.
When I turn to him, he takes my face in his hands and kisses me unabashedly. “I am so proud of you,” he says. Glancing at my parents, “I hope you don’t mind, but I made us reservations for dinner to celebrate.”
“I don’t mind at all,” my dad says. He wraps his arm around Griffin’s neck. “Lead the way, son.”
It’s my favorite restaurant – The Lake House. It’s quiet and secluded and overlooks the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. Seated in a shaded area of the patio, we enjoy our dinner. It almost feels surreal to me, how different life is. Griffin has done wonders for me, and my parents too. He’s the son they never had, filling a void they never knew until they lost Sierra. As much as I wish she were here with us, I’m glad that if she can’t be that Griffin is.
We say our goodbyes and head back to his place. I’ve been looking for an apartment but haven’t found quite the right fit yet. So, until I do, Griffin was kind enough to let me stay with him. Not that it’s much of a stretch since I spend most nights here anyway. I mean, his place is closer to the club, so it just made sense. And, if I’m being honest, I just liked being with him. Despite how different his home was from anyplace that I had lived, it still felt just like that – home.
We make our way onto the patio with a bottle of champagne. I relax onto the oversize chaise and wait for him to join me. As much as we both love the hustle and bustle of the club, when we’re not there, it’s nice to come home to such a tranquil space. We spend most nights out here unwinding and talking.
As he sits next to me, his arm around me tugging me tighter against his body, I realize that he never gave me my gift.
Begrudgingly, I lift my head from his perfectly toned chest. “Hey, you never gave me my gift.”
“Gift?” He plays stupid. “Oh, yeah, sorry baby, dinner was your gift.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Hand it over. Or our celebration ends here instead of the bedroom.”
“Well, I had fully intended on it at least starting here…”
“Griffin…” I whine.
I hate that he spoils me. In fact, I’ve asked him not to more times than I can count. I don’t need things or money. I just need him. Expensive gifts, fancy dinners, it’s just a part of who he is. So, I gave up trying to fight it. He knows I couldn't give a damn if he ever bought me another thing, but when he dangles it in my face….
He takes a small box off the table next to him and hands it to me. “Congratulations, Chloe.”
I slowly lift the lid. Inside lies a key. “Please don’t tell me you’re being cheesy and giving me the key to your heart.”
“Not exactly,” he replies. “That, is a key to this house. Our house.”
“Griffin, I’m lost, I’m sorry.”
“It’s simple really. I want you to move in with me Chloe.”
My hand flies to my mouth. The shock of what he’s giving me finally registering. “Griffin, are you sure… I mean…”
“I’m more than sure, baby. I can’t imagine spending a single day of my life without you next to me. What do you say?”
“What do I say?” I ask as I move on the chaise to straddle him. “I say yes!”
Our lips meet, a kiss to rival all other’s that we’ve shared. I pour everything into it. Every emotion – love, hate, fear, excitement. He’s the only person who can make me feel each and every one of those in the same moment. He makes life worth living. He gives it a meaning that I never knew possible.
His arms around me, his lips on mine, I find safety and security that only he can offer me.
Arrogant, cocky, sexy as hell and most importantly, all mine.
With my lips next to his ear I say, “I have a surprise for you, too. Nat’s coming to spend the night.”
His fingers grip on my hips. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
My resolve crumbles and I begin to laugh. “Damn it woman. It’s not nice to tease a man like that. Now I’m going to have to punish you.”
“What do you mean, punish me?” I ask with a confused excitement.
“I’m going to start by taking you over my knee…”
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