by Lynn, Sandi
I collapsed on top of her as I tried to regain my breath, grabbing her hands and interlacing our fingers as we lay there together for a few moments. Once both our heartrates calmed and our breathing returned to normal, I rolled off her and held out my arm as she snuggled her body against mine and laid her head on my chest.
“So, what kind of dessert did you get?” she casually asked.
I let out a chuckle. “Cheesecake with fresh berries. Would you like a piece?”
“I’d love some. I seemed to have worked up quite an appetite.”
“Me too.” I kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”
I climbed out of bed, pulled on my pajama bottoms and went down to the kitchen. After cutting two pieces of cheesecake and putting it on one large plate for us to share, I grabbed two forks from the drawer and went back upstairs. I stopped in the doorway and stared at her with a smile on my face as she lay there sound asleep.
Chapter 27
Harper
My eyes flew open as the sun peered through the slits of the blinds that covered the windows. I couldn’t believe I fell asleep last night and didn’t wake up once. I rolled over and stared at Grayson while he slept. The last thing I remembered was him going downstairs to get us some cheesecake. Shit. Now I was totally embarrassed that I fell asleep before he got back. What a way to end a perfect evening. He stirred before opening his eyes.
“Good morning.” A soft smile graced his face. “Were you watching me sleep?”
“Maybe.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
“That’s okay because I was watching you sleep last night.” His finger ran down my cheek.
“I am so sorry about that. I don’t even remember closing my eyes.”
He rolled on his back and stretched out his arm. That was my queue to snuggle against him.
“Don’t apologize. You were tired and I understand that. Did you sleep well?”
“I did,” I spoke as my head lay on his chest and I softly stroked it with my fingers. “Your bed is very comfortable.”
“Good. I’m happy you like it because if I have my way, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it.”
“Is that so?” I smiled as I lifted my head and stared at him.
“It is so.” He gave me a wink. “I wanted to ask you something last night before you fell asleep. My best friend, Julius, asked us to have dinner with him tonight. His wife is out of town and he wants to meet you. Plus, I want you to meet him too.”
“I’d like that.”
“Good. I’ll call him in a while.”
“Do you by any chance have decaf coffee?” I asked.
“No. I don’t. But hold on a second.”
He reached for his phone on the nightstand and called down to the lobby.
“This is Grayson Rhodes and I need someone to run out and get me some decaf coffee for my Keurig. Make sure it’s a dark roast. And if you could hurry it up, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
“I can’t believe you just did that. I could have run out and got some. You didn’t need to send the staff to do it.”
“Trust me. They don’t mind. Especially when they know they’re getting a large tip.”
“I’m starving. Would you mind if I whipped us up something for breakfast?” I asked.
“Not at all. I don’t have much though. My maid usually goes to the grocery store on Mondays.”
“You have a maid?”
“Yes. She comes twice a week to clean and prep meals for me. Do you think I can clean this big place myself?”
“Would you even clean it yourself?” I smirked at him.
“No.” He chuckled. “Come up here.”
I scooted myself up, so my lips were mere inches from his. He softly pressed them against mine. Suddenly, his phone rang.
“Thank you. Bring it up,” he spoke.
“Your coffee has arrived, madame.” His smile brightened my morning.
While I climbed out of bed and slipped into my pajama bottoms and tank top, Grayson grabbed some cash from his wallet and headed downstairs. I followed and went into the kitchen to see what I could whip up. First thing I did was pop a k-cup in his Keurig and made him a cup of coffee.
“Here you go.” He kissed my forehead.
“And here you go.” I handed him his coffee.
“Thank you. I’m going to quickly take a shower and give Julius a call. Did you find anything to make?”
“I did.” I beamed.
“Okay. I’ll be back in a flash. Thanks for the coffee.” He held his mug up.
After I made myself a cup, I grabbed the eggs from the refrigerator along with some tomatoes, spinach, onion and a green and red pepper and some cheddar cheese. Today’s breakfast would be a veggie omelet and toast.
“Perfect timing,” I said as I plated his omelet and buttered toast.
“This looks delicious. Thank you.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine.
We took our plates and sat on the stools at the island.
“I called Julius and we’ll meet him at Eleven Madison Park at six o’clock.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I hope you don’t mind but I made plans for us for today. You have nothing going on, do you? Again, I probably should have asked you first.”
“The only thing I have going on is spending the day with you.” A smile crossed my lips.
“I was hoping you’d say that. There’s a new butterfly exhibition over at the Museum of Natural History I’ve been wanting to see.”
“I heard about that. I like butterflies.”
“Good. Then we’ll go there first and play the rest of the day by ear. Sound like a plan?”
“Sounds like I plan.” I smiled.
After I finished my breakfast, I took a quick shower, applied some light makeup, and grabbed my jeans from my bag. As I pulled them on, I struggled to button them, but it wasn’t happening. Shit!
“What’s wrong?” Grayson asked as he saw me lying on the bed in my unbuttoned jeans.
“We have to stop at my place on the way to the museum.”
“Why?”
“Because my jeans don’t fit anymore. I can’t button them.”
He started to laugh, and I threw a pillow at him.
“I’m sorry but what did you expect? You’re pregnant. Eventually your clothes aren’t going to fit you anymore,” he spoke as he held out his hand and helped me up.
“I know but I didn’t think it would happen yet.” I pouted.
“Jeans are tight to begin with. Put on the pants you were wearing yesterday, and we’ll go to your place so you can change into a different pair. You’ll be okay.” He kissed my forehead.
We left his penthouse and stopped by my apartment on the way to the museum. I changed into a pair of black leggings, a tank top and a long cardigan. Spring had sprung in New York, and the need for a jacket was no longer needed. At least during the day.
We entered the museum and looked around before it was our time to enter the Butterfly Conservatory. I watched Grayson as he looked at the butterflies that flew around us with the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward.
“My mother loved butterflies,” he spoke. “We had a vacation home in Montauk that we’d spend our summers at and in the back yard she had a huge garden with at least twenty different butterfly houses. She’d spend most of the afternoon out there watching them and taking photographs. She said they were the most beautiful creatures on Earth. My father used to call her the butterfly whisperer, because when she’d go out in the garden, butterflies would land all over her. They made her happy.”
“That’s a beautiful memory.” I took hold of his hand.
“Yeah. I guess it is. Since we're in this beautiful place surrounded by butterflies and plants, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
“I would like it if we were exclusive.”
“Grayson Rhodes, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” I grinned.
“I suppose I am. And when you meet my grandfather, I’d like to introduce you to him as just that.”
“Yes.” I threw my arms around his neck. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
“Phew. I was worried for a minute. I know this is moving a little fast.”
“Just a little. But when you know, you know. Right?” I kissed his lips.
Chapter 28
Grayson
I hated that word “girlfriend.” It was enough to make my skin crawl. But I had no choice. It had to be done. There were too many expectations from women who had the title. They wanted gifts, cute little love notes or text messages all the damn time. When you had a bad day and just want to be alone, they wanted answers as to why and when you didn’t give them, they accuse you of shutting them out. They want apologies first even though they were in the wrong because they are always right about everything. If you dare glance at another woman or even speak to her, they’re convinced your cheating on them. They think we’re mind readers and when we fail at doing something, they thought we should have done, they become psychotic. They think they should be number one priority and nothing else in the world should matter. Been there. Done that. Hence, the reason I stay as far away from relationships as possible. Now that Harper thinks we’re in a committed relationship, I can stop trying so hard. But I had to be careful and keep things working as smoothly as possible between us until I got my company.
We left the museum and because it was a nice day outside; she asked if we could go to Central Park for a while.
“Is there any specific area of Central Park you want to go to?” I asked her.
“Bethesda Terrace.”
We walked hand in hand through the entrance of the park and headed to Bethesda Terrace.
“Is there a specific reason you wanted to come here?” I asked as we approached it.
“This is the reason I moved to New York,” she spoke.
“You moved to New York because of this place?”
“Yes. My parents loved New York City and once a year, we’d vacation here for a week. This is where my father asked my mother to marry him. Right on these steps. He got down on one knee, told her how much he loved her and then asked for her hand in marriage. We’d come visit here every year. My mother’s face would always light up when she told me the story. After they passed away, I knew the only place I could ever be close to them again was here. Whenever I need to think or I miss them, I come here for a while. That’s why I attended NYU and never left New York after I graduated.”
“I’m sorry, Harper.” I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the side of her head.
“It’s my special place and I want to share it with my child and tell him or her all about their grandparents.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I just held her for a moment.
It was six o’clock on the dot when we walked through the doors of Eleven Madison Park. Julius hadn’t arrived yet, so I told the hostess to bring him to our table when he arrived.
“Hey, bro.” He smiled.
I got up from my chair and gave him a light hug.
“Julius, I’d like you to meet Harper Holland. Harper, this is my best friend, Julius.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Harper.” He smiled as he extended his hand.
“It’s great to meet you, Julius.”
He took his seat. While we both ordered bourbons, Harper ordered water and a decaf coffee.
“So, what is it you do?” she asked him.
I could sense the nervousness inside him.
“I’m a stockbroker for a capital management company on Wall Street.”
“Wow. That must be an exciting job.” She smiled.
“Oh. It has its perks. So, Grayson tells me you're pregnant, and you used a sperm donor.”
I kicked him under the table. I couldn’t believe he said that.
“Yes. I am, and yes, I did.” Her lips formed a small smile.
“Well, I think the decision you made was a great one. I truly admire a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it.” He grinned.
“Thank you, Julius. I appreciate that.”
She laid in my arms as her head rested on my chest. We’d just had sex and we were both tired.
“Thank you for today. I had a great time,” she softly spoke.
“You’re welcome. About tomorrow, I have some things I need to take care of, so I’ll take you home after breakfast. Think about where you would like to go.”
She lifted her head from my chest and looked at me with a wide grin across her face.
“How about Alice’s Tea Cup? Their Wonderland Waffles are the best.”
“I can honestly say I’ve never eaten there. But if that’s where you want to go, then we’ll go.” I tapped her nose.
The next morning after we got dressed, we went to Alice’s Tea Cup. The line to get in was long and there was over an hour wait.
“This is a bit ridiculous,” I said.
“Maybe we should have made reservations last night. Oh well. We can go somewhere else.” A look of disappointment filled her face.
“You really want those waffles?”
“I do but we’re not waiting an hour. We can make reservations and come back another time.”
“No. Hold on.” I held up my finger.
Walking up to the hostess desk, I pulled a hundred-dollar bill from my wallet and folded it up.
“Excuse me. Are you sure the wait is an hour?” I discreetly slipped the young brunette the bill.
She looked at it and then up at me.
“Let me check. I’ll be right back.”
After a moment, she returned with a smile on her face.
“The table you reserved is ready. Follow me.”
I called over to Harper, who was standing by the door.
“I got us a table.” I winked at her as we followed the hostess.
“How?”
“I slipped her some cash in exchange for a table. You want waffles from here and you will have them.”
“You’re so sweet, Grayson. Thank you. Also, my baby thanks you.” She smiled.
I swallowed hard as I picked up the menu and looked it over.
“It’s very whimsical in here,” I said as I looked around.
There were families all around us. Parents with small children. Some were behaved and others not so much. It was noisy. A little too noisy for my taste. I’d be fine if I never had to come back here again, even though I did enjoy the smoked salmon benedict. I’d kept waiting for Harper to ask me what my plans were for today, but she never did.
After breakfast, I took her back to her apartment. Setting her bag down on the floor, I wrapped my arms around her.
“Enjoy the rest of your day. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the office.”
“Thanks. You too.”
I brushed my lips against hers and kissed her goodbye.
Chapter 29
Harper
As soon as the door shut, a part of me felt a sadness, but the other part of me was on cloud nine. Grayson Rhodes was now my boyfriend, and I was his girlfriend. A smile crossed my face every time I thought about it. I needed to apologize to Charlotte for the things I said, and I knew if I called her, she wouldn’t answer. Sundays were cleaning day, so I knew she’d be home.
I hailed a cab to her apartment and rang the buzzer.
“Who’s there?”
“Char, it’s me. We need to talk.”
“Why? So you can continue to tell me how jealous I am of you.”
“Please. I miss you.”
She buzzed me in, and I walked up the stairs to her apartment. When I reached it, she stood there with her arms folded staring at me.
“I’m sorry.” I pouted. “It’s the pregnancy hormones.”
A small smile formed on her lips and she held out her arms for a hug.
“I’m sorry too.
Come on in. I’ll make us some tea and we’ll talk.”
I took a seat on the couch while she made our tea.
“I miss you, Charlotte.”
“I miss you, Harper.”
She walked over, handed me my tea and then took a seat on the couch next to me.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” I said as I carefully sipped from the cup.
“What is it?”
“Grayson asked me to be his girlfriend. We’re officially a couple now.”
She reached over and placed her hand on mine.
“Does he make you one hundred percent happy?” she asked.
“Yes, he does. I’m in love with him.”
“Then that’s all that matters to me. You know I’ve always been protective of you since the first day we met. You’ve had so much heartache and now you’re finally having what you always wanted. I just want you to be incredibly happy.”
“I know you do, and I am. Not only does having this baby make me happy, but so does Grayson. I really want you to give him a chance.”
She reached over and hugged me.
“I will give him a chance, but if he hurts you,” she broke our embrace, “I’ll cut off his balls with my scissors.”
I let out a laugh.
Suddenly, the buzzer rang.
“That’s probably Laurel. She said she might stop by this afternoon,” Charlotte spoke.
She buzzed her in and when Laurel opened the door and saw me sitting on the couch; her face lit up.
“Please tell me the two of you made up,” she said.
“We made up.” Charlotte smiled.”
“Thank God. The two of you were exhausting me.”
I told Laurel about me and Grayson and she got all giddy with excitement.
“I want to meet him, Harper.”
“You will. I promise. We just have to figure out a good time.”
“So where is he today?” Charlotte asked.