by Lynn, Sandi
“I already ate, and I’m exhausted so I’m going to bed early.”
“Alright. I’ll miss you tonight.”
“Me too. Talk to you soon.”
She ended the call before I could even say goodbye. What the fuck? I didn’t need this shit. Julius had plans tonight with his parents, so I called a couple other friends of mine and met them at Randolph’s bar and lounge at the Warwick Hotel. As we were sitting on the barstools drinking and talking, this beautiful woman with long fiery red hair sat down next to me.
“Hi, handsome. How about buying me a drink?” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“I’d love too.” I smiled.
We talked for a while and I could tell she wanted to fuck me.
“Listen, I’m leaving New York tomorrow to fly back home. I have a room upstairs if you’d like to come up and have a nightcap.” She flirtatiously smiled.
“Let’s go.”
I said goodbye to my friends, placed my hand on the small of her back and took the elevator up to her room. The moment we stepped inside, we kissed. My hands roamed up and down her body, and as she reached for the button on my pants, I grabbed her hands and stopped her.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do this,” I said.
“Why? Are you married?”
“No. I’m not. I just can’t.” I walked out of her room and headed home.
The only thing I saw in my mind when I kissed that woman was Harper. Shit. Why the fuck did I feel so guilty?
Chapter 33
Harper
I awoke the next morning to a text message from Grayson that he’d sent at midnight.
“I’m sure you’re sleeping so I just wanted to say goodnight and I hope you’re feeling better. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams, sweetheart.”
I was still mad and hurt so I didn’t bother messaging him back. I got up, showered and put on some makeup before Laurel came over. Charlotte would meet up with us after she was done with her client.
“Let’s stop at Starbucks for a coffee before we shop,” she said. “What’s wrong? I can tell you’re off.”
I sighed as we walked into Starbucks and stood in line.
“It’s Grayson.”
“What’s going on? Are you two fighting?”
“Tell me if I’m being hormonal or if I have a right to be upset.”
We ordered our coffee and waited to the side for them to be made.
“I asked him to go with me today, and he suggested I call you and Charlotte. Then I reminded him about the ultrasound appointment on Monday, which I told him about two weeks ago and he said he’d go. But now, he forgot and scheduled this big contractor meeting.”
“Wow. Really? I’m sorry, Harper.”
They called our names for our coffee, so we grabbed them, walked out and headed down the street.
“If you want my honest opinion, I don’t think you’re being hormonal. You’re a woman in love and you want your boyfriend at the ultrasound with you. It’s perfectly natural to be angry with him now that he can’t go even though he said he would. It’s an important time, you know?”
“There’s something else. I told him the other night that I loved him for the first time.”
“Wow. What did he say?” She smiled.
“He said ‘me too.’”
“What?” Her face twisted. He didn’t say I love you back.”
“No. So I got up the next morning and went home before he woke up. I told him I wasn’t feeling well, and I didn’t see him at all yesterday. He wanted to come and bring me dinner after work, and I told him no. I’m really mad at him, Laurel, and I don’t want to see him right now.”
She hooked her arm around me. “I don’t blame you one bit. But you will have to eventually talk to him.”
“I know.” I sighed.
“Cheer up, buttercup. We have some serious shopping to do.” She grinned.
As I was in the fitting room trying on some clothes, my phone rang, and Grayson was calling.
“Hello.”
“Where are you? I’m at your building and Sammy said you and Laurel left. I thought you were sick.”
“I’m feeling a little better today and I told you I needed to go shopping. Remember? You told me to ask them because you didn’t want to go.”
“Sweetheart, it’s not that I didn’t want to go. I just thought it would be fun for you girls to do it together. And you didn’t take my card I left on the dresser for you the other night.”
“I don’t need it. I can buy my own clothes. Thank you.”
“Why didn’t you text me back this morning?”
“I woke up late and had to hurry and get ready. I was going to text you later.”
“Speaking of later, how about doing something tonight?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m already getting tired and I’ll probably just sleep when I get home.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, I have plans for us tomorrow, so I’ll be coming by to pick you up at noon.”
“What plans?”
“It’s a surprise. One I think you’ll like very much.”
“Okay. I have to finish trying on these clothes. I’ll talk to you later.”
I ended the call before he could say another word. Hopefully, I’d be over my anger with him by tomorrow. But I wasn’t so sure. Charlotte met up with us and I explained everything that was going on to her. I could see the look in her eyes of disapproval. She still never fully trusted Grayson.
After we finished shopping, I headed home and Sammy helped me with my bags.
“Wow. It looks like you went on quite a shopping spree.”
“I needed all new clothes, Sammy. This baby is growing every day.” I placed my hand on my belly.
“I can see that. Mr. Rhodes stopped by earlier and was looking for you.”
“I know.” I rolled my eyes. “We’re having a little spat right now. Or actually, I’m a little irritated with him.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. If you ever want to talk, you know where to find me.”
“Thank you, Sammy. You just might be sorry you said that.” I smirked.
“Somehow, I doubt that, Harper. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
I hadn’t heard from Grayson except earlier in the afternoon when he called me. I sat on the couch, turned on the Gilmore Girls, and wondered what he was doing. Hell, I didn’t care. Okay, maybe I did, but I wasn’t about to text him and ask. He said he’d pick me up tomorrow, so I’d just wait to talk to him then. What surprise could he have planned for me?
Grayson
I had Julius over for a guy’s night since Harper still didn’t want to see me. We ordered a couple pizzas, drank, and played a few games of pool.
“I’m taking Harper on a picnic tomorrow in Central Park.”
“Good boy.” He grinned. “She’s still mad?”
“I think so. I wanted to do something with her tonight, and she turned me down. See, this is the reason why I don’t get into relationships. All of this is such bullshit.”
“But your relationship isn’t real. So why do you care if she’s mad at you?”
“Because. What if she breaks up with me and then I don’t get my company?”
“She isn’t going to break up with you. She loves you. She’s just upset. She’ll get over it after the picnic tomorrow. Then you can go on pretending to care about her and upsetting the balance of her life once you get the company and dump her.” His eye narrowed at me.
“Thanks, bro. I appreciate your honesty.” I glared at him.
“Just remember, she’s the mother of your child.”
“Knock it off, Julius.” I hit the eight ball in the left corner pocket.
After Julius left, I checked my phone to see if Harper had texted me. She didn’t. What the fuck. I sighed as I poured myself another drink and took it out to the terrace where I stared out into the brightly lit city. Damn it. I needed to make sure she was okay, so I sent her a text message even though it was late,
and I was sure she was sleeping.
“Hi sweetheart. I was just checking in to see how you’re doing?”
I stared at my phone and impatiently waited for the three dots to appear. Nothing.
“You must be asleep. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I miss you.”
Hopefully seeing those messages when she wakes up will put her in a better mood.
Chapter 34
Harper
The moment I woke up, I grabbed my phone and read Grayson’s messages. He was making an effort, so I decided to text him back.
“Good morning. I miss you too. See you at noon.”
I had just finished curling my hair when there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Grayson stood there holding a bouquet of a dozen red roses in his hand.
“Hi.” He smiled.
“Hi.”
“These are for you.”
“Thank you. You shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to.”
I took the roses from him and wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me tight.
“I hope you’re feeling better,” he spoke as he broke our embrace and kissed me.
“I am.” I smiled.
“You look absolutely beautiful. Is that a new dress?”
“It is.” I did a little twirl. “I bought it yesterday.”
“Well, it looks great on you. Are you ready to go?”
“Let me just slip on my shoes.”
We walked down to the lobby and Sammy gave me a wink and smile as Grayson and I walked out the door hand in hand.
“Good afternoon, Harper.” Damon smiled as he held the door open.
“Good afternoon, Damon. Thank you.”
I stepped inside and Grayson slid next to me.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” He grinned.
Damon pulled up to the entrance to Central Park. Climbing out, with the help of Grayson, it was the same entrance to get to Belvedere Castle. Damon unlocked the trunk and handed Grayson a blanket and picnic basket.
“A picnic?” I brightly smiled.
“Yes. We’re having a picnic in Central Park,” he spoke as he hooked his arm around me.
We set up in a quiet little spot on the lawn next to Belvedere Castle. The view was amazing, and I was quickly forgiving him. He opened the picnic basket, took out two plates, two bottles of water, some finger sandwiches, a quinoa salad, cut up fruits and veggies, cheese cubes and crackers.
“I can’t believe you did all this.”
“Why? Do you think I’m not capable of being romantic?” He smirked.
“No.” I laughed. “This is just awesome.” I threw my arms around him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. So, tell me about your day with the girls yesterday.”
While we ate, we talked. We talked about my day, his day, music, certain poetry, etc. Everything but the reason why I was hurt and upset. I just needed to put it in the past and move on.
It was a beautiful sunny day with a light wind that swept across us every now and again. Grayson stretched out his legs, and I laid on my back with my head resting on his lap. It was a perfect picture. Apparently, someone else thought so because a nice older couple who appeared to be in their seventies stopped and asked if I would like them to take a picture of us like that.
“What a beautiful young couple. Oh, I see you’re expecting. First child?” the older woman asked.
“Yes.” I smiled.
“Would you like me to take a picture of you two? This is something to always be remembered.”
“Thank you so much. That would be great.” I reached for my phone and handed it to her.
“You two just sit there like you are and look at each other. Isn’t this so romantic, Henry? It reminds me of us of when we were their age. Here you go,” she spoke as she handed me my phone. “Enjoy the rest of your lives together and congratulations on your baby.”
“Thank you,” both me and Grayson spoke as they walked away hand in hand.
I looked at the pictures she took of us and I nearly lost my breath. She snapped two pictures, and they were perfect.
“Would you like me to send these to your phone?” I asked Grayson.
“Of course, I would.”
We lay there for a while, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful warm weather. When it was time to leave, we packed up and headed to my place.
I gasped as his mouth explored my sensitive area and his hands groped my breasts. His skills always amazed me, and my body reacted as the earth-shattering orgasms took me over the edge. Hovering over me, he smiled as he brushed his lips against mine while he thrust inside me. My nails dug into the flesh of his back as he moved in and out at a steady pace. His teeth tugged at my hardened peaks as he softly licked them to soothe the sting. Moans erupted from us as we both were on the brink of an orgasm.
“Come with me, sweetheart. Please, come with me.”
I let out a howl as my body shook and my legs tightened around him at the same time he exploded deep inside me. Tilting my head back, I gasped for air as I could still feel his hard cock resting inside me. There was no place I wanted to be but here with him, exactly like we were.
He kissed my lips and rolled off me while placing his hand over his heart.
“Are you okay?” I laughed.
“Yeah. I’m okay,” he spoke with a smile as he tried to regain his breath.
We spent the rest of the evening eating Chinese food and watching a movie before heading to bed.
The next morning, Grayson climbed out of bed, showered, and put on one of the suits he’d left in my closet. He had some clothes here for when he spent the night and I had some clothes at his place which I needed to replace with some of my new clothes. While he was getting dressed, I went into the kitchen and made him a cup of coffee and toasted a bagel. Even though it was my scheduled day to go into the office, I decided to go tomorrow instead since today was my ultrasound appointment.
“Is that bagel for me?” He grinned as he walked in the kitchen, placed his hands on my hips and kissed me.
“Yes.”
“Thank you.”
He sat down at the table and checked his phone while he ate his bagel and drank his coffee.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked.
“I’m going to breakfast with the girls after my ultrasound.” I turned away and went back into the kitchen.
As I was standing at the sink washing a glass, I felt his hands grip my hips from behind and the warmth of his breath swept across my neck.
“I’m sorry I can’t go. You know I would if I could, right?”
“Yeah. I understand. You have an important meeting.”
“Okay. I have to go.” He turned me around. “We’re going out to dinner tonight to celebrate your ultrasound. I’ll have Damon pick you up before he picks me up at the office.”
“Sounds good.” My lips formed a small smile. “I love you.”
He stared into my eyes for a moment before pressing his lips against mine.
“Me too. Good luck today and call me.” He walked away and out of my apartment.
I sighed as I leaned against the sink. He still couldn’t say those three words to me, and it hurt.
“Are you ready to see your baby and see how much he or she has grown since your last ultrasound?” Dr. Graham smiled.
“Yes. We’re all ready.” I grinned.
As happy as I was to be here, I wanted Grayson with me. A part of me didn’t understand why he couldn’t push the meeting back an hour so he could be here.
“Here’s your baby, Harper. We have a nice strong heartbeat.”
Tears sprung to my eyes as I stared at my growing baby on the screen.
“Oh my God!” Laurel exclaimed.
“That is so cool,” Charlotte said.
“Everything looks perfect. The baby’s measurements are right on point. Do you want to know the sex? I have a perfect view.” She smi
led.
“Yes, Dr. Graham. I’m dying to know.”
“Congratulations, Harper. You’re having a girl.”
Both Laurel and Charlotte screamed in excitement as tears streamed down my face.
“I’ll see you in a month.” Dr. Graham smiled while she helped me up and then left the room.
“OH MY GOD! We’re having a girl!” Laurel exclaimed while Charlotte was looking up at the ceiling thanking God.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Think of all the shopping we can do now for her. Pink. Pink. Pink. Everything will be pink with bows and ribbons and lace. Cute little dresses and sunhats and shoes to match,” Laurel said.
The three of us walked out of the office and headed around the corner to get some breakfast. As excited as I was, a part of me wanted to call Grayson and tell him. But the other part of me wanted to keep it from him as a punishment for not being there with me.
“Aren’t you going to call Grayson and tell him?” Charlotte asked.
“No. I’ll tell him tonight at dinner,” I said as I looked over the menu.
“I thought you weren’t mad at him anymore,” Laurel spoke.
“I thought I wasn’t either. I guess I’m not mad. I’m hurt.”
“Sweetie,” Charlotte grabbed my hand, “I get that you want to punish him, but he’ll be there for everything else.”
“I told him again today that I loved him, and he came back with the same response as always.”
“Maybe he’s scared to say it. You know, some men don’t feel like they can live up to what the words mean,” Laurel said. “Maybe that’s his problem. It could be he’s scared.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, Harper. You know I love you,” Charlotte spoke. “What does it even matter? I mean, look at Kevin. He told you all the time he loved you and then told you three months before your wedding he wasn’t sure if he loved you enough to marry you. As far as I’m concerned, people toss those words around like it’s nothing. So what if he doesn’t say it back. Are you really ready to believe him anyway?”
“Charlotte.” Laurel smacked her arm.