“How about we pretend that the last nine days didn’t happen?” He asks huskily.
“I think that’s a great idea and I’m all for it.” I savor the feeling of being held by him. I know we’ve only been a couple for a very short time and yet he’s already burrowed his way into a tiny corner of my heart. Whether or not I decide to let him in any further is still to be decided. This past week or so has made me hesitant to open myself up and risk getting hurt. It’s definitely impeded my ability to trust him and it’s going to take some time to get back to the point we were at before our break. I hope he understands that I’m going to need patience from him and he needs to handle me with care or I’m not going to be able to fully invest myself in our relationship.
Chapter Eleven
Late December
Beacon University let out for the holiday break a couple of weeks ago and Garrett and I have spent most of that time together. I haven’t slept in my own bed in over a week and when I did, he was there with me. Fortunately, Garrett is handling the upcoming holiday situation much better than he did last time. We agreed that he would come to my father’s house with me and spend the night. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and he’ll meet my whole family. He won’t be there long enough for them to torture, he needs to leave for his brother’s house after we eat dinner. He’ll spend six days with his family and then we’re going to meet back up at his condo for New Year’s Eve. He told me he has something special planned for that night and I have no idea what it could possibly be.
I’m riding with Garrett so we don’t have to take two cars. I’ll grab a ride back to my apartment with one of my brothers or Hailey in time for our New Year’s Eve date. I love being in his car with him. It rides so smoothly you can barely feel the bumps in the road from the highway construction that seems to be never ending in Massachusetts. The heated leather seats below me and the low hum of the radio are making me feel warm and cozy. I could easily fall asleep, but I don’t want to do that to Garrett. He’s never been to my house before and though he has GPS, it’s not the same as someone guiding you there personally. As our conversation drops off and we settle into silence, my thoughts start to wander. I’m becoming more and more apprehensive about whether or not I should tell my father that Garrett was my professor. I still don’t have a definitive plan worked out as we turn down the street I grew up on.
We pull into the driveway and it’s almost full with my family members cars. Garrett parks behind the last vehicle in the long line. He grabs our suitcases from the trunk and effortlessly carries them as if they’re weightless.
“Has your family always lived here?” He asks as we make our way along the walkway that leads to the front door.
“Yeah, my father built this house for my mother when they were first married. She told him she wanted to have a large family and I guess he took her at her word.” I say, gesturing at the monstrosity of a house before us. “It seems large but when my brothers are here, they have a way of taking over and making it feel noticeably smaller.” I glance at Garrett and catch a hint of a grimace on his face.
“Are you worried about meeting my family?” I ask as we are almost at the front entrance.
“I wouldn’t say worried but I have a healthy amount of concern about it. It doesn’t help to know that Greyson and Aiden are professional fighters.” I giggle as I open the door.
“Here goes nothing,” he mutters under his breath. I squeeze his arm in support before chaos erupts all around us as my four brothers engulf me with hugs. A loud chorus of “Seashell” can probably be heard throughout the neighborhood. After I’m through hugging Hollis, Aiden, and Brennan, I get spun crazily around by Greyson. Once I’m back on my feet, I turn to find Garrett standing there observing us with his eyebrows raised up toward his hairline. I know my brothers are a lot to take in all at once. It’s not just their large size, all of them reaching over six feet with shoulders that nearly span the width of the doorways. They also have deep, booming voices and larger than life personalities. They have a tendency to intimidate people when they first meet them.
“Guys, this is my boyfriend, Garrett. Be nice to him, he’s one of the good guys.” I flash each of them my sternest glare to get my point across. The last thing I want is tension between them all. I’m hoping they’ll make Garrett feel welcome.
My brothers are nice, well-mannered guys, when they want to be. When they don’t want to be...they’re total dickheads. I’ve seen the latter side of them in play on more than a few occasions. Each of them steps forward, one at a time and introduces themselves to Garrett; shaking his hand. I clench my teeth with worry because he’s being tested by them and he probably has no idea. I should’ve given him a heads up that they like to squeeze the hand of the person they’re meeting and try to get him to grimace. If he does, it’s a sign of weakness in their eyes. To Garrett’s credit, he doesn’t show the appearance of any discomfort.
After all the introductions are over and our stuff is put away in our rooms...our separate rooms, we head downstairs. My father’s home from work now and I’m excited to introduce Garrett to him. Before I do that, I want to make sure I get to say hello to Rose. I haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving. I tug Garrett along beside me into our kitchen where she’s busy cooking over a hot stove.
“Here she is,” she excitedly exclaims as she walks toward me with her arms outstretched. She folds me into a hug and there’s an immediate sense of comfort.
“I’ve missed you,” I tell her as I squeeze her tightly.
“Oh Seashell, I’ve missed you so much.” She pulls away from me and holds me in front of her, slowly perusing my frame with her eyes.
“Are you eating enough? You’re looking too thin.” I snort out loud. I’m definitely not in danger of malnourishment, Garrett keeps me well fed.
“Rose, I assure you I’m not starving at school.” I take hold of his hand and pull him over beside me. “I want you to meet my boyfriend, Garrett.” She smiles at me and then she pulls him in for a hug.
“It’s so nice to meet you. I never thought I’d see the day that Shelby would bring home a boyfriend.” She winks at me before turning and smiling broadly at him.
“Well, I figured he deserves to meet you all since he keeps putting up with me.” I joke.
“Rose, I’m so glad to meet you. Shelby has told me so many wonderful things about you, I feel as though I already know you.”
“The fact that she’s brought you here means that you are someone very important to her.” She looks at me knowingly and I nod in confirmation. He means more to me than I like to think about.
“She means the world to me,” He replies, sliding his arm around my waist.
***
The introduction between Garrett and my father went better than I hoped and I can tell he already likes him. The only other boyfriend I’ve ever introduced to my family was Austin and my father was never a fan of his. I don’t think he was too surprised that our relationship ended the way it did. Apparently, he’s a way better judge of character than I am. I truly respect my father and his opinion means more to me than anyone else’s. The fact that Garrett made such a great first impression on him makes me hopeful about us lasting as a couple.
***
Dinner, tonight with my family, was interesting as always. My brothers have a way of bringing up topics that are really not meant to be dinnertime conversation. Somehow Greyson managed to drop the bomb that Garrett is my professor. I had to clarify that he was and is no longer, now that the semester is over. Not that this changes our situation in the eyes of the university. There isn’t supposed to be any fraternization between the staff and students; no exceptions. I can only imagine what would happen if they found out we were a couple. We’ve done our best to be discreet, going out together in other towns, instead of the city. Most of the time, we prefer to order some takeout and cuddle on Garrett’s couch, while watching whatever movie we decide on. He worries I’ll get bored from staying in because I’m younger than him.
He seems to think I need to be out whooping it up with my friends and that’s just not true. I try to make him see that spending time with him is my favorite thing to do. He’s intelligent and interesting to talk to and his sense of humor is razor sharp and extremely dry. He has a tendency to be more serious about life than what I’m used to. My brothers are the exact opposite and Jeff is very similar to them. I like to think that I provide Garrett with some much-needed levity and he makes me feel loved. That’s all I’ve ever really wanted...someone who feels as strongly about me, as I do about them. Finding that balance of love in a relationship is one of the most difficult things.
I can’t say my father or my brothers were happy to hear about the origin of our relationship or the risks involved with us continuing it. I know they’ll worry about me, but this connection that Garrett and I share is bigger than the both of us and I don’t see it ending anytime soon. I think he could be “the one,” but I’m afraid to even acknowledge that thought. The superstitious part of me doesn’t want to jinx it.
***
We just had our Christmas Eve dinner and Garrett has to leave in another hour or so. We haven’t had a chance to exchange gifts yet. My brothers have been purposely up our asses since we arrived here yesterday afternoon. They haven’t given us a moment's peace.
Garrett helped me clear off the dining room table and now we’re sitting on the large sectional in the theater room. He and I are cuddled up against each other enjoying the solitude that we’ve been missing for the past two days.
“Do you know how much I’m going to miss you over the next six days?” I shake my head.
“How much?” I ask, teasingly.
“More than you’ll ever know,” He whispers as he leans forward to brush his lips against mine. “I’m looking forward to New Year’s Eve when I’ll have you naked and stretched out on my bed.” He groans as he connects his lips with mine, kissing me passionately. I grip his hair in my fists and press my body into his. When the kiss is over, we’re both panting. I want to climb on top of him, rip his clothes off, and have my wicked way with him. I know it’s not an option, though. We’re in my father’s house and there are eyes everywhere.
“We should exchange gifts now,” I mention, trying to calm my libido and resist the urge to strip him naked. I sit up and retrieve the two gift bags that contain his gifts.
“You go first,” He tells me as he hands me a small box wrapped in gold foil and topped with a tiny red bow. I tear into the paper and drop it on the floor before removing the cover off of the little white box. Nestled inside on some cotton is a key. I look at him questioningly, waiting for him to explain.
“This is a key to my condo. I want you to come and go as you please. I want you there all the time, but I know you still need your space. This is my way of giving you the option of being over as much as you’d like. You’re welcome to hang out there when I’m at work or whenever you want. Can you tell I just want you with me as much as possible?” He jokes. I smile and kiss him gently on his lips.
“I love being at your place and I promise I’ll spend more time there. Now that I have my own key I may be waiting for you when you get home from work.” I waggle my eyebrows at him.
“I love the sound of that, especially if it means you’ll be waiting for me, naked,” He growls and playfully bites my neck, making me shriek and giggle.
“Okay, it’s your turn to open up a present. I hand him the smaller of the two gift bags. He removes the tissue paper I’ve placed on top and pulls out a silver picture frame. I had our names engraved on it and there’s a photo of us that Hailey took one night when we were dressed up to go out for dinner. It’s a great picture and we look ridiculously happy in it. Garrett’s studying the picture intently as I watch him, waiting for his reaction. His mouth breaks out in a smile and he pulls me in for a hug.
“I love this so much, Shelby. You’re so beautiful, sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the fact that you’re mine. How did I get so lucky?” I get a secret thrill at him calling me his, even though I probably shouldn’t. As we separate, he reaches for my next present. It’s a small box and it’s wrapped in the same gold paper but the bow on this one is green. When I tear off the paper, I find a black velvet box, typical of what jewelry comes in. I know it can’t be an engagement ring, we’re doing well, but we’re nowhere near ready for that. I look at him before I open the cover. He has a hint of a smile on his lips and I know he’s chomping at the bit for me to reveal what’s inside. I open the top and find a pair of elegant gemstone earrings. They are brown stones and they shimmer beautifully in the light.
“They’re chocolate diamonds,” Garrett mentions. “The color reminded me of your eyes. I knew you had diamond earrings from your father so I wanted to get you something different, but I wanted it to be something you’d never buy for yourself.” I stare down at my gift and fight off the tears that want to escape. It’s no use holding them back, they’re coming too quickly and soon are flowing down my cheeks. I lock eyes with Garrett as he wipes them from beneath my eyes.
“Thank you, I love them so much. They’re exquisite.” I take them out of the box and replace the earrings I had on with my new ones. He cups my face in both of his palms and stares deeply into my eyes. He looks like he wants to say something, but he remains silent. I place both of my hands on his waist and he leans forward to nuzzle my nose with his, never losing eye contact.
“I love you, Shelby,” He whispers huskily. “I’ve been waiting to tell you because I didn’t want to scare you away, but I can’t wait any longer. I don’t expect you to say it back, I just wanted you to know.” My mouth falls open in shock and I act as though I’ve been struck dumb. What he said was so unexpected I’m struggling to form a coherent thought. It takes me a minute to answer him but when I do I know it’s worth the wait.
“I love you too, Garrett. I love you so much.” He crashes his lips into mine before I’m able to say another word. Our tongues are hungry for each other as they move together. He pulls me into his lap and keeps kissing me for another minute.
“You just made me the happiest guy in the world, Shelby.” There’s a sheen of tears in his eyes as he says this.
“I hope I’ll always make you happy.”
I still need to give him his final gift. I pick the bag up, handing it to him while I remain in his lap. He reaches in and pulls out a New England Patriots keychain with a shiny new key hanging from it. He looks at me with his eyebrow quirked.
“Is this what I think it is?” He asks. I smirk and nod my head before answering.
“Great minds think alike.” We share a laugh. “I know you don’t come over to my place as much because I have Hailey as a roommate, but I want you to be able to any time you want.”
“I love it. It means a lot to me that you want me to have my own key to your place. I hate that I won’t be with you for Christmas. I wish I didn’t have to go to my brother’s house. I want to stay here and make sweet love to you, all night long.”
“Don’t tease me.” I groan. “I want that too.” He glances at his watch and removes me from his lap, before standing up. I have to get going, doll. Walk me out.” He holds his hand out and as I take it an overwhelming sense of sadness hits me at the thought of him leaving. He says goodbye to my family and I walk outside with him so our goodbye can be private. He holds me close and caresses my hair before kissing me on the top of my head. His hands slide to my cheeks and he tilts my chin up, kissing my lips, one last time.
“I love you, Shelby.” I’m unable to hold in the big goofy smile when I hear his sweet words.
“I love you, too. Please drive safe and call me when you get there.” He nods before lightly brushing my lips, one final time before walking away.
Chapter Twelve
New Year’s Eve 2012
I’m at Garrett’s condo waiting for him to arrive. He was already supposed to be back from visiting his family, but he got a late start and now he’s behind schedule. I’m sitting here on his
couch, reading on my kindle and trying not to wrinkle the sexy little black dress I’m wearing. This is a switch; me waiting on him. I’m just so excited to see him. I tried to keep myself busy by getting ready early. I took my time putting on my makeup and now my eyes really stand out with their shades of purple. I don’t usually wear much makeup on a daily basis because putting it on is too time-consuming. I’m wearing my hair down and I straightened it with the flat iron. Talk about time consuming...an hour of my life I’ll never get back. It now falls in a thick, shiny, golden sheet to my mid-back and I know that Garrett loves it like this. I want him to be floored by my appearance.
I’m in the kitchen pouring myself a glass of white wine when Garrett comes home. He places his suitcase down with a thunk and walks toward me, his stride purposeful. I’m leaning my back against the edge of the counter, poised to take a sip from my glass. I have an unobstructed view of him across the open concept floor plan and his heated gaze is repeatedly roaming up and down my form, before settling on my eyes. I’m tempted to smile because I’m happy to see him but we seem to be unknowingly locked in some sort of stare off and it’s impossible for me to look away. The desire I see reflected in his hazel eyes is keeping me frozen in place, my wine glass holding steady as it remains where I paused with it halfway toward my lips. My whole body is paralyzed, anticipating his touch. The depth of my love for him is both, intimidating and frightening. Loving him as much as I do, makes me vulnerable and I’m not used to feeling this emotion. I’ve never wanted to be in this position; I’ve done everything I could to avoid it. However, some things have a way of being so all-encompassing you’re never prepared for them and yet they’re the best thing that ever happened to you.
Waiting for Love ((Waiting) Book 2) Page 13