Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers Book 4)

by Perkins, Crystal

  “Are you playing this hand, Luke?” Owen asks me with a smirk on his face.

  “Oh, yeah. Sorry.”

  “After this one, I think we need to have a talk with our little brother about what’s bothering him,” Scott says.

  “It’s cool. I don’t have anything to talk about.”

  “Uh-huh. Sure. This is us, bro. We know better.”

  After we finish the hand, which I of course lose, everyone sits back and stares at me. I defiantly remain quiet for a minute. When I realize they aren’t going to give this up, I sigh and tell them what’s bothering me. “Olivia’s dad is hosting a party to celebrate twenty years at his job. She hasn’t invited me to go with her. I know he hates me, but it’s still bothering me. Go ahead and call me a girl or whatever.”

  “Why would we ‘call you a girl or whatever’ when we all get emotional for our women, too?” Owen asks.

  “I just never expected to be like this with someone. Ever.”

  “Well, you can’t just fuck everything that moves for the rest of your life. Do you love her?”

  “Hell, yeah. I tell her every day.”

  “Does she say it back?” Ryan asks.

  “Yeah, she does. I know she loves me.”

  “Then don’t worry. Her parents are pretty rough on her from what I’ve seen. She may be trying to protect both herself and you.”

  “I know. I just want a chance to show them how much I love her, and how committed I am to her.”

  “Just how committed to her are you, son?” my dad asks.

  “I’m all in, Dad. I might even have a ring.”

  “You might have a ring?”

  “Okay, I do have a ring. I’m not sure when I’ll give it to her, but I wanted one. It’s nothing big or custom made like you guys did. I think she’d want something more subtle. But it’s from Harry Winston, so it wasn’t cheap.”

  “I’m sure she’ll love it, Luke. Just don’t steal my baby thunder with an engagement announcement, please.” Owen is smiling, so I know he’s kidding.

  “I’ll try not to take any attention off of you, Owe.”

  “Seriously, though, she’s never looked as happy as I’ve seen her these last few months. She loves you, I can tell. Her parents are pretty bad, but she’ll figure something out. I’ll do anything I can to help you. We all will.”

  “Thanks guys. Let’s play so you can take the rest of my money.”

  We play, but my head’s still not in it. I lose all the money I brought with me. Thankfully, I didn’t bring too much. I know I still have my Griffin money, but I really am trying not to spend too much. I want to be independent.

  Olivia and I didn’t make plans since we didn’t know what time either event would be over, and she hasn’t texted me in hours, so I just head to my place. When I walk in the door, I freeze. There’s a trail of signs leading to my bedroom.

  Will

  You

  Go

  To

  My

  Dad’s

  Party

  With

  Me

  Please

  ?

  The last one is on the door, and I push it open to find my girl lying on my bed, naked and smiling at me. I cross the room and pull her to me, kissing her thoroughly. “Is that a yes, Luke?”

  “Yes, Ollie. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “I should have done it sooner. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m just glad you asked me at all. I know your dad hates me.”

  She doesn’t try to deny it. “He does, and I’m not sure how this will go, but I want you with me.”

  “We’ll deal with it no matter what happens. Now, no more talking. You’re naked in my bed and I plan to take advantage of that fact.”

  “I’m naked for you every night, Luke,” she reminds me with a laugh.

  “I know. I’m the luckiest guy ever.”

  I kick off my shoes, and pull off my shirt, jeans, and boxers before moving to the bed and taking her in my arms. I kiss her on the mouth again and then move to her neck. She loves it when I suck lightly and nibble a little. She’s squirming already when I move my hands lower. I use one to play with her right tit and my other one finds her clit.

  She arches into me, and as I slide two fingers into her, she starts fucking my hand. I move my mouth lower and pull her left nipple into my mouth. With my thumb circling her clit and my mouth and fingers doing their work, she doesn’t last long. As she’s still screaming my name, I power into her. Tonight isn’t about sweet. It’s about trying to break my bed.

  I’m thrusting into her hard, the bed’s shaking and she’s letting me know how much she’s liking it. “Oh God, Luke. I love it like this, when you’re fucking me hard.” She’s thrashing, and I know I’ll make her come again before this is over. I’m close, but I’ll wait for her to scream again.

  “You like my cock, Ollie?”

  “You know I do…ah. Yes. Like that. Luke. Like that. Oh my God.”

  I swivel my hips to hit where she needs it and she starts to shatter. I follow her over while the bed shakes. We don’t break it that time or the next two times, but we sure as hell try. The reverse cowgirl nearly broke me, too. God, I love it when my girl acts wild and dirty. I also love her when she’s quiet and sweet. Fuck, I just love her.

  Chapter 13

  Olivia

  Tonight’s my dad’s party. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Things have been going great with Luke. We’re pretty much living together, just in different apartments. I’m doing well in school and working a couple days a week at the studio. Luke decided what job he was going to take last night, and I’m really happy for him. So, I should be feeling happy. I am, but I’m also worried about how my parents are going to react to Luke and me being a couple. I’m just hoping that being at the doctor’s house with people around will force them to be civil. I’m not holding my breath, though.

  Luke had a staff meeting after school, so he’s meeting me at the party. He’s missing his family’s Friday barbeque for this, and I appreciate him even more for it. I chose a sleeveless short dress with different color blue flowers embroidered all over it. The back has a low v but is also covered on the sides with other material so it’s not too revealing. I have on blue heels with a feather design, and my hair is up in a complicated bun. I think I look pretty good, and I can’t wait for Luke to see me. He always makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the room. I also can’t wait to see him in his suit. I just hope I don’t swoon to the point of passing out.

  “Olivia, there you are,” my mother says as I walk in. She motions for me to twirl around and then nods. “I’m glad you decided to look respectable for your father’s party.”

  I bite my tongue and smile. The woman acts like I’m in hooker wear every time she sees me. I may look a little sexy sometimes, but I always strive for classy. “Thanks for your approval, Mom.”

  “Don’t be sarcastic tonight. This is your father’s night, and you will not embarrass him.” She leads me to the head table where my dad, Rose, the doctor, his wife, and Blaine are sitting. Blaine’s the douche who tried to molest me in the bathroom. I knew he’d be here, but I’m so not in the mood. I’m on edge enough without having to dodge him and his constant leer.

  There are two empty chairs, one next to Rose and one next to Blaine. I, of course, go to sit next to Rose. “Olivia, why don’t you sit next to Blaine?”

  “Liv’s going to sit next to her guest. I’m holding his seat for him.” God, I love my little sister.

  “C’mon, Rose. We both know Olivia doesn’t have anyone here for her. So quit pretending you’re holding a seat. She needs to come over here and be friendly with me for once.”

  “She’s not pretending.” I was so freaked out by the thought of being nice to him that I didn’t sense Luke behind me like I normally do. He looks so good I almost swoon to the floor. Which is pretty much my usual reaction to him in a suit. Or out of one. He has on a black suit with a white shirt and bla
ck tie. Conservative, but hot as hell. Rose pops up from the chair as Luke hugs her. “Thanks for holding my seat, Rose.”

  “Anytime, Luke.”

  He turns to me. “You look beautiful as always, Ollie.” He starts to lean towards me and I meet him for a chaste kiss. I hear my mother gasp.

  “Aww, isn’t this cute. Can I call you Ollie, too?”

  “Blaine, I don’t care if this is your family’s house. I will kick your ass if you come near my girl. And no, you can’t call her Ollie.” Luke looks like he wants to murder Blaine, and I’m kind of loving it.

  “He speaks for you now, Olivia? I thought you were at least a little independent. Hanging off the school slut is not a good look for you.”

  “I’m independent enough to be the one to kick your ass if you insult my boyfriend again, Blaine.” I hold Luke’s hand tight to stop him from killing Blaine. I didn’t know they knew each other, but I can tell it’s going to be bad if he doesn’t stop goading Luke.

  “Boyfriend? Luke Griffin doesn’t have girlfriends, he has fuck buddies. And they’re not really buddies since he never talks to them again.”

  “Well, he talks to me several times a day, so just shut the fuck up. I’m not kidding.”

  “Olivia! What is wrong with you? You don’t behave this way. I knew that Candi woman would have a bad influence on you. And you’re with…with…him?” My dad looks like he might explode.

  “Yes, Dad. Luke and I are together. We have been for a few months now.”

  “We will discuss this later. Now, sit down before you cause an even bigger scene.”

  Luke pulls out my chair for me and I sit down, taking his hand again once he’s seated. Blaine’s mother, who has always been nice to me, decides to break the tension. “So, Luke, how do you and Blaine know each other? Are you in the fraternity, too?”

  The asshole snickers as Luke answers her. “No, ma’am. I was in the same fraternity at my university in Chicago, but I wasn’t accepted here.” Blaine’s smirking and I want to punch him. Luke has a better technique, though. “I thought I was a shoo-in, but at the party I threw for everyone, your son was disrespectful to my sister-in-law, Yasmin. My brother, Scott, threw him out, and so I wasn’t accepted.”

  “Oh. I see.” She looks uncomfortable, and I feel for her. I’d be uncomfortable if he was my son, too. I’m a little shocked he’s still able to walk if he did something to Yasmin. I could see Scott killing him over that. “You seem to be doing okay without the fraternity. What’s your major?”

  “Elementary Education.”

  “Really? I’m involved with many local schools. Are you student teaching?”

  “Yeah, I am. I just accepted my first job as well.”

  “Luke had six offers,” I tell her with pride in my voice.

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “A teacher? Oh my God, this just keeps getting better and better. Your family owns a multi-billion dollar corporation, and you’re going to be a teacher. I bet that went over well.”

  “It did, actually. My family supports me totally. They want me to be happy.”

  “So you’re going to what? Buy a small house and marry Olivia?”

  “That’s really none of your business.”

  “Are you going to love him now that he’s cut off, Olivia?”

  Luke answers before I can. “What part of me saying my family supports me do you not get? No one’s cut off.”

  “Even if he was, it wouldn’t matter. I don’t love him for his money. We don’t live some glamorous life because of it. Luke doesn’t need to flaunt his wealth.” Like Blaine does. Everyone at the table gets my unspoken words. Rose has to hide her smile behind her hand.

  “Enough about Luke. This is your father’s night, Olivia. If your friend is going to be a distraction, maybe he should leave.” My mother looks disgusted as she stresses the word “friend.”

  “If you want me to leave, I will.”

  “I think that would be best, young man.”

  I want to protest and stand up for him. I do. But I can’t. This is the moment we all knew would come, and I’m failing. I know it, but I still won’t go against my parents. Even for the man I love. It’s wrong and I know it, but I just can’t do it.

  Luke nods and then leans over to kiss my cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

  I try to convey with my eyes how sorry I am, but he looks away. Blaine looks smug when I glance his way. I glare at him. His mother stands and thanks Luke for coming, while my mother looks like she wants to kill him. After another hug from Rose, he leaves. Yeah, that’s right. My sister hugged him. I couldn’t even bring myself to do that. She’s glaring at me now. I’m going to fix this somehow. I have to.

  The rest of the night is like a little slice of Hell. No, make that a big slice. My parents make me dance with the douchebag, who tries to put his hands where he shouldn’t. I slam into his foot with my stiletto heel and he jumps back. “Luke will kill you, asshole.”

  “I’m not afraid of Luke Griffin. I am shocked that you managed to tame him, though. You must be a firecracker in bed. Want to go upstairs and try out mine? I know I’m better than him.”

  “You’d have to kill me first.” I pull my hand out of his and walk off the dance floor. I ignore my parents as I grab my purse and leave. I need Luke.

  * * *

  Luke

  I knew there was a possibility Olivia would choose her parents over me, but I was hoping she wouldn’t. I can’t believe she didn’t even hug me goodbye. Rose hugged me, but my girl just sat there. My girl? What a joke. She’s obviously not mine. I was stupid to think she ever was. I was just someone to pop her cherry and have fun with.

  I hear a key in my front door and put down my beer. She walks in as I’m standing up. “Hi.”

  “Hi? Really?”

  “I’m so sorry Luke.”

  “So am I.” I turn to walk away and stumble a little. Maybe I shouldn’t have had that fifth beer with no food.

  “Are you okay?” She moves towards me, but I don’t let her touch me.

  “No, I’m not fucking okay! How would I be okay when the woman I love just treated me like nothing more than a piece of ass? Tell me, because I really want to know.”

  “I love you, Luke. I do. I just didn’t know what to say. You know how my parents are.”

  “I know you want to please them, but I thought what we had was strong enough for you to want this more.”

  “It is. I swear it is. It’s going to take them some time to come around and realize how wonderful you are. Until then, we just have to lie low.”

  “So you just want to hide me? I’m so fucking embarrassing? I know I’ve been wild in the past, but I’m a good guy, Olivia, and I deserve better than some secret sexual fling.”

  “You’re the best guy. And it would never be just sex with you. I want all of you, Luke.”

  “You have a pretty funny way of showing it.”

  “Marry me.”

  I must be drunker than I thought, because I think she just asked me to marry her. “What?”

  “Marry. Me. I love you and I want to be your wife. I can’t tell my parents about it yet, but I want you to know that I’m one hundred percent committed to you and us.”

  “You’re serious.”

  “I am.”

  “When? How? I mean…hell.” I want to marry her. I even have the ring, but I thought it would be like a year from now.

  “I would tell you to pick a chapel now, but I’d like you to be sober when you marry me. So tomorrow?”

  This is crazy. I know it’s crazy. But it’s also something I want, I realize. I do want to marry her now. To know she’s fully committed to me, no matter what. “Yes. Tomorrow. I want it to be somewhere pretty for you, though, and not a cheesy chapel. You have to let me buy you a dress, too.”

  “I heard the Wynn has some gardens. I can get a simple dress myself.”

  “Yes to the Wynn, but no to the simple dress. I want you to wear something to remembe
r. I’ll take you to the mall and tell them to use my credit card. No arguing.”

  “Thanks Luke. If I were superstitious, I’d leave now since I know we’re not supposed to see each other the day of the wedding. But I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Good. I want to wake up with you in my arms. I love you so much, Ollie.”

  We go into the bedroom, where I’m not too drunk to make love slowly to my fiancé. Well, my almost fiancé. I know we’re getting married tomorrow, but I haven’t asked her or given her her ring. It’s kind of hot that she asked me. No, it’s really hot, and I go to sleep with her in my arms, excited to marry her tomorrow.

  In the morning, I get up before Olivia and set up the living room. I want to make it romantic and us for when I give her the ring. After I have everything ready, I go back to the bedroom and slowly wake her up with little kisses all over her face.

  “Maybe we should wait until tonight, Luke. You know for the whole wedding night excitement.”

  “I’m excited to be with you all the time, but I can wait until you’re my wife. I have something to give you, though, so can you come out to the living room?”

  “Sure. Let me just throw something on, and I’ll meet you out there.”

  I kiss her once more. “Okay. I’ll be waiting.”

  I go back out to the living room and get down on one knee so I’ll be ready when she walks out. It’s only a couple of minutes before I hear her coming down the hall. She’s humming her favorite song, and I know I have a big smile on my face when she reaches me. “Lu—oh my God!”

  She covers her mouth with her hands as she takes in all the candles and little stuffed animals around the room. Then there’s me, on one knee with a ring in my hand. “Ollie, I know you asked me last night, but I had this ring already, and I want to do this right before we get married today.”

  “Oh Luke.” Tears are streaming down her face now, and I’m really hoping they’re happy tears. She walks over to me and I take her left hand in mine.