by Lea Coll
We climaxed within seconds of each other, his weight pressing me into the mattress. I relished in the aftermath, not wanting him to leave. I tensed, recognizing that feeling as dangerous. He pushed the hair off my neck, kissing my shoulder, my back, before easing off me to take care of the condom.
“I have to go. I want to be home in case Declan changes his mind about the sleepover. He’s coming home early tomorrow either way.”
I rolled to see the clock. It was late. “That’s fine.”
It was normal for a guy to leave after sex, my heart shouldn’t be longing for him to stay all night, hoping he’d wake me in the morning for another mind-blowing orgasm, sliding a plate of eggs he’d made across the counter at breakfast.
“It’s not fine.” His words were clipped as he lowered himself over me, his forearms braced on either side of my shoulders.
I smiled, his soft hair sifting through my fingers. “You have a boy to take care of. I understand.”
“I want to be with you all night.” The desire to stay was clear in the stiff set of his shoulders, the longing in his eyes.
“Me too.” That seemed to satisfy him as he kissed me briefly before pushing off the bed. He gathered his clothes, layering them on piece-by-piece. His hair was messy, his shirt wrinkled. Flashes of the evening came back to me, stirring something inside. Dislodging something dark and heavy from my chest.
I pushed back the emotion, the tears that threatened to fill my eyes. This is why I didn’t allow myself to feel. When I did, it was overwhelming, interfering with my good sense, my carefully constructed life, everything.
“Walk me to the door?”
I couldn’t resist his plea, pulling on the short silk kimono I kept on the back of my door.
After I’d tied the robe around my waist, Griffin’s hands settled on my shoulders, turning me to face him. “I wish I could stay.”
“Me too. Maybe another time.” I went up on tiptoe to kiss him before dropping back to my bare feet, leading him to my front door. He kissed me one last time, leaving me wanting more before leaving me in my usual state, alone.
Chapter Eighteen
Griffin
Avery’s cheeks were flushed, her hair mussed, her nipples visible through the soft silk of her robe. I wanted to stay, to run my hands up her thighs, between her legs, breathing in her scent, wrapped up in her limbs. I’d wanted it more than I’d ever wanted anything, more than the success of my company, more than my next breath.
I couldn’t understand why she thought she was incapable of emotions, of feelings, of living life to the fullest. She was adventurous in bed, letting me take her where she needed to go. She never once tried to take control or shutter her emotions. I hadn’t been alone. She was with me during every touch, kiss, and move.
I tightened my fingers around the steering wheel, worried Avery would feel differently in the light of day. She’d pull back, putting space between us, telling herself it was nothing but sex, an excellent fuck after an amazing date, but it wasn’t. She was more than that. She was everything I wanted and needed in my life. I’d make her believe in us, in what we had together, and what we could be.
I was used to selling people on the vision of my software, on the reach of my company, but my greatest challenge would be convincing Avery Arrington that we were amazing together. It would probably be the most difficult thing I’d attempted other than taking on Declan but if she gave in to me, into the idea of us, she would be the greatest addition to my life.
She gave me hope, meaning, and purpose. Now if I could only convince her that we had potential.
The next week, I hummed with energy. I researched possible investment opportunities. I even looked at my notes for the software program I’d hoped to develop with my old company. It was the one thing I’d never discussed with Damon. Maybe some small part of me knew he wasn’t trustworthy.
I could develop the software, test it, then shop it around. I didn’t need a partner. I could do this on my own. The first few months after Damon and Lorelai’s betrayal, I was angry, confused as to how I’d missed them screwing around under my nose, convinced I’d never be able to focus on developing anything again. I wanted to sell the company, my condo, leaving California behind.
The sale of the company only brought more media attention to how my relationship ended. Not to mention, when I found out they were cheating on me, they weren’t embarrassed. Damon and Lorelai were a happy couple as if the years I spent with her meant nothing. It was too much.
I was grateful for the additional time I had with Julian, but when he died, my life was upended again. I put everything I had into making sure Declan was okay, being the best father figure I could be, despite my reservations about my qualifications. Then I met Avery, things were different. They were better.
I felt hope for the future. It was the first time I’d felt any desire to work again. My creative juices were flowing. I spent hours while Declan was at camp, working. Avery came over in the evenings, or I called her for a video chat. Talking to her was the highlight of my day, but we hadn’t had alone time since our date at the yacht club.
I’d thoroughly researched Kids Speak’s operations in New Orleans, calling the director there to get more information. Hadley’s program was successful, valued by both the parents and the schools. I was convinced Hadley knew what she was doing and was right to expand into Annapolis.
I wanted to be involved in a local program that helped kids. I couldn’t think of a better use of money except possibly Cade’s nonprofit, Morrison Rebuilds. We’d exchanged numbers at the Kids Speak charity, so I’d reached out to see if we could meet up.
He had a slow day today, so he was able to meet for lunch at Federal House. When I walked in, he was sitting at one of the high-top tables by the bar, watching sports highlights on the TV.
Cade stood when he saw me, shaking my hand. “Hey.”
“Thanks for meeting with me.”
Cade settled back into his seat. “No problem. I had some free time today.”
I sat across from him. When the waitress stopped by, I asked for water. “I wanted to talk to you about Morrison Rebuilds. I remember what you’d said at the fundraiser, did some digging online, but the stories are the before and after photos. I want to know how you’re operating, what you need.”
Cade raised his brow. “Thinking of investing?”
“Possibly. I haven’t been involved in any projects since I left California. I think it’s time to get back in the game.”
“Sure. We renovate properties for families who need their homes to be handicapped accessible. I joined forces with my brother recently, hoping to take on more projects.”
So far, it sounded promising. “Where do you get your funding?”
The waitress stopped by, we ordered sandwiches, and she took our menus.
When she left, Cade focused on me. “Some families have grants through the government, we fund the rest.”
It wasn’t good business to fund the projects himself especially if it had a negative impact on his cash flow. I respected him because of his selfless act to make a difference in people’s lives. It was impressive. “You can’t keep doing that.”
A pained expression crossed his face. “I know. It’s draining our profits, but once I know what the family needs, it’s hard to stop when the budget doesn’t cover it.”
“I get that.” My brain hummed with ideas. This is what I wanted to do, step in to help nonprofits that needed the money. They were making a real difference, not just using the charity to promote their name or other business endeavors.
“Dylan is working with us to raise more money, get investors, to take the pressure off so we could focus on construction, not the money side of things.”
I’d seen what Dylan did for Kids Speak, she had talent. “Should I be talking to her?”
“Both of us. I’d like to stay in the loop.”
“I can do that. Can I see one of your projects?”
“Of course.
We have one in progress if you’d like to see that one after lunch?”
“Definitely.” Now that I’d made the decision to get back into investing, I was eager to be involved. The familiar motivation to do something meaningful was back in full force.
Talk turned to what it was like growing up in Annapolis. The food arrived and we dug in.
When our plates were pushed back, I said, “Thanks for meeting with me.”
“I’m glad we have another male in our circle. It’s all women if you know what I mean.”
Hadley, Dylan, and Avery. “I don’t know if I’m in your circle exactly.”
“Aren’t you dating Avery?” Cade’s posture stiffened.
“We’ve been seeing each other,” I said cautiously. Labels would irritate Avery. Cade knew I took her out the other night, but I wasn’t sure what she’d shared with her friends.
Cade’s eyes settled on mine. “Avery’s special. She’s been through a tough time. Hadley worries about her.”
“I’m glad she has good friends.” I was happy she had a good support system. She acted like she was alone, but she wasn’t.
Cade gave me a pointed look. “If you hurt her, I’ll hear about it.”
“I have no intention of hurting her.” I respected that Avery’s friends looked out for her, but I worried she’d be the one to hurt me and Declan.
Cade nodded. “Good. Is it the real deal with her?”
“I think so. I can’t speak for her.”
“She’s a tough one.” Cade shook his head.
I chuckled. “You’re telling me. You have any advice?”
“No. I don’t really know her. I just listen when Hadley talks. She’s been through a lot. Hasn’t had a lot of love in her life. She doesn’t trust easily.”
“She doesn’t, which makes everything with her better.”
Cade smiled and nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. “Make sure it stays that way.”
We stood. I was excited to get started on these projects and work on my own stuff. Things were coming together in Annapolis. Declan was settling into life with me, I had solid projects to sink my money into, and promising software to develop.
I followed Cade to his jobsite, impressed with his process. He did quality work. He needed additional funding to fulfill his vision of more projects, more renovations. I fully intended to make that happen.
As I drove home, I wondered what it would take for Avery to stop holding me at arm’s length. There were times she let me in, times she pushed me away. I wanted to be all-in.
It would take dedication and determination, but I was ready for the challenge. When I got down to the essence of Avery, it would be worth it. She was worth it.
At home, I texted her, asking her out. When she agreed, I messaged Ian’s mom asking if Declan could come over that night. Avery clearly saw herself in Declan, but I wanted more time with her alone when Avery couldn’t use Declan as a buffer. When it was just her and me.
Driving Declan to and from his private school was the only time he was quiet. I figured it was the best time to ask him if he was okay with me dating Avery.
Declan slid into the back seat, buckling his booster before I pulled from the curve.
I glanced in the rearview mirror, finding him looking out the window. “How was school?”
“It was good.”
It wasn’t unusual for him not to say anything about his day until later, when he was playing or eating dinner. Patience was usually key to getting information, but tonight I’d need to lead him a little to find out what he was thinking and feeling. “I’ve been spending a lot of time with Avery.”
I glanced in the rearview mirror in time to see Declan’s lips tilt up.
“I like her.”
“I know you do, and I think that’s great, but what would you think if we were dating?” My fingers tightened on the wheel as I kept my gaze on the road. I wanted to look in the rearview mirror again but instead, I waited for his answer with bated breath. I didn’t know what I would do if he wasn’t okay with it.
“Would you kiss?” His voice was soft and tentative.
I blinked at the road, trying to make sense of his question. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Married people kiss, right?” His voice was louder, more confident this time, as if it was something he’d heard from someone else.
“Um.” I was not prepared for this conversation. “We’re not getting married, but we’d like to get to know each other better.”
“So, you can only kiss after you’re married?”
I wanted to say ideally yes, for you, absolutely, but we were talking about me. “You can kiss before you get married, bud.”
“Oh.”
I glanced in the mirror to see his eyebrows squished together. I hoped I wasn’t screwing him up with this conversation. I wasn’t sure where he was getting his ideas of marriage when Julian hadn’t been married. “Did your dad ever date that you know of? You know, take a woman out to dinner?”
“We never talked about it, not like this.”
“Do you think you’d be okay with me spending more time with Avery? It would mean she’d be over at our house more.”
“Would she sleep over like I do at Ian’s?” His voice raised as if he was excited at the prospect.
I sighed, pleased he seemed okay with it. “Yeah, sleepovers, dinners, watching movies.”
“She’ll still play Legos with me?”
“Of course.”
“Then I’m okay with it.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. I still wasn’t sure Declan grasped the concept of dating and marriage, but he seemed to understand Avery would be in our lives, spending time with us, that’s all that mattered. “I’m glad we had this talk.”
“Me too, Uncle Griff.” He was quiet for a few seconds until we pulled into the garage. “But sometimes you ask silly questions.”
I chuckled. Leave it to a kid to think what you asked them was silly when everything hinged on his answer. I opened my door, then his, waiting for him to climb out. “The important thing is that you like Avery.”
“I do, she’s the best. She loves playing Legos.” He ran ahead of me, using the spare key in the garage to open the door.
I followed more slowly, wishing life was that simple. You hang out with them because they like what you like. You spend more time with them because you enjoy their company. You plan a future together because it feels right. I hoped I hadn’t set Declan or me up to be hurt.
Chapter Nineteen
Avery
Griffin wanted to go out, just him and me. Dinners at his house were easy and comfortable. Declan was always there. Over the phone, there was a built in barrier. But tonight we’d be alone. The memory of our last night alone made me excited for a repeat, yet nervous at the same time.
He rang my doorbell.
Glancing at the clock, he was on time. I took one last look in the mirror, smoothing my sundress over my thighs. I’d gone with simple and flirty.
I opened the door, my hands shaking from nerves, my voice sounding out of breath as if I’d run to the door. “Hey.”
He smiled, his gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. “Hey. Are you nervous?”
“No. Of course not.” Unsettled that he’d noticed, I stepped back so he could enter.
He moved with me, placing his hands on my shoulders, steadying me. “I missed you.”
I breathed out, wondering why I’d been nervous at all. “I missed you too.”
He leaned down, kissing me light and sweet, his hand moving up to my neck. I went up on tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck, pressing my breasts against his chest. The kiss went deeper, the stirrings of desire swirled in my stomach. I wanted to wrap my arms around his waist, letting him back me against the wall. He’d move my thong to the side, shoving his pants down, slipping inside. It would be hard and fast, a welcome home. Instead, he slowed his kisses before stepping back.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I’m sure my hair was mussed, my cheeks flushed, but his simple words of kindness got to me like nothing else.
“Are you ready?”
I grabbed a jean jacket off the hook and my purse. School started, summer was slipping into fall, bringing warm days but cooler evenings. Closing and locking the door behind us, I asked, “What did you have planned?”
“Nothing.” When we reached the sidewalk, he interlaced his hand with mine.
“Nothing?” I looked at him in surprise.
“I thought we could take a walk, find a place to eat, have a drink, talk.”
“That sounds lovely.” I don’t think I’d ever used that word before—lovely. That’s what being with him was like. It was sweet, comfortable, exciting, fun, full of anticipation giving way to hope and maybe even love.
“I wanted to surprise you, but sometimes the best surprises are the ordinary.”
“Nothing is ordinary with you.”
He looked at me as if studying me, measuring my words, the meaning behind them. “You’re remarkable. You’re like finding a gem in the water. I coaxed you out of the mud, scrubbed you clean to find the shining jewel underneath that no one saw or ever took the time to discover.”
His words exploded in my chest, sending bright shimmery sensations fluttering through my body.
“I didn’t mean that in a bad way—”
“No. I knew what you meant. I don’t think anyone’s ever said anything more beautiful. You’re a romantic, you know that?”
He winked, an easy smile on his face. “First, I’m a charmer, then a romantic.”
“You’re that and more.” I wanted to ask if he was like this with Lorelai, but I didn’t. It would ruin this perfect moment with the sun setting in oranges and reds behind his head. People walked past laughing and talking, but there was no one but him and me. Our hands swung a little, my heart light, my mind clear.