Текст книги "Unlawful Justice"
Автор книги: K. Langston
Соавторы: K. C. Lynn
сообщить о нарушении
Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 19 страниц)
CHAPTER 20
Olivia
Surrounded by nothing but wilderness, I stare out the window at the beautiful scenery as we drive down the winding road. It seems like another world out here, nothing but peace and serenity, something that I’m in desperate need of. Even the faint smell of pine trees filling the truck soothes me.
Grayson gently squeezes my hand where our fingers are linked between us on top of the console, his thumb stoking the inside of my wrist. “We’re almost there, baby. Just a few more minutes.”
With a smile on my face that hasn’t wavered since we left, I look over at him and my tummy dips with excitement. Considering I’ve been in this truck with him for the past eight hours, and he can still make me feel this way, proves how lethal he could be to my heart if I’m not careful. I’ve enjoyed the long drive with him. We talked a lot about ourselves, and I’ve gotten to know so much more about him. What his likes and dislikes are, his childhood, how much he loved football and sometimes misses it. Pretty much everything that shaped him to be the man he is today, and knowing it all has made me love him even more… I tense at the thought.
Whoa, slow down, Liv, isn’t it a little too soon for that?
Though, if I were being honest, this isn’t the first time the thought has floated through my mind, and it has surprised even me. Of course I care about him, how could I not after everything he has done for me these past few weeks? I’ve always had a crush on him, just like almost every other girl in Harmony Falls, but it’s more than that. Getting to know the real him, not Deputy Taylor, not Harmony Falls’s town golden boy and football star, just Grayson. I’ve come to learn he’s far more than I ever thought he could be. Being on the receiving end of his friendship and affection, has my feelings growing deeper by the day. I’ve never felt this strongly about anyone before.
Heat invades my body when I think about the way he touched me last night and how he brought pleasure to both my body and soul. He began healing a part of me I worried might have been dead but Grayson proved it wasn’t. With just the small touch from his skilled fingers and that low, smooth voice of his, he gave me the most extraordinary pleasure I’ve ever felt. I can only imagine what it will feel like to be all his, for him to claim every part of me like he said he was going to. Just the thought has a small ache starting between my legs. But my favorite part about last night was sleeping in his arms. It brought me the safety I’ve yearned for. To know I will get to feel it again for the next few nights has me feeling happier and calmer than I have in a long time.
“Here we are.”
At the announced arrival I pull my eyes away from Grayson, realizing I was just gawking at him like an idiot, and look out the windshield as we pull up to our destination. Unable to contain myself, I hop out of the truck as it barely comes to a stop and take in the beautiful, rustic log house. It’s bigger than your average cabin but smaller than a family home. It’s clean and well maintained with freshly potted plants decorating a large porch. I wasn’t really sure what to expect since I’ve never been to a cabin before, but I have seen a few. I expected something a little more…worn and weathered, maybe? But that’s not the case at all, if I didn’t know better I would think someone was living here.
Grayson comes around the truck, standing beside me with our suitcases in hand. “Looks like Vilma went above and beyond, as usual,” he says, with feigned annoyance.
“Vilma?” I ask, looking up at him.
“Yeah, she and her husband, Jim, are good friends of my parents. They live in Riverbend, about ten miles from here, and help keep the place up. I wired her some money with a grocery list, asking if she would be willing to grab us some food for the next few days. Obviously, she did a hell of a lot more than that.”
I can tell by the way he speaks of them that they’re people he cares about. “Well it’s beautiful, more than I could have ever expected.”
His lips quirk with that sexy smile. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest.”
I reach to take my suitcase from him, but he refuses my attempt with a sharp look that has me rolling my eyes and following him up the steps. As Grayson unlocks the door, I inhale the fresh scent of flowers.
Walking inside, I take in the large, open living room. With a fireplace, leather furniture, rustic coffee tables, and a flat screen TV, the small area is warm and inviting. I move to the fireplace where a few pictures decorate the mantel. Some are Grayson’s parents, his mother and father looking madly in love, one of them as a whole family, and others of just Grayson and his father on their adventures here. Smiling, I reach up and pick up one from when he was a boy, wanting to get a better look at it. He’s maybe eight years old, a proud smile lighting up his face as he holds a fish almost bigger than he is, his dad helping him hoist it up to take a photo, looking even prouder than Grayson.
“That was my first catch,” he explains quietly, coming to stand behind me. “I’m not sure who was more excited, my dad or me.”
I look up to see pain embedded in his eyes yet a fondness at the memory. We spoke a little about his father on the way here. It’s easy to see how much he misses him and how much he respected him. It’s something I can understand, considering I lost both of my parents. Even losing them at such a young age, I still miss them every day.
“Come on, baby. I’ll show you around.”
Putting the picture back in its place, I follow Grayson as he shows me the kitchen, fully stocked with everything we need to cook for ourselves, including food and drinks, thanks to Vilma. Next, he leads me upstairs to the master bedroom, that’s more like a loft than an actual bedroom. I gasp, my feet skidding to an abrupt halt as I take in the king-size bed occupying most of the space, flanked by large, picturesque windows, offering a breathtaking view.
I move to the sliding glass door and step out onto the spacious deck. Resting my hands on the railing, I take a deep breath and inhale the fresh mountain air, instantly feeling relaxed. The lake stretches on for miles and miles with no end in sight as the evening sun begins its descent, reflecting the last of its golden light off the surface like tiny mirrors.
Grayson steps out and stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders, his warmth enveloping me and adding to the serenity of the moment.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Yeah, it’s a pretty kick-ass view, isn’t it?”
“Very kick-ass,” I agree with a giggle that trails off on a moan when his lips find the side of my throat. “There’s a hot tub, too,” he says between kisses.
“Oh yeah? Guess it’s a good thing I brought my suit then, huh?” He nips at my skin, giving a gentle bite before soothing it with his tongue.
“Damn good thing.” He growls.
When I tilt my head to offer more of my exposed skin, I spot a boat parked at a dock down below. “Is that yours?” I ask, hope flaring inside of me.
“What?” he mumbles, not bothering to look up at where I’m pointing, continuing his delicious assault.
Lord, the man’s mouth is deadly to my body.
“The boat,” I say with a smile.
He finally looks up. “Yep. I was supposed to pick it up from Jim but he must have decided to bring it up here for me when Vilma came.”
I spin around to face him as excitement sparks inside of me. “We get to use it?”
“Yeah. I thought I would take you fishing tomorrow.”
“Oh my God, we get to go fishing?”
He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “If you want to.”
Now it’s my turn to look at him like he’s crazy. “Yes, of course I want to. I’ve never been fishing before.” Squealing, I clap my hands excitedly and launch myself at him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
He catches me with a grunted chuckle, holding me at eye level. “It’s just fishin’, baby, not Disneyland.”
I shake my head, my gleaming smile still in place. “I don’t care, it’s just as exciting to me.” Leaning in, I brush my lips along his, trying to keep things light.
With a groan he presses his lips to mine, and gives me a hard but brief kiss. Too brief. “Come on, let’s eat before it gets too late.” Dropping me to my feet, he grabs my hand and pulls me back inside behind him. My eyes linger on the big bed as we pass, and I decide tonight I’m going to eat my supper faster than I’ve ever eaten a meal before.
*
We went with something quick and easy considering how late it was already, opting for spaghetti and a tossed salad. With all the excitement I didn’t think I was that hungry, but as soon as we sat down outside, on the back deck I realized I was famished and devoured every last bite.
Our conversation has remained light with Grayson sharing stories of him and his father and the memories they’ve shared here. We haven’t spoken about what we left back home all day, which is perfect. I know I’ll have to face it again eventually, but not here, not this weekend, and for that I’m grateful.
Sitting here, with a glass of wine in hand and Grayson with his beer, we enjoy the serenity of our surroundings, watching the sun dip below the water.
“It sounds like you have a lot of amazing memories of your father. You’re very lucky,” I tell him softly, thinking about my parents.
Grayson leans in closer, sincere interest flickering in his eyes. “How old were you when your parents passed away?”
“Six.”
“Do you remember much about them?”
Sadness grips my heart. “No, not really. Some things I think I remember, but it’s hard to know if it’s a memory or something I just conjured up because Pap and Grams talked about them so much. Like, I remember my mother’s smile. It was so warm and comforting that I felt it deep down in my soul.” I shake my head. “I know that sounds weird but it’s how I remember it.”
“It doesn’t sound weird at all. It sounds exactly like yours.”
Warmth explodes through me at his kind words. I bite my lip to suppress my smile, but it’s no use.
“What about your dad? What do you remember about him?” he asks.
I think about the question, visions of my parents coming to life inside my mind, so vivid and real. “When I think of my dad, I remember the way he loved my mother. The way he would look at her without her even knowing. How affectionate he was with her. I can remember him wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, whispering something in her ear that made her smile so big I couldn’t help but smile with her. Whenever I think about them, it always leaves me feeling warm inside. I know they loved each other very much, and they’re somewhere up in heaven, together.” The peaceful memory offers me comfort, but deep down I know I will always carry a sense of loss. I will always long for the time I didn’t get with them.
“I’m sorry you didn’t get more time with them, Liv.”
I exhale a long sigh. “Me, too. But Pap and Grams talked so much about them I almost feel like they are a part of me, ya know? Growing up, Pap would tell me stories for hours about them—how they met, how they fell in love, and how, from the moment I was born, I became the center of their world. He especially loves to share memories of my mother from when she was a little girl.” I smile, remembering one memory in particular he loves to share. “My mother’s name was Mae but Pap would always call her Daisy Mae, and it would drive her crazy because she said it was an old lady’s name. Of course that never stopped Pap though.”
“Of course not,” Grayson replies with a grin.
“He tells me all the time that I’m just like her.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second. She sounds incredible, just like you.”
Heat floods my body as he gazes back at me, a soft smile tugging the corners of his mouth. A breeze kicks up, sending goose bumps to ripple across my skin.
“You cold?” he asks.
I shrug. “A little but I’m okay. Actually, I’m more than okay. I love it out here,” I add softly.
“How about we hit the hot tub?”
I smile. “Yeah, that would be perfect.”
We clear the table, bringing the dishes inside, then part ways to change. I head upstairs to put my swimsuit on—a new black bikini I bought with Tania and haven’t worn yet. I’ve never been more thankful she talked me into purchasing this. Otherwise, I would be wearing my usual, dull one piece with Grayson right now.
Standing in front of the mirror I assess myself, and feel my stomach bottom out. The bathing suit is sexy yet classy, which is exactly how I felt when I tried it on in the dressing room, but now it’s a different story. As I look at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the faded green and yellow bruises that still mark my body, I begin to feel less confident. Most of them have healed but quite a few remain, marking the tops of my thighs and chest. They glare back at me, taunting me, reminding me of a tragedy I don’t remember but that irrevocably changed my life.
The ugly creature that is self-doubt begins to worm its way inside of me, and I hate it. With a shaking hand I reach for my cell phone on the counter, and call the only person I can think of who can help me through this. I take a seat on the side of the bathtub, my knee bouncing excessively as I wait for her to pick up.
She answers on the third ring. “Why the hell are you callin’ me right now when you are away with a sexy man, in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere, all alone?”
Tania’s greeting has me smiling, easing a little of the heaviness in my chest. “Hello to you, too,” I respond back then clear my throat, my smile slipping. “We’re about to go in the hot tub.”
There’s a giant pause. “Again. Why the hell are you calling me?”
I laugh nervously, my panic seeping through the cracks in my confidence. “God, I don’t know. I just need you right now, Tania,” I say, my voice unsteady.
She finally understands the seriousness of the situation. “All right. I’m here. Talk to me, what’s wrong?”
I take a moment, trying to find the words to express how I’m feeling. “Everything has been great, all of it. But I came into the bathroom to change into the black bikini we bought and—”
“Yes! Oh, girl, he’s gonna shit when he sees you in that.”
Her enthusiasm brings a sad smile to my face. “Well, I don’t know about that. I don’t look the same as I did a few months ago,” I say, my throat burning fiercely.
“What the hell are you talkin’ about?”
Releasing a pained breath, I tell her about the bruises still marking me, and how I felt after putting the swimsuit on.
“Olivia Bradshaw, you listen to me right now. You are strong, you are fierce, and you are beautiful. No amount of bruises will ever change that. Do not let this ruin something you want and deserve. Don’t let those bastards steal any more from you.” She pauses with a sigh. “Listen, I hate to bring this up, but, honey, Grayson has seen you at your worst and he still thinks you’re beautiful. The way that man looks at you. I’d kill for someone to look at me like that.”
I swallow thickly. “You’re right. I’m being ridiculous.”
“You’re damn right, I’m right!” she fires back, making me laugh. “Now pull yourself together, hold your head high, walk out there proud, and strut that sexy ass of yours.”
I smile, my heart so much lighter than it was moments ago. “Thanks, Tania, this was exactly what I needed to hear. I love you.”
“I love you too, girl, now go rock that man’s world, and don’t call me again unless it’s to give me all the juicy details.”
With a chuckle I promise to do exactly that, then say goodbye. Placing the phone back on the counter, I look at myself again in the mirror, this time with a different perspective. Taking my braid that’s laying over my chest to cover a bruise, I pull the elastic out, unweave it, and pile my hair on top of my head in a messy bun. Retrieving my perfume from my makeup bag I squirt two quick sprays before putting it back down and standing up straight.
“I am strong, I am fierce, and I am beautiful,” I whisper, repeating the words that Tania said. Then, with a deep breath, I make my way downstairs.
Holding on to my newfound courage, I open the door and walk out onto the patio, with my head held high and more confidence in my step than I actually feel. Grayson is waiting in the hot tub with his back to me but hears my approach.
“There you are. I thought…” He trails off when he turns around and sees me, his gaze roaming down the length of my body.
Even in the dim light I can see the fire in his eyes, warming me from the inside out. Easing a little more of my insecurities.
“Come here.” He stands, offering me his hand.
Heart lodged firmly in my throat, I walk over to him, my pulse racing in anticipation. Taking his hand, he helps me into the hot tub, pulling me over to straddle him. I have to bite back a moan when I feel how hard he is between my legs.
“Sorry it took me so long,” I whisper, lost in his intense gaze.
His hands move to my hips with a firm grip. “It was worth the wait.” I smile, though it’s a little strained. “Everything okay?” he asks.
“It is now.” He studies me carefully, waiting for me to explain. “I just had a moment of insecurity, and I didn’t want to come out.”
“Insecurity?”
I nod. “I bought this bathing suit a few months back with Tania. She kinda forced me into buying it.”
“I’m glad. It’s a nice fucking bathing suit, especially on you.”
Giggling softly, my heart warms with his compliment. “Thank you. I liked it when I tried it on, I felt good about myself.” My voice drops to a whisper. “However, I didn’t just now when I saw myself in the mirror.” Judging by the look on his face I can tell he doesn’t understand. “I hate the bruises because of the reminder they bring, but tonight they made me feel self-conscious. They made me feel…bad about myself.”
His gaze softens as he cups the side of my neck. “Jesus, you should never feel insecure. You’re fucking beautiful, Liv, bruises or not. Nothing in the world could ever change that.”
I watch him carefully, his sincerity tearing through my defenses. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
He rears back, the skin between his brows bunching together in deep valleys of confusion. “Of course I do. How could you not know that?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I guess it’s…” I pause for a moment before deciding to bare it all. “It’s hard for me to believe you still think I’m beautiful despite finding me the way you did.”
Understanding dawns and he quickly shakes his head. “No, not ever. That didn’t change the way I look at you. Yes, it fucking gutted me to see you that way, but not once did I think any less of you.” He pulls me closer while his determined gaze bores into mine. His jaw flexes, the rhythm of his chest growing heavier. “It should have never happened. Nothing so hateful should have ever touched something so beautiful. But make no mistake, Liv, when I look at you, I don’t see the girl I found that day, I see the girl who survived it all. You’re fucking beautiful, inside and out, nothing or no one will ever change that.”
My breath hitches as tears blur my eyes, his words healing my wounded soul. “You make me feel beautiful,” I choke out softly.
“Good, baby, because you are, every inch of you, and don’t ever fucking forget it.” He closes the small space between our mouths, his lips claiming mine in a heated caress as his tongue sweeps in. His flavor explodes in my mouth, flooding my senses.
So potent and male.
“Fuck, you are the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted.” He trails his lips down my throat, his teeth scraping and tongue tasting.
Shivers of pleasure race through my body as something ignites inside of me, something strong and powerful. His hands slide to my bottom to bring me closer, and I grind down on his hard length, trying to alleviate the ache. I whimper, seeking the friction I so desperately crave.
His growl vibrates from deep within his chest. “You feel that, Liv? You feel how hard you make me? Every goddamn second I’m around you I’m like this. That’s how beautiful I think you are.”
He captures a hard nipple in his mouth, his teeth grazing the tight point through the thin fabric of my top. “Grayson, please.” My head falls back on a moan as pleasure races through my body.
“What, baby? You want me to touch you again? Want me to make you feel good?”
“Yes. I…I want more,” I tell him. “I want all of you.”
With a groan his head snaps up, his eyes fierce. “Time to go inside,” he says firmly, his voice thick with desire.
Laying my hand against his strong jaw, I nod. “Yeah. Time to go inside.”
After a brief, hard kiss we get out of the hot tub. Before I can finish drying off with a towel, Grayson sweeps me off my feet. With a startled squeal I wrap my arms around his neck and giggle as he rushes us into the house, closing and locking the door behind him. My laughter is cut off by another passionate kiss, his mouth hot and demanding.
He carries me effortlessly upstairs, his mouth never missing a beat as he lays me down on the bed and follows on top. His lips venture down my body as he reaches underneath me and pulls at the secured knot at my back, then neck. He wastes no time ridding me of the scrap of material, baring me to him from the waist up.
My nipples instantly strain for his touch. A deep groan rumbles from his mouth as he bends down and takes the aching tip into his hot, wet mouth. I cry out as pleasure explodes through every nerve ending in my body. His teeth grip my nipple, giving it a delicious tug I feel all the way to my core, before soothing the sting with his tongue. He does this back and forth, driving me wild with a need so deep I feel like I will explode from the want clawing inside of me. Right when I think I can’t take any more his mouth coasts down my stomach, heading to the spot I ache for him most.
“Scoot down, baby.” Grasping my hips with a possessive grip he pulls me down to the edge of the bed then gets on his knees between my legs. The sensual heat in his blue depths transform into something else as he stares down at me. I’m about to ask him what’s wrong when his fingers gently skim over the bruises I have on the inside of my thighs.
“Grayson?” I whisper nervously.
My heart clenches as his eyes meet mine, a pained expression marring his handsome face.
I shake my head, not wanting this to ruin the moment. A moment I desperately need with him. “Take them away. Erase them with your touch.”
A heavy breath escapes him as he dips his head and gently places his lips to the faded black and blue blemishes. “Never again.” He softly trails his mouth over every mark I bear, erasing the hate with love. “Never again.”
My hand drifts into his soft hair as I stare up at the ceiling, my throat burning with emotion. We have this moment to ourselves and with each other, it’s raw, intimate, and somehow—healing. Like we’re laying all the demons to rest.
After he’s lovingly soothed every mark, his mouth moves to my center, placing a gentle kiss over my wet bottoms. Heat sparks inside of me, hot and fast. I bite my lip to keep from moaning, but my hips thrust up greedily toward his mouth, seeking more. His eyes find mine, and I know by that cocky smirk he’s heard my silent plea.
He dips his head, tugging at the strings of my bottoms with his teeth. The black material falls away, revealing my most intimate part. I swallow back a moan as the cool air from the room whispers over my swollen clit.
“Jesus, Liv, you’re so fucking pretty.” My breath stalls with anticipation. The way his gaze fixates on me leaves me feeling a little vulnerable, yet also beautiful. “I can’t wait another second. I’ve been dying to taste you.” His mouth settles on my core, his tongue immediately lavishing my throbbing bud.
I gasp, my back bowing off the bed as exquisite pleasure ignites inside me.
“So sweet.” He groans with appreciation against my sensitive flesh as he dives deeper, spearing me with the tip of his tongue.
Heat surges through my blood, spreading through my body like molten lava oozing from a volcano just before it erupts. I’m so close already, teetering on the edge of imminent destruction.
“Oh God, Grayson.” My fingers grip his silky hair, tugging gently, while my hips thrust greedily to meet his mouth.
“That’s my girl. Come in my mouth, baby. I want to taste every last drop of you.” He slips a single finger inside of me before drawing my clit into his mouth with a hard suck. White-hot shards of pleasure tear through my body, reducing me to a withering mess beneath his ruthless mouth. I cry out, unable to harness the unrelenting pleasure he’s giving me. Every lick and suck draws out another shudder, my blood humming with release beneath my skin.
As I float back down to reality Grayson trails kisses up my body, worshiping every bare inch of skin he passes. A moan slips through my lips as he closes his mouth around my sensitive nipple, bringing a newfound pleasure to flare inside of me.
I’m lost to his touch.
It not only grounds me, but sets me free in a way I never thought possible.
My arms wrap around his neck as he settles between my open thighs, his hard body blanketing me with warm contentment. He seals his mouth over mine, giving me a long, drawn-out kiss. The taste of us mixed together is so erotic, driving my need higher.
Pulling back, he rests his forehead on mine, lust and something else staring back at me, something that makes me feel cherished.
“Do we keep going? Or am I holding you for the rest of the night?”
Warmth invades my heart when he offers to stop here, but I’m ready. I want Grayson to heal these wounds, not only the ones on my body but also the many that mar my soul.
“Keep going,” I whisper. “I told you I want all of you. I want you to erase the ugliness and replace it with something beautiful.”
Rising up, he sheds his swim trunks then sheathes himself with a condom. My eyes explore his powerful body, taking in all its male beauty and my mouth turns dry. “Keep looking at me like that and this will be over before it even starts.”
My eyes snap to his, my face heating. He comes to settle on top of me again, situating himself between my legs. I moan at the feel of his hard length against me as he coats it with my arousal. My heart hammers in my chest, both in nervousness and anticipation. “If you want to stop at any time just say the word.”
I nod.
“Ready, baby?”
“Yes.” My answer is soft but assured.
Leaning down he presses his lips to my forehead, then enters me slowly with one smooth thrust. I gasp at the welcomed invasion, feeling fuller than I ever have in my life. It’s a little tender, more than I expected, but not enough to make him stop.
I never want him to stop.
“Ah, fuck.” He groans then stills, giving me all the time I need to adjust. “You okay, Liv?” he asks, his face only a breath from mine. “You still with me?”
“Yes, I’m with you. Completely.”
How can I not be when he looks at me like this—makes me feel the way I do.
Safe and beautiful.
I lift my hips to reassure him, earning myself another tortured groan.
Jaw clenched, he begins rocking back and forth with slow, gentle strokes. His hot gaze locks with mine, blue eyes so bright they light up the dark spots hidden inside of me. Tears blur my vision at how amazing he feels, my entire world shifting on its axis at the perfection we create. And for the first time in my life, I feel complete. That whatever I’ve gone through in the past has led me to this one person, to this moment.
To him.
A tortured groan erupts from him. “You feel so fucking incredible wrapped around me, so fucking tight.”
I whimper, my body arching to be closer to his.
My reaction has a sly grin tugging at his lips. “You like it when I talk dirty to you, baby?”
I clench around him, an incoherent sound falling past my lips. I can hardly breathe at the moment, much less speak.
He smiles with deep satisfaction, bringing a hand between us to stroke my clit. “You’re close, Liv. I can feel it. Your pussy is on fire. So hot. So fucking wet. Come for me.”
His dirty words do something to me, untie some invisible knot deep within, unleashing a need like I’ve never known, and flings me over the steep cliff of pleasure. I cry out, digging my fingers into his back as ecstasy soars through me with rapid speed.
He plunges into me again once, twice, before finding his own release on a strained groan.
Eyes closed, I bask in my euphoria, taking my time to find my breath after the tidal wave that just washed through me. When I open my eyes I find Grayson watching me, his expression soft.
“You’re fucking perfect,” he says, his handsome face hovering above mine.
I smile, my throat tight at the sincerity pouring from those words. I reach up and trace his lips. “We’re perfect together.”
His hand encircles my wrist, pressing a kiss to my fingertips. “Yeah, baby, we’re fucking explosive.” He cuts off my giggle with a long, deep kiss. “I’ll be back. You need anything?”
I shake my head. “No. Just you.”
That has another growl erupting from him. “Don’t you dare move,” he says, shifting to roll off the bed.
“Yes, sir!” I salute to his retreating back as he walks into the bathroom, his grunt cut off as he closes the door.
I pull the covers up with a smile on my face as I reflect on the monumental moment I just had. Being intimate with someone was a part of my life I thought I’d never get back. But Grayson was able to erase not only the screaming uncertainty but also the inevitable scars.
The sound of the bathroom door opening pulls me from my blissful thoughts. The bed dips with Grayson’s weight as he lies next to me. I turn to face him as he pulls my body flush against his.
“I still can’t believe I’m here. Everything has been so perfect,” I tell him with a soft smile. “Thank you for bringing me, Grayson. Thank you for sharing this place with me.”
His expression is somber as he stares back at me. “There’s no one else in the world I would share this place with, other than you.”
I tense in surprise. “You’ve never brought anyone else here before?”
“No. Only you.”
“Well that certainly makes me feel special,” I say, smiling at him.
He doesn’t grin back like I expect him to, his expression remaining somber. “It should because you are, especially to me.”
