Chapter 22
22
GRAYSON
B etween having to see her mother, her brother’s upcoming wedding and the two-hour flight ahead of us, Ainsley was up half the night. I could handle her being a nervous flyer; I’ve always wanted to join the Mile High Club. But the stress she’s putting on herself about her mother and the wedding, while totally warranted, is enough to make me want to tell her we can’t go, only to spare her the stress. But since that’s not an option, I just have to do my best to keep her as calm as possible. And not piss her off myself.
She makes me pull over twice on the drive to the airport. Her stomach is in turmoil, and my poor girl is nauseous as hell. When she gets back in the car the second time, she looks miserable.
“Darling, what can I do?”
She buckles up her belt and rests her head against the headrest. Her eyes close, and she tries to control her breathing, something that she’s not too successful at. “Just drive. I’ll be okay.”
I rest my hand on her thigh. “Love, when? When will you be okay?”
“When this shitty ordeal is over with. When we get back home, and it’s just me and you, and we can focus on our wedding.” I can’t help but laugh. Her eyes fly open. “Why is that funny?” she asks, shooting daggers in my direction.
“You’ve done practically nothing about our wedding.”
She sighs. “Yeah, I know. It sounded good in my head. And it’s something I should be focused on. I’ll do better when we get home.”
“Hey.” Grabbing her chin, I force her to look in my direction. “There’s no rush to get married. The only thing that’s going to change is your last name.”
“Yeah, about that.” She casts her eyes away from me and down to the seat.
I wait for her to continue, but when she doesn’t, I ask her, “What about that?” It’s something we haven’t talked about, but I always assumed she would take my last name.
She picks her head up and gazes into my eyes, a crazy look to her own. “Just kidding. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Abbott.” I sigh and squeeze her thigh, a little less tender this time. “Hey!” she shrieks.
“I hate you.” Of course my comment just garners another laugh from her. And with her mood changed, I start the car up again and get back on the road to the airport. I leave my hand on her thigh; she puts her hand on top of mine and just rests it there.
When we get to the airport, I drive to the long-term parking lot and find a spot to park. She takes a few deep breaths before hopping out of the car. She grabs her backpack from the backseat, and I grab the rest of the luggage. Locking the car, I grab her hand in mine as we stroll into the airport.
The minute we get on the plane and are settled in our seats, she grabs my hand and squeezes it. Hard. Somehow her diamond gets flipped around, and it’s digging into my palm. Right about now a smaller diamond would have been a better choice. She doesn’t let go until after takeoff, when she finally relaxes a bit about the flying part. I try to convince her that joining the Mile High Club will ease her nerves, but she shoots me down, telling me that airplane bathroom sex isn’t as easy or as sexy as everyone makes it seem .
That gets my attention. “Is this from personal experience?” I raise my eyebrows at her admission as I look over at her.
She hesitates a minute, which means yes. “Do you get to be a member of the club if you didn’t finish the act?” she asks quietly.
“You didn’t finish or he didn’t finish?” I ask, feeling my body heat rising. I don’t really know why this is affecting me this way. It’s over and done with, and I got the girl. And honestly, I’m not the type of “sex in public places” kind of guy. Well, I never was. A girl like Ainsley sure can change a guy’s mind about certain things.
“He certainly didn’t, but neither did I. Well, I didn’t finish with him.”
“Keep going,” I encourage, needing to hear the end of this story.
She looks at me, all traces of nervousness completely gone. When she starts to lean into me, I know it’s going to be good. “That was when I learned how not to make any noise when getting myself off,” she coos in my ear.
I love the things that come out of this woman’s mouth. But I don’t let her finish there. “Is that so?” She giggles and nods, her curls bouncing around her face. Then I lean back into her, and in her ear, I rasp, “This I have to see.” I pull back and watch as what I’ve just said registers on her face. At first, she’s shocked. Then, as nonchalantly as she can, she shrugs and moves her hand to the top of her waistband. Right before she slips it inside, I grab her hand. “You made your point, darling, but this isn’t happening until your only audience is me.”
“Suit yourself, big guy.” As the flight attendant nears our aisle, she leans over again and whispers, “Aren’t you going to adjust yourself, Gray? That show’s for my eyes only.”
I don’t have to glance down to know what she’s referring to, but she’s right. I quickly adjust myself just as the flight attendant leans over to our row and asks, “Drinks?”
“I’ll have a glass of wine and he’ll have a Coke, please.” There’s no trace of the vixen, as if we weren’t just having a discussion about sex on airplanes. That’s my girl .
As soon as the flight attendant has turned her attention to the next row, I pull Ainsley in closer to me. “You, my dirty girl, are going to be the death of me.”
Her face lights up with laughter. “You know you love it.”
“There’s seriously no place I would rather be right now than here with you,” I pour out honestly. “I can’t wait until you are officially, officially mine.”
She pulls herself back for a moment to gawk at me. “Oh Grayson, I’ve been officially, officially yours since the day you made me kiss you in the bar. I just didn’t admit it until later.”
“I love when you say shit like that.”
And then she full-out glowers at me. “I’m sorry. ‘Shit’ like that?” She puts quotes around the word shit.
“You know what I mean.” I try to reel myself back in and not lose this moment with her, especially because I know once we land, my nervous girl will return.
“Oh yeah, I do. But I have to admit that Bella’s right. Messing with you is quite hilarious.” She lays her head on my shoulder. “Love you, Gray.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I tell her playfully and then add, “the feeling’s mutual.”
Her nerves are back even before the captain comes on and tells us to prepare for arrival. Luckily we have a few hours to kill before the rehearsal dinner tonight. ‘’m not totally convinced that she won't weasel her way out of it somehow, even though she really has no choice but to attend. And there’s the added bonus of the wedding tomorrow.
Once we have touched down and are taxiing to the gate, she relaxes only slightly. We didn't check any bags so we head to the rental car counter to pick up our car.
“Abbott,” I say when it's our turn.
The woman behind the desk smiles as she types some information into the computer. “Oh yes. The Mustang reservation. Let me just get everything set. ”
I cut her off, confused. “I'm sorry. Did you say Mustang? I’m pretty sure I reserved an SUV.”
She looks puzzled as she looks back between her computer and me. “Hmm, maybe I'm looking at the wrong reservation.” She studies the computer intensely.
And then I realize that this has Ainsley written all over it. When I look over at her, she's got her head down, trying to hide the smirk that's creeping over her face.
“Never mind. It appears my accomplice here has made a change. Mustang it is.”
She looks back at me cautiously, then glances over at Ainsley. She hands me some paperwork to sign as I hand over my credit card. Once everything is signed and paid for, she hands over the keys. “It's in spot R-2, not that you could miss it.”
“Thanks so much.” I turn to Ainsley. “Come on, sneaky. Let’s go.” I grab the bags. She follows behind me, keeping a short distance between us.
When we get to the car, I unlock it, toss the bags in the trunk and climb behind the wheel. I look over at her before I start it up.
“Are you mad?” she asks hesitantly.
“Surprised is all. When?”
“Once I knew you wouldn't be checking your email again. It goes with the theme.”
“The theme of what?” I can only imagine what this could relate to, especially with Ainsley.
“That I can't tell you.” She smirks mischievously.“Yet.”
“I bet Drunk Ainsley would let it slip,” I tell her with a chuckle. “I'll liquor you up tonight.”
“Pretty sure I'll have no problem liquoring it up on my own. You know, between my mother, my brother, and that woman he’s marrying.” Then she goes quiet. “I'm sorry. I hate how they bring out the worst in me.”
“Me too, darling. You are so much better than them.” I lean over and peck her cheek, but she grabs my face and assaults my lips with hers. She pulls away first, her cheeks just a tinge of pink to them.
“Come on. Let’s go to the hotel. I need a nap.”She winks at me.
I pretend to yawn. “You read my mind.” I start up the car and navigate our way out of the airport.
After a couple of mind-blowing orgasms, we shower and freshen up for dinner. The rehearsal is being held at some restaurant in the heart of Chicago. As we drive there, Ainsley says, “I would love to know who is paying for this dinner and wedding. It sure as hell ain't Drew.” She looks more pissed than nervous at this point.
“Why do you care?”
She sighs. “Because I do. I always have and it’s hard to let go of that kind of thinking. And if my parents are paying for his, they should pay for mine.”
“I already told you that I am paying for our wedding.”
“That's not the point,” she argues.“You shouldn't have to pay for all of it.”
“It's not about what I should or shouldn't have to do. I want to pay for it. I want you to have whatever you want for the day. Well, what we want.”
I feel her looking over at me. “Okay. I get that and appreciate it. Grayson, please pay for our wedding,” she begs, batting her eyes in my direction.
“Done.” Turning away to face the window, she mutters something under her breath. “I missed all that.”
“That was the point.” Changing the subject she adds, “Don't tell my parents I quit my job. I don't need to give my mother anymore ammunition against me this weekend.”
“Sure thing.” I contemplate my next question. I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but I need to know for sure. “Do you regret it?”
“Nope.”
“Good.” I don't face her but still smile.
When we get to the restaurant, I find a parking spot. She unbuckles but doesn't make any indication she’s going to move.
“I'll be by your side the entire time," I remind her. “What did you decide about your ring?”
She hasn’t told her parents yet. We had a heated discussion about telling them tonight. I think she should wait, but she’s not worried about stealing anyone's thunder. I think it says a lot that she was adamant about not stealing Bella’s thunder but doesn't care about Drew's or his fiancée.
“I’m wearing it. I believe a wise man told me not to take it off.” She looks over in my direction, a twinkling in her eyes.
“Your call. Come on. Let’s go.” I get out and head over to her side and open her door. She turns her body to face me but doesn’t get out.
“You think we can leave early if I feign sickness? You would have to cover for me. My mom can see through my lies.” She looks up at me, her expression pleading with me to agree to her plan.
I put my arms under her armpits and lift her out of the car. “Not. Happening.” I put her down on the ground.Her feet stay rooted in their spot. “I’ll carry you in there, caveman style if you would prefer.”
“I need one more kiss before we do this.” She moves up next to me, wrapping her arms around my waist and letting her hands travel down to land on my ass. I grab the back of her neck and lean it backward. Then I slowly bring my lips to hers. She waits for them, instead of meeting me halfway. Her eyes flutter closed, and she parts her lips the moment mine hit hers. I waste no time slipping my tongue inside her open lips, finding hers waiting for me. She brushes the underside of my tongue ever so slightly and when the tiniest moan escapes, I wrap my other arm around her waist and pull her in closer to me. And then she assaults my tongue with hers. I match her greediness and attack back.
She's the first to pull away, breathless. I rest my forehead against hers. “Gray,” she moans. “Guess I don't need the liquor.” When I look at her, bewildered, she adds, “Keep kissing me like that, and I'll get drunk on you.”
I smile in return. “I'm on board with that. ”
From behind us, I hear someone yelling “AINS!” Ainsley stiffens. “Fuck! Are you fucking kidding me!” She buries her head in my chest. “I may actually be sick.”
I turn around and see the guy from the diner all those months ago walking up, a girl by his side. He picks up his pace a little, which forces the girl to keep up with him. She’s having a harder time because she’s in heels.
When he finally reaches us, Ainsley is still nestled in my chest.
“Darling, you can do this.” I persuade, giving her another squeeze.
She shakes her head. “I can’t.”
“You don’t have a choice. He’s here.”
I flash a smile in his direction and gently release Ainsley out of my arms, nudging her slightly. She pulls herself together, plasters the fakest smile on her face, and with feigned enthusiasm voices, “Jordan.”
And then her past slaps me in the face. This is the guy who was the father of the baby. Who told her they would work it all out and then broke it off with her soon after she had the abortion. And as much as I want to kick the guy in the nuts, I realize I should be thanking him. For letting her go so I could keep her. With that thought, I pull her back into me. She comes easily.
The bastard watches my every movement, almost glaring at my actions. I notice that he's not even paying the girl with him any attention until Ainsley reaches her hand out to her.
“You must be Maggie. Congrats on your engagement.” Another fake smile.
Maggie hesitantly reaches her hand out to Ainsley, as she sizes her up and down. “You're Ainsley?” she replies in shock. “Like the Ainsley?” She looks back at Jordan for confirmation.“You said she was pretty. This girl is gorgeous!” She frowns.
I can't help but chuckle. And then it only gets better.
“Oh my god!” She tugs Ainsley’s left hand to hers. Ainsley just stands there, a look of shock on her face. “You’re engaged too? Jordan, her ring is huge!” she whines as she looks back to him. His expression hasn’t changed much, even as he looks between his fiancée and Ainsley.
I lean down in Ainsley’s ear. “Own it, darling.”
“Yeah, Grayson and I are getting married too,” she responds, pulling her hand out of Maggie's as if she were being burned. “It was nice meeting you. We’ll see you inside.”She flashes them both a smile and then grabs my hand, pulling me towards the restaurant. As we walk away, I notice they’re standing there, mouths agape.
As we near the door, Ainsley glances my way and says, “The only thing that would have made that better was if my mother was a witness. Did you see the look on her face? Priceless!”
“I missed the look on her face because I was watching the look on your face. That, my gorgeous girl, was priceless.” We get to the door and her hand squeezes in mine as she stills once again. “You got this, darling.”
She takes a deep breath and exhales. “Here goes nothing!” I pull open the door, and she walks in, head held high.
After her run-in with Jordan, the rest of the night goes pretty smoothly. Luckily it’s a sit-down dinner so there’s little interaction between her and anyone else she doesn't want to speak with.
I didn't choose the size of Ainsley's ring to be show-offy.It wasn't to show other people how much money I have. It was the first ring I laid eyes on that reminded me of Ainsley so I bought it. I’m not going to lie and say that I don't enjoy the attention the ring gets. It’s purely because it makes her light up and each time, her nervousness fades a bit, and the girl I love shines through more and more.
As we are saying our goodbyes, Drew, who’s clearly had too much to drink, comes over to us. “You just can't help yourself, can you, Ainsley?” he spews at her.
“What are you talking about?” She holds her own, standing her ground, a determined look on her face. Despite her nerves earlier, she didn’t really have much to drink .
He reaches out and grabs her hand. “You were flashing this all night long. It made Claudia feel bad. This is her night.”
Ainsley rolls her eyes as she pulls her hand out of his grasp. “Is she jealous that mine's bigger than hers? Is that the real problem? Or is she just jealous that I got the better guy?” Rather than engage him more, she takes the high road and walks away, leaving him speechless and open-mouthed.
“Wow. She really is a bitch,” I hear him mutter to himself.
Not wanting to engage him either but needing to stick up for my girl, I shoot him a look. “She’s your sister. She came all this way to support you even though you never give her the time of day. I would watch what you say about her, especially in my presence. Do you ever think she acts that way because of how she's treated? Because that girl you just saw? She only shows up when you or your mother are around. It's too bad you don't know the real Ainsley. She’s really quite amazing.” And that’s when I turn and walk away and run right into Ainsley's mother.
“Well she’s certainly got you wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she? It didn’t take her long at all to land herself a man who can’t see through her bullshit. It’s never going to work out between the two of you. She will suck you dry before you realize what she’s doing.”
I’m too shocked at the words coming out of her mouth, the way the evil words spew out so easily, to come up with a retort to that. I’m sure the shock is registered on my face.
Before I can compose myself with a comeback, she tosses this out. “Please tell Ainsley we won’t make it to her wedding, if there even is a wedding. After what I witnessed tonight, I can only imagine what kind of stunts she will pull for herself.” She smirks at me, turns on her heels, and walks away, leaving me even more confused than before.
Pulling myself out of the shock, I go find Ainsley.
The smile fades off her face as I get closer. “What’s the matter?” she asks, concern creeping on her once cheerful face .
“Your mother said she won’t be at our wedding. She may have insinuated that there might not even be a wedding.”
She hesitates, and I see the wheels turning in her head as she furrows her brows. “What about my father?”
“I believe she said we won’t make it.”
She looks down at the ground. When she looks back up, she's got tears at the corners of her eyes and one of the saddest expressions I've ever seen on her face. So of course I drop it. Because it's not an act.
“Darling, don’t cry,” I speak softly as I envelop my arms around her.
She looks up at me as one tear slips out. “She really said we? As in my dad too?”
I’m not sure at this point, and I’m at a loss at what to tell her so I go with the truth. “I don’t know.”
She pulls herself out of my grasp and starts running for the exit. I watch as she pushes herself through the throng of people and out the door. Quickly, I find myself following her outside. When I reach her, she's hunched over, trying to catch her breath.
“Ainsley! What’s the matter?” I speed up a bit. When I get to her, I grab a hold of her shoulders and pull her up to standing.
“I c-can’t,” she stutters, breathing heavily. The expression on her face matches her breathing.
“You can’t what? Can you tell me?”
She shakes her head no. “I need to leave. Please,” she begs.
I grab her hand and walk her to the car. When we get there, I open the door for her and help her in. Before I can walk away, she starts to speak.
“You must think I’m crazy. I’m really not. It’s just…” she trails off as she smiles weakly.
“On your own time, when you are ready. That’s what you told me that night around the dinner table, and I fell hard right then. Take the time you need. But my girl, you are a little crazy. It just so happens that I love your kind of crazy.” I lean in and place a lingering kiss on her forehead .
“I’m seriously the luckiest girl in the world.”
“Nah, I'm the lucky one.” I wander to my side of the car.
Once I’m inside, she tells me with a wink, “I'm surely not going to disagree with that logic. Let’s go back to the hotel so I can show you just exactly how lucky you are.”
“While I’m not going to argue with you, you show me every day, my love, how lucky I am. Every damn day.”
“Yeah, I’m a pretty great catch.” With her words, the smile I adore appears on her face.
I leave it at that and drive us back to the hotel.