Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Harper
My eyes flew open as the sun peered through the slits of the blinds that covered the windows. I couldn’t believe I fell asleep last night and didn’t wake up once. I rolled over and stared at Grayson while he slept. The last thing I remembered was him going downstairs to get us some cheesecake. Shit. Now I was totally embarrassed that I fell asleep before he got back. What a way to end a perfect evening. He stirred before opening his eyes.
“Good morning.” A soft smile graced his face. “Were you watching me sleep?”
“Maybe.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
“That’s okay because I was watching you sleep last night.” His finger ran down my cheek.
“I am so sorry about that. I don’t even remember closing my eyes.”
He rolled on his back and stretched out his arm. That was my queue to snuggle against him.
“Don’t apologize. You were tired, and I understand that. Did you sleep well?”
“I did,” I spoke as my head lay on his chest, softly stroking it with my fingers. “Your bed is very comfortable.”
“Good. I’m happy you like it because if I have my way, you will spend a lot of time in it.”
“Is that so?” I smiled as I lifted my head and stared at him.
“It is so.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “I wanted to ask you something last night before you fell asleep. My best friend, Julius, asked us to have dinner with him tonight. His wife is out of town, and he wants to meet you. Plus, I want you to meet him too.”
“I’d like that.”
“Good. I’ll call him in a while.”
“Do you by any chance have decaf coffee?” I asked.
“No. I don’t. But hold on a second.”
He reached for his phone on the nightstand and called down to the lobby.
“This is Grayson Rhodes, and I need someone to run out and get me some decaf coffee for my Keurig. Make sure it’s a dark roast. And if you could hurry it up, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
“I can’t believe you just did that. I could have run out and got some. You didn’t need to send the staff to do it.”
“Trust me. They don’t mind. Especially when they know they’re getting a large tip.”
“I’m starving. Would you mind if I whipped us up something for breakfast?” I asked.
“Not at all. I don’t have much, though. My maid usually goes to the grocery store on Mondays.”
“You have a maid?”
“Yes. She comes twice a week to clean and prep meals for me. Do you think I can clean this big place myself?”
“Would you even clean it yourself?” I smirked at him.
“No.” He chuckled. “Come up here.”
I scooted myself up, so my lips were mere inches from his. He softly pressed them against mine. Suddenly, his phone rang.
“Thank you. Bring it up,” he spoke.
“Your coffee has arrived, madame.” His smile brightened my morning.
While I climbed out of bed and slipped into my pajama bottoms and tank top, Grayson grabbed some cash from his wallet and headed downstairs. I followed and went into the kitchen to see what I could whip up. I first popped a k-cup in his Keurig and made him a cup of coffee.
“Here you go.” He kissed my forehead.
“And here you go.” I handed him his coffee.
“Thank you. I’m going to take a shower and give Julius a call. Did you find anything to make?”
“I did.” I beamed.
“Okay. I’ll be back in a flash. Thanks for the coffee.” He held his mug up.
After making myself a cup, I grabbed the eggs from the refrigerator, tomatoes, spinach, onion, green and red pepper, and cheddar cheese. Today’s breakfast would be a veggie omelet and toast.
“Perfect timing,” I said as I plated his omelet and buttered toast.
“This looks delicious. Thank you.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine.
We took our plates and sat on the stools at the island.
“I called Julius, and we’ll meet him at Eleven Madison Park at six o’clock.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I made plans for us for today. You have nothing going on, do you? Again, I probably should have asked you first.”
“The only thing I have going on is spending the day with you.” A smile crossed my lips.
“I was hoping you’d say that. There’s a new butterfly exhibition over at the Museum of Natural History I’ve been wanting to see.”
“I heard about that. I like butterflies.”
“Good. Then we’ll go there first and play the rest of the day by ear. Sound like a plan?”
“Sounds like I plan.” I smiled.
After finishing my breakfast, I took a quick shower, applied light makeup, and grabbed my jeans from my bag. As I pulled them on, I struggled to button them, but it wasn’t happening. Shit!
“What’s wrong?” Grayson asked as he saw me lying on the bed in my unbuttoned jeans.
“Wehave to stop at my place on the way to the museum.”
“Why?”
“Because my jeans don’t fit anymore. I can’t button them.”
He started to laugh, and I threw a pillow at him.
“I’m sorry but what did you expect? You’re pregnant. Eventually, your clothes aren’t going to fit you anymore,” he spoke as he held out his hand and helped me up.
“I know, but I didn’t think it would happen yet.” I pouted.
“Jeans are tight to begin with. Put on the pants you wore yesterday, and we’ll go to your place so you can change into a different pair. You’ll be okay.” He kissed my forehead.
We left his penthouse and stopped by my apartment on the way to the museum. I changed into a pair of black leggings, a tank top, and a long cardigan. Spring had sprung in New York, and the need for a jacket was no longer needed. At least during the day.
We entered the museum and looked around before it was our time to enter the Butterfly Conservatory. I watched Grayson as he looked at the butterflies that flew around us with the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward.
“My mother loved butterflies,” he spoke. “We had a vacation home in Montauk where we’d spend our summers, and in the backyard, she had a huge garden with at least twenty different butterfly houses. She’d spend most of the afternoon out there watching them and taking photographs. She said they were the most beautiful creatures on Earth. My father used to call her the butterfly whisperer, because butterflies would land all over her when she’d go out in the garden. They made her happy.”
“That’s a beautiful memory.” I took hold of his hand.
“Yeah. I guess it is. Since we're in this beautiful place surrounded by butterflies and plants, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
“I would like it if we were exclusive.”
“Grayson Rhodes, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” I grinned.
“I suppose I am. And when you meet my grandfather, I’d like to introduce you to him as just that.”
“Yes.” I threw my arms around his neck. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
“Phew. I was worried for a minute. I know this is moving a little fast.”
“Just a little. But when you know, you know. Right?” I kissed his lips.