14. Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Kaitlyn
My hair was still air-drying when Griffin was back knocking at my door in the morning. I’ll say I didn’t get much sleep until after a quick assist from my favorite sexy audio app on my phone and my favorite battery operated friend. I wouldn’t have been able to wind down otherwise. I’m going to have to try much harder to keep myself in check.
Not less than an hour later, I’m surrounded in one of the poshest boutiques with two assistants floating around me holding up different colors and styles of dresses. I was able to narrow the try-ons to three then came the accessories. Every so often, I’d peek over at Griffin with my peripheral vision and find him with a soft smile on his face. I would have given nearly anything to know what he was thinking.
In the end, I ended up with a strapless, deep-green number with a soft material that swooped to a knot at my hip, allowing for a long slit that I hope will keep the things I don’t want seen covered. I know Griffin likes it because he barely said a word before simply holding his gold card out saying, “Wrap it up.”
Now, I’m back at my apartment, putting the final touches on my makeup and hair when my phone vibrates across my bathroom counter. I answer it, leaving it on speakerphone so I can focus on getting my lipstick just right.
“Hello?”
“I’m turning onto your block. I’ll be up to get you in a moment.”
“I can meet you downstairs. I’m almost ready.”
“If you think I’m not coming to your door, you’ve lost your mind. I want to see you completely ready all by myself first. Allow me that pleasure.”
Swoon.
“If you insist.” I smile, even though he can’t see me.
“I do.” Click. He ends the call with no preamble or goodbye, leaving no room for argument on my part.
Less than five minutes later, he’s knocking on my door, and when I open it, I nearly buckle at the sight of him. He’s in a deep-emerald three-piece tuxedo. It’s so dark it could almost pass for black. It’s a perfect accompaniment to my dress.
Words leave my lips before I can even stop them. “Holy fuck.”
“Mmmhmm. Indeed. You’re stunning.”
“I really look okay?” I run my hands over my sleeked back hair. The ends are tickling my elbows.
“You are perfect. There won’t be a man who won’t want you on their arm nor a woman who won’t be green with envy. No pun intended. It’s still slightly warm out, so I don’t think you’ll need a wrap. However, if you’re cold, I will have my jacket at the ready to shield you.”
“Such a gentleman.”
“You wouldn’t think so if you were inside my mind right now. So, before we end up not leaving, we should do just that.”
The charity gala is being held inside of a very posh hotel ballroom just a few blocks from the Flatiron Building. The room is brimming with people of all ages and backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common.
Everyone looks expensive as hell.
“I don’t belong here,” I whisper to him, squeezing my arm into his a little tighter.
“You belong here and everywhere,” he says back. “What did I say about talking down about yourself?”
“You’re right. You’re right. Just get me some booze and I’ll be schmoozing in no time.”
He guides me through the crowd, pausing every few seconds to shake hands and make introductions. During the short walk from the entrance to the bar, I’ve met politicians, athletes, singers, and a handful of actors and actresses. It’s like Who’s Who in America’s finest tonight.
As we reach the line for the bartender’s attention, Griffin leans over to whisper in my ear. “If you told me you’ve never done this before, I would have to call you a liar.”
“Then I guess I won’t tell you,” I whisper back in his ear before giving his hand a gentle squeeze with mine. The only way his fingers leave my skin directly is to place his warm touch in the small of my back. He hasn’t allowed our connection to break since the moment we filed out of our car on the red carpet.
When we each have a drink in hand, I ask, “Would you like to toast?”
“At this point, it would be an uttered wish more than a toast.” We give each other a knowing smile before Griffin leans forward, placing a kiss on my cheek that’s dangerously close to my lips. Damn. I wish his aim, for once, would have been off.
“Well…Hello, Griffin.” A rich toned female voice drips over my shoulder from behind me.
The shimmer that was in Griffin’s eyes literally a split second ago has faded. There’s an instant tension that radiates from his body. Whomever is behind me is someone he not only didn’t expect to see, but is someone he wishes he wouldn’t have.
He nods curtly. “Sheridan.”
I don’t know what possesses me, but I rotate my body around so instantly my leg pops from the slit of my dress. My arm threads through Griffin’s around his back in a very protective way.
“So, who have we here? You’re not one of his usual dates to these things. I assumed the redhead would be on your arm.”
“Classy as ever I see. Her name was Hannah and she’s married now, but I know you know that. Kaitlyn, this is Sheridan Tate. Sheridan, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Kaitlyn Logan.”
I know this mean girl game. It’s shit I’ve dealt with all my life, and not just in the personal arena either. Yes, my research skills are good, but what is even better is my uncanny ability to size up a human being in record time.
In the few seconds it took me to adjust my position to face her, I’ve gathered she’s a jealous ex, with a nasty streak that rivals the worst humanity has to offer. Her Botox is failing and her best quality is probably how quickly she’ll fall to her knees to get what she wants.
“Girlfriend?” Her face, best as it can, contorts as though Griffin’s spoken to her in some yet unnamed language.
“Yes, that’s me.” I smile. “Griffin, you didn’t tell me any of your old acquaintances would be here tonight.” Every bit of emphasis on the word old was absolutely intended. I need this woman to know she didn’t walk up to some mouse who just plopped into the big city off the farm. I want her to know I can give as well as receive.
Griffin’s hand wraps around my right hip. The tips of his fingers flex and retract, showing me not only his anxiety, but his approval for how I’m handling this challenge. “I’m sorry about that, sweetheart. I didn’t know Sheridan still ran in these circles.”
“Surely that’s not true, Griffin,” she says with a smile on her red-painted lips. “You know I’m nothing if not very, very generous. In fact, you know that personally.” She reaches out to touch his arm but he expertly shifts out of her reach.
“Gross,” I say plainly, uncaring that she can absolutely hear me. I wasn’t trying to hide it.
Griffin chimes in much more posh than me. “Sheridan, we have a room to work and many people who are waiting for a conversation. If you’ll excuse us.”
“But, I…” she says, however, we quickly move away from her and out of her earshot.
“What in the hell was that?” I ask him. “She’s your ex? You certainly pick good ones.”
“Not ex-girlfriend, per se. A former… acquaintance.”
“Apparently a generous one,” I say under my breath, like a child.
He halts in his tracks and whips around to face me, grinning. “Are you jealous?”
I think for a moment then decide to use his words against him. “Not jealous, per se.”
Griffin’s smile grows wider as he removes the drink from my hand, placing both of our glasses on a server who’s passing by with an empty tray. “One of the things I love most about you is your ability to quickly assess a situation and act. What if I told you she was still watching us?”
The subtle rage at our interaction wells up inside of me and the only way out of it is through. I take two small steps forward to close the physical gap that exists between us. “How do you feel about PDA in a room full of your peers?”
He chuckles huskily under his breath. “Until three seconds ago, hated it.” Griffin softly tilts my chin up to meet his eyes before reaching in for my lips. I wrap my hand around his bicep over his jacket to not only steady myself with this new warmth I feel, but to absolutely show to Sheridan, and any like her in the room, Griffin is mine…even if it’s only for now.
The kiss makes my heart flutter in a way I wasn’t expecting. Is it because I know it’s getting under her skin or simply because I’m kissing Griffin Shaw?
I can taste the delicate hint of warm alcohol on his lips and the slight sweetness from his toothpaste. I want to bottle it up and use it as a hit of serotonin when I’m feeling sad. A kiss from this man could change the world.
Sooner than I’d like, he pulls away and my eyes blink open, finding him staring at me.
“Did you kiss me with your eyes open?”
“Maybe.” He slides his thumb along my plump bottom lip. “I like looking at you when you’re all pliant. It’s a new thing for me. Let me enjoy it.”
The images from this evening are being captured in multiple ways. The cameras never cease, and I am hyperaware of it. I have several images of Griffin that will be seared into my memory long after tonight.
I’ve talked to the media, even answering questions like a proper pageant queen. Gilly would be so proud of me. I’ve been asked about my caseload and it never felt like I was made to feel I was only an associate. Every once in a while, I’d catch Griffin watching me out of the corner of his eye with a look I’d swear was pride.
When we needed a breather, we’d go out and dance to the orchestra that was playing for the event. They were extraordinary. I felt like I was in an episode of Bridgerton when I’d hear a string version of a Taylor Swift song followed by a proper classical piece, then it would be a rock classic that fit the cello like a glove.
I thought I might pass out when Julian cut in on our dancing to take me on a spin around the dance floor. He’s one of those people you always hoped would be as nice as the stories you’ve heard about them. In his case, they are true in every way and more. We spent some of our time together talking about his wife and children. You could see the love radiate from his eyes when he spoke about them.
Just as I was about to melt away in awe, his date for the evening, his best friend, Troy, swooped in so Julian and Griffin could have some guy time. Saying Troy is a hoot is an understatement. He is the type of person who can chameleon into any situation. He had me laughing from the minute we met. All of the nervousness has completely left and I can honestly say this is a night to remember.
I don’t know if Griffin said something to Julian, but one of them or all of them were in my orbit all night long. It made me feel so cared for, and honestly, it made the night fly by. Saying good night was the hardest part. The flashbulbs were going off again when the four of us left the venue and we were waiting for our cars. I didn’t realize there were actually five of us leaving until I caught Sheridan with her tail between her legs, waiting at a distance.
I did give her a look. It’s one Gilly says I’m great at. It’s a whole vibe. It was an I’ve got your fucking number and just say one more thing so I can lay you out…or your shit bare, whichever is first or best. A friendly hug farewell from Julian and a crushing embrace from Troy are the last things I receive before passing Griffin to get into the car. I’m still pulling the slit of my dress right as he sits down next to me while closing the door.
“I would call the slit of that dress criminal if I didn’t appreciate it so much.”
“I figured that’s why you were so quick to lay down your credit card for it.” I smile. “I know we had an agreement, but this dress was so expensive. Please let me pay—”
He leans over and shuts me up with a kiss. My eyes widen in surprise before settling closed. Griffin pulls away and returns to his side of the car. “Now, don’t say anything like that again.”
“If I can’t ask to reimburse you, and I can’t be self-deprecating, I’ll basically just be sitting in silence all of the time. It would be very fun for you.” I cross my legs, letting the slit work its magic.
“I can think of several uses of your mouth that don’t involve talking.” He barely gets the sentence out before I’m punching him in the arm. “Ouch!”
“You earned that one, buddy.”
“It was a joke, a horrible one but a joke nonetheless.”
As he adjusts his jacket, I softly rest my hand on his thigh, sliding it down to his knee. “Have I told you how much I enjoyed tonight?”
I watch his face, waiting for a response. He breathes through a tired smile with his eyes fixated on my hand. “You did. However, I’ll gladly hear it anytime you want to say it.” With my clutch gripped tightly in my other hand, I slide it close to me as I tip my head over to his shoulder. “Are you tired?”
“Mmmhmm. A little. I thought you might make an okay pillow for a while. Also…we never know who might be watching.” I giggle.
Griffin
I knew she’d do well tonight. She’d never admit it, but she thrives in this kind of environment. Every person we talked to, every bit of poking and prodding we had about our “personal life” was handled masterfully.
I’m exceedingly proud of her.
I encouraged her to sleep for a while during the drive back to her apartment, mostly because she’s tired and needs it, but I wanted the chance to bask in the fact she’s comfortable enough with me to do this.
Her breathing has evened out into a steady sleep before we are even two blocks away from the hotel, so when we turn onto her block, I feel bad even waking her.
“Kaitlyn?” I whisper, cupping her cheek. “Wake up.”
“Hmm?” She looks around in a daze for a split second. “Wow. I must have drifted off.”
I laugh softly. “I should say so. Where are your keys?” She opens her clutch and lays them gently in my hand. “Let me get you upstairs.” I tell the driver I won’t be needing his services for the rest of the night. I know it’s a canny move, but even if I close my eyes on her couch, I simply want to be where she is.
On the elevator ride up, she shrinks about three inches when she slides out of her stunning silver heels. The fabric of her dress swishes left and right across the floor as we slowly walk down the hallway to her apartment. I quietly open the door and the silence is met with a hardy greeting from her feline princess.
“Shoo. Back now,” I whisper. “Be good and I’ll find the treat jar.”
A small giggle comes from beside me. “She hates my brother-in-law, but loves you. Who knew?”
“I seem to have that effect on women.” I step aside and allow her to walk by me and into the dimly lit apartment.
“As much as I love this dress, I’d love nothing more than to put on a slouchy T-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts I’ve owned since high school.”
“Don’t let me stop you. I’m looking forward to seeing this outfit.”
“You can sit or even feed Marilyn some treats if you want. You’d win her over even more.”
“That’s a plan I can get behind.”
She smiles and it nearly knocks me off my feet. “The jar is in the cabinet above the dishwasher. She’ll come running as soon as she hears the door creak.”
We go our separate ways, her behind her bedroom door and me into the kitchen. I rub my hands together while finding the correct cabinet door, and just like she said, the adorably posh gray cat comes barreling around the corner like she’s positively starved.
“Easy there. They aren’t going to disappear.” I squat down to deposit a few morsels onto the floor, which she gobbles up immediately then sits back on her haunches, basically demanding more. “You’re testing me, aren’t you?” She licks her lips in response. “Well, I won’t be failing this one.” I lay a few more treats on the floor.
The second the treats disappear, this four-legged diva is winding through my legs, protesting until I pick her up. “Hush now, you silly thing. Where is your mother? Shall we go find out?”
With my newfound friend purring madly in my arms, I follow the faintest sound of running water. I enter Kaitlyn’s bedroom and, in the distance, a glow is coming out from under her bathroom door with the quietest bit of humming from the other side. Not wanting to miss a single part of the show she doesn’t even know she’s presenting; I release Marilyn to the bed before sliding out of my shoes to rest back on her pillows.
Her bed is so soft. It feels like I’m lying on a puffy cloud. Her duvet envelops my body instantly, creating a warm cocoon. I allow my eyes to close to savor the sensation. The purring of Kaitlyn’s kitten becomes mixed with her hums from afar in a delightful mix, offering me a relaxing bit of white noise. It’s a far cry from the high octane buzz we’ve been on.
My mind floats from thought to thought. It’s been a long time since I’ve been content in a woman’s bed. What does that mean? I wonder how long it will take for the internet to do its thing? What will father say? Mum? Shit. Mum. She only wants the best for me, always has. I haven’t honestly stopped to consider how to present this to her. Should I? She knows Father better than anyone and would graciously understand.
But…she would love Kait. She would welcome her with open arms. They would get on so well in conversation. Her face would be lit with joy. Kait’s may as well. I could see her looking at Mum with kindness. She may even find something she’s missing. What are you doing, man? Keep emotion out of it.
My heart begins beating faster and faster. I can feel a weight dead center on my chest. I move my hand over the ache where I find another hand in its place. As I slowly open my eyes, Kaitlyn has perched her body beside mine. The hand is that of affection and what I perceive as true understanding of what my head was doing. How could she know? Does it even matter?
“You fell asleep,” she says in a whisper.
“Your bed is very comfortable.” I lay my hand on top of hers.
She doesn’t speak again. Instead, she leans down and places a gentle kiss on my lips.
I’ve kissed many women in my life. I’ve been with models, artists, businesswomen, and even a handful of celebrities. I’m an experienced man, but none of those trysts compare to what I feel when I am kissing Kaitlyn Logan.
I reach up and cradle the side of her face, anchoring her to me. I don’t want this to end any time soon. Her lips part and my tongue slips between, dancing with hers in a way that feels like we’ve done this together our entire lives.
She moans quietly when I sink my teeth into her bottom lip, giving it the most delicate of tugs. I grin. My girl likes to be bitten. I’ll keep that tucked away for later use.
My girl.
Fuck, Griffin. Relax.
“Your kitten seems to like me lying here. How do you feel about it?”
She whispers, “I think if you’re too tired to leave, you should stay.”
I play with a few strands of her hair that have tumbled over her shoulders. “What if I’m not too tired and I still would like to stay?”
Kaitlyn ponders my question for a moment. I can watch the beautiful cogs of her brain spin through her eyes until they read her decision has been made. Her delicate fingers reach up to pull on the end of my bow tie. It slowly opens, sliding from around my neck to fall at a place of her choosing on the mattress.
“Well then. It looks like I’m staying.” My hand glides up her bare arm and over her shoulder to anchor at the back of her neck. I pull her toward me with what I fear is brute force. Her body says otherwise.
Kaitlyn moves her hands so they rest on either side of me to catch her weight. I coax her to move her knees to follow. She doesn’t resist. Kaitlyn toys with the base of my shirt until it’s freed from my waistband. The moment her fingertips touch the skin of my back, it’s like electricity flowing through my body. If that’s what her hands can do, what would it be like if our whole bodies were connected?
I cradle her body carefully as I sit up, so we are chest to chest, nose to nose.
“Kaitlyn, if this isn’t what you want, tell me now.” I wrap my hand into her hair and tug gently, pulling her jaw up to expose her neck. I can’t resist. I place kisses along her throat, over her racing pulse.
She gasps at the contact and I feel her hands dipping lower before finally connecting with my belt, which she starts to unbuckle.
“Can we add this to the contract?” she asks me breathily.