Chapter 44
FORTY-FOUR
PRESENT
Iheard the front door open and close. “Serenity, are you here?” Emma yelled through the house.
“I’m wallowing in bed,” I yell back.
She cracked the door open. “Do you need to be alone?”
“No, you can come in.” I sat up. She walked in and sat on the bed next to me.
“Did it not go well?” Her expression of love was what I wish I had received from my mom.
I’d be okay knowing I had the most thoughtful and caring best friend, the most loving and considerate boyfriend, the most collaborative team at work, and the best job I could hope for on the road to my dream.
I had a good life with good people. I was not going to let my mom derail all I’ve built for myself.
I leaned my head on her shoulder. “She got a little nasty, saying I’ll never know how hard it is to be a mother and build a career because I won’t ever be a mother.
Then she abruptly left.” My eyes watered as I continued, “I have to sell the house, though. She bought it, and I don’t want her holding it over me anymore. ”
“Don’t cry or I’ll cry,” she pouted. “But I think you should move in with Grant. I mean, you’re either there or he’s here, so the only difference would be that all your stuff is in one place.”
“But what about us? We haven’t lived apart since college.” I swiped away the few tears that escaped.
“You found the literal best person for you, and I love watching from the sidelines. But it’s time you threw yourself into him fully.
I’ll figure out my own shit; you go be with your man.
” She wrapped her arms around me. We both cried and held onto each other for a long time.
“I haven’t said it enough, but I’m so proud to call you my best friend. ”
I met her gaze with tears streaming down my face. “You saved me on a bad day, and you haven’t stopped since. Thank you for always letting me cry on your shoulder.”
“Always, babe.” She kissed me on the cheek. “I need to go shower. Are you going to be okay?”
“I am now,” I reassured. “Go clean the sex off you.” She laughed and winked before exiting my room.
I climbed out of bed and sat at my computer.
I had one more assignment to submit for my business course.
The last assignment was the one I was most excited about.
I was in a class titled Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, and the last project was to create a small business plan.
The combination of my college degree in Marketing, my work experience at the bookstore, and the business classes would all build my confidence to create a successful small business.
I worked on the assignment diligently through the afternoon.
I was creating a plan for my future, so I wanted it to be perfect.
The more I worked on the assignment, the more excited I became about making the assignment a reality.
While I read through what I created for the third time, Grant walked through the door back from work.
“There’s my pretty girl. I hadn’t heard from you, so I was worried.” He dropped his bag on the floor next to the door and headed toward me.
I turned in my chair and gave him a huge grin. I stood up and jumped into his arms, kissing him passionately. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I came here expecting my sad girl. Did everything with your mom go okay?” He scrunched his eyebrows together, setting me down.
“Actually, it went horribly. I wallowed in bed until Emma came home, and then we had a heart-to-heart that helped me realize how lucky I am with the people in my life and with my job.” He sat down in the computer chair and took me into his lap while I talked.
“I’ve been working on my last assignment for class, which is to build a small business plan, and I put my all into it.
That’s why you haven’t heard from me today; I haven’t left this room since this morning.
” I was proud of myself for turning a tough day into a productive day.
“Have I told you how proud I am of you lately—because I am.” He kissed me lightly on the lips. “I’d love to read over your plan and see what more you’ve come up with since we talked about it last.”
I smiled with glee. “I’d love to show you.
” I printed out the paper, so he didn’t have to read it straight from the small computer screen.
I handed him the paper, and he read with focus.
He nodded a few times and made various facial expressions I couldn’t quite decipher.
I continued to sit there with anticipation.
“My brilliant girl,” he said with such pride. “You’re going to have a thriving business.” His sincere expression brought tears to my eyes.
“You really think so? Truly?” I asked hesitantly.
“I would never lie to you. I can’t wait to watch you make your dreams come true, my love.” He brought me back down onto his lap.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side.” I kissed him passionately once again, deepening the kiss by slipping my tongue between his lips.
“Mm, baby. Don’t get me too excited. I was sweating balls at work today and need to shower before I can get inside you again.” He paused. “But I didn’t have a chance to taste you this morning.” He picked me up and carried me to the bed. “May I?”
I simply nodded. He tore my shorts and panties off as I lay back comfortably.
“You don’t have to,” I stated shyly. I still wasn’t used to being with someone willing to give without expecting anything in return.
“I want to. You glisten so beautifully for me, my love.” He slid his fingers down my core, making me want more. He removed his fingers and put them in his mouth, savoring the taste. “I’ll never get over how delicious you are.”
“You’re teasing me. I need your tongue.” I thrust up toward him.
“Patience, baby. I want to savor you.” He continued playing with me with his fingers, building up the tension.
“That feels so good. I need more.” He gave me his famous sly smile before bringing his tongue to my clit, circling so slowly, barely making contact.
I shifted toward him, positioning him right where I needed him.
He took his hands and held my thighs down, continuing to bring me to the edge with his slow circles around my clit.
The orgasm built, threatening to tip over at any second. “Please,” I begged.
His eyes met mine, darkened with hunger. He added more pressure and speed, flicking his tongue perfectly. I gripped onto the sheets as my whole body tensed and convulsed. He didn’t stop until I fell limp back onto the bed, legs shaking uncontrollably. He slowed his movements as I was spent.
I looked down at him wide-eyed. “You always make me feel overwhelmingly good.”
He gave my clit small kisses before standing back up. “You had some built-up tension; I was just helping you get it out. I’m going to go shower now that you’re taken care of.”
“I want to talk to you about something when you get out, okay?” I said nervously, biting my lip.
“Anything, my love. I want to talk to you about something, too. Don’t get anxious, it’s a good thing.” He knew me so well.
“Can’t wait.” I winked at him, getting out of bed to put my panties and sweats back on. I sat back on the bed and let the peace of my decision with my mom and the love I received from Grant consume me.
Everything was coming together.