Chapter 18
GRIFFIN
We arrive at the Greenhouse Inn, a small, upscale establishment with several private bungalows. It's nearly seven in the morning when we reach the front desk. I arrange accommodations for us and my driver.
The bungalow has a bedroom suite with a king-sized bed, a living room, and a small kitchenette. I'm exhausted from the long drive and the longer emotional day. Selena looks wrecked.
My emotions are still all over the place about potentially becoming a father.
I absolutely hate the thought. But I despise hurting Selena more.
The idea of forcing her to terminate a pregnancy she wants to keep is criminal-level abuse.
I will not do that to her. But I'm also at a loss because I have no idea how to do this.
“I know I don’t need to apologize, but I do understand this isn’t what you wanted,” she starts, her voice diplomatic and careful.
“I made that decision by not wearing a condom that fit. Now you’re pregnant, and we are having a baby.
There won't be any more discussion about it, Selena. And don't tell me you plan to leave. Last night was the only running you will ever do. I found you once, and I will find you again, so don’t run away from me. You can do anything for a year. We’ll deal with how we move forward after that. ”
“But you can threaten me, and you can walk away,” she counters softly.
“I’m not threatening you. I’m just telling you I have the resources to find you.
I know I’m never going to be the loving man you deserve.
” That, despite how desperate I am for it not to be, is the truth.
“But I’m not going to walk away from this contract.
I want us to try and make this marriage livable for both of us, okay? ”
She stares at me, expressionless.
“Let’s just take it one day at a time,” she says gently. She yawns and tugs at her rumpled hospital clothes. It hits me then—she doesn’t have anything else to wear.
“We can help each other. I’ll keep you grounded, and you teach me how to treat you with love and respect.” I kiss her neck. “I can’t imagine you got much sleep last night, and I didn’t sleep at all. Will you take a nap with me?” I kiss her again. “Just sleep.”
“Okay.”
I pick up the go-bag I keep stashed in the trunk of the car and pull out a soft T-shirt and a pair of boxers. “Here. Wear this.”
“What are we doing?” She wants clarity.
“Giving us a chance,” I say, getting into bed and opening the covers so she’ll fit against me.
She slips in. I put my arms around her, willing my body not to respond to the feel of her curves or the intoxicating way she smells. Luckily, I’m too tired to do much as I drift off.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I’m not sure what she’s thanking me for—not being a monster, perhaps—but I don’t care. It’s a step in the right direction.
“You deserve everything...” I murmur before sleep claims me.
I may be almost twice her age, but she has wisdom beyond my years. She is dealing with her feelings. I, in my constant avoidance of everything real, have denied myself for so long that I wouldn't recognize a genuine emotion if it slapped me in the face.
We sleep peacefully for hours. We wake up in the late afternoon.
“I'm starving,” she says against my chest. “Does the hotel have snacks?”
She makes me laugh. “I’m sure they do. Let's order room service. I don't really want to move.” I bring her in closer, stroking her hair.
It feels good just to hold her.
“Do you think they'll be able to take the order straight from my brain? I don't want to move either.”
“I might be able to muster up enough strength to pick up my phone. Here.” I act like an old man trying to reach for the nightstand, complete with grunts and groaning. I find the menu online. “Pick something for both of us. That’s all the energy I have,” I tease as she takes the phone.
I allow myself to fantasize about growing old with her one day. Granted, we are less than two weeks into our relationship, so all of it is a fantasy. But the idea of having someone loving in my life is a wish I never dared to dream.
“Do you want to just get hamburgers and fries? Maybe a salad to share?” She looks at me with her doe eyes, and I want to make love to her for the rest of the day.
“A woman who eats... what a marvelous surprise.” I poke her in the stomach gently.
“Suddenly, I’m so hungry,” she admits. “I’m sure morning sickness will kick my ass soon, so let’s eat while I can.”
“Burger and fries with a shared salad sounds perfect.” I take my phone back and place the order.
“One good thing about you being pregnant,” I say, rubbing her belly.
“I’ll be eating for two?”
“We don’t have to worry about birth control. A baby is already in progress... so all I’ll ever need is your consent.” I offer a smile, hoping she feels the same way.
“Can I make a deal with you?” She sounds nervous.
“I love deals,” I encourage.
She takes a deep breath. “If you promise to get to know me as a person and genuinely talk to me, I will consent to having sex with you because I really do enjoy it.
You're the best lover I've ever had. In turn, I’ll do the same.
I'll invest in learning who you are so that maybe when our marriage ends, we can still be friends.”
It’s all very rational. I can't say no to her, and yet I also want to stop talking about the end of our marriage when it hasn’t really begun.
“That is an easy yes. I look forward to getting to know you. And I'm going to start by grilling your sister. So how do I get ahold of her?”
“She is a nurse with a husband and three young sons, and surprisingly, she is also pregnant. I'm not sure she's going to be able to get time off to come to New York. I do want you to meet her, I just don't know the logistics.” She bites her lip.
“She doesn't know about any of this, does she?” I laugh softly to ease the tension, but I'm disappointed.
“I thought it was something I could share when we actually did get married. She'll think I'm absolutely insane, Griffin. The world already thinks I'm a gold-digger. I’m insane for marrying a man I don’t know.” The mood darkens. I can see Selena judging herself.
“The only person you really need to worry about is that little being in your belly and yourself. The rest of the world, including me, can fuck off. I would, however, like to get to know your family. You met Beckett and Scarlett. I want to know someone who is important in your life. Would it be okay if we call her now?”
“Now? Are you serious?”
“Yes. I’m going to be the father of this baby for the rest of my life. I need to know your sister, whether our marriage lasts or not.”
“Here goes.” She picks up her phone, presses a name, and takes a breath.
“Lena Bean? Are you okay? You never call. What’s going on?” Celeste’s voice is sharp with worry.
Tears well in Selena's eyes. She’s having a hard time speaking.
“Selena?”
“Hi.” I jump in because I’m a lawyer and I know how to plow forward. “My name is Griffin Calloway. I’m here with Selena. She’s just a little speechless at the moment, but she’s fine. We’ve had a rough night.”
What the fuck am I telling this woman?
“Griffin Calloway?” Her voice has a hateful ring to it.
“Hey, Celeste, it’s me. I’m fine.” Selena’s voice shakes. “Griffin is um...” she falters.
“With the Mafia? A stalker? A serial killer? I’m calling the police.” Celeste means business.
“A billionaire.” Selena looks at me. I shrug. I mean, technically, yes.
“What the fuck are you doing with a billionaire? Selena, come home. Landon isn’t doing well, and Mom is beside herself. We’re all a mess. Just come back. I know that you're creative, passionate, and wild...”
I smile and mouth wild? which earns me a slap on the thigh.
“...but you belong here.”
I crinkle my face and shake my head. She belongs with me. Suddenly, I want to fight her sister.
Selena closes her eyes and takes a big, steadying breath. “Celeste. Are you sitting down?”
“Oh God, you’re not pregnant, are you?”
“I am,” Selena says. “And I’m married.”
“What?” Now her sister is the quiet one.
I figure that is my cue. “I’m the husband.
” I try to keep it light. “I know this is a shock. It would be strange if it weren’t.
But before you berate your sister, she and I have a healthy arrangement.
We are acting as adults, and at the end of our contracted period, Selena will be a very wealthy woman.
We understand this is sudden. I’m too well known to be a serial killer, and while I’m acquainted with people in the mafia, I usually keep my distance. ”
I’m a little proud of that speech.
“Selena?”
“It’s just like Griffin said. We’re having fun, Celeste.” She offers a little smile, though her sister can’t see it.
“Fun? You think this is fun? Landon is nearly suicidal. He said you made him feel like he never deserved you.”
I see Selena’s face go red. “He fucked another woman at our wedding. He doesn’t deserve me.”
“I have learned in our brief time together that Selena is beautiful, sweet, and smart,” I interject. “It takes a lot to earn her respect. I am trying my best to prove to her that I am actually worthy of her company. You might tell her ex to do the same.”
I give Selena a sweet grin. A knock at the door tells me our food is here.
“We’re going to have to hang up in a minute; our food has arrived, and I want to make sure Selena eats.” I get up to let the waiter in.
“You're really pregnant?” Her sister sounds so disappointed.
“That part we didn’t plan,” Selena admits. “I just found out yesterday. It’s very early. So don’t tell anyone yet.”
“Please don’t berate her, Celeste,” I say in earnest. “The baby was a legitimate lapse in judgment, but never a mistake. We are excited to meet our little minion one day, just as I’m sure you are happy for your little one. Imagine cousins being the same age.”
Selena’s head flops forward. She knows this isn’t flying with her sister.
“Celeste, it’s just an arrangement for a year. I’ll explain it all, but I know what I’m getting into and I trust Griffin.”
Well, that felt nice.
“I guess if you’re happy...” her sister backs down a little.
“I am, Cel. I’m really happy.” I don’t necessarily believe her, and I doubt her sister does either.
I lean toward the phone. “When you feel comfortable enough to travel, I would love to invite you and your family to visit us.”
Selena’s eyes widen.
I might have a heart attack with so many children in my home, but if it makes Selena smile, it’s worth it.
“Yes. We’ll come. I need to make sure my sister is alright.” Celeste is huffy again.
“Wonderful. I’ll text the address to this number. I’ll cover the airfare.”
“Soon,” she threatens.
“That sounds perfect.” I think I might be sick.
“I can’t wait to see you,” Selena adds.
“We’ll be in touch.” Celeste ends the call.
Selena looks a little rough. “That actually went better than I was expecting. How do you feel?”
“I’m good if you are,” I say, bringing her to the table.
“She’ll come with her entire family. You are going to hate it.”
“We’ll make it a short visit. I’ll use your pregnancy as an excuse.” I take her phone. “I’ll send the text now. Guest rooms. Weekend thing.”
“You would do that?” She’s near tears again.
“I did it.” I flash her a smile and hand the phone back. “This is going to be good.”
“It’s going to be a nightmare.” She bites her lip.
“Yes, but seeing your sister will make you happy. Having her realize that I haven’t kidnapped you will give you both peace of mind. Now, all I have to do is try and behave.”
This makes her laugh.
“Good luck.” She slaps my arm.
And I think, for one moment, we might actually be okay.