I stopped by Warm Delights every single day this week. I didn’t go this morning. Instead, I made myself go to the gym and meet my two younger brothers. I hated every minute of it. All I could think about was me missing the opportunity to hear her voice, and to see those beautiful hazel eyes trying to hide she’s secretly glad I’ve thrust myself into her life. Her eyes are so expressive. It makes me wonder what else I can see in them, how they would look as I hover over her gorgeous body, raking my hands over her curves as our bodies connect as one.
Reaching for my phone, I start to send her a text, but I know that won’t calm the desire to hear her voice, but calling her will. We’ve done nothing but text back and forth, but I need to hear her voice. Not giving myself the chance to change my mind, I click on her contact and place the phone next to my ear.
“Grant?” she greets me. Her voice is hesitant.
“I missed you.” The words pass my lips before I realize that they’re the truth. How is that possible? I barely even know her, but I missed getting to see her today.
“You… missed me?”
“Like a fucking limb.” My voice is calm and serious, but her laughter tells me she thinks otherwise.
“You always laugh at a man when he’s baring his soul to you?” I counter, with a hint of my own laughter in my tone.
“Oh, is that what you’re doing?” she volleys back.
My smile is huge, and I’m kicking myself in the ass for not calling her sooner. Fuck texting. I want her voice in my ear. “I’m on my knees,” I tell her. She laughs again, and I feel the sound deep in my chest. “How was your day?” I ask, settling back into the couch. It’s as if hearing her voice is all that I needed to relax.
“Good. We were busy again today.”
The smile in her voice is prominent. “That’s great, babe. Are you ready for our day together tomorrow?”
“All day?” she questions.
“Yep,” I say, popping the p. “You’re mine all day.”
She’s quiet for several beats of my heart and so am I. I give her the time she needs to work through whatever it is that’s plaguing her mind. “What are we doing?” she finally asks. Her inquiry is soft.
“I have some plans,” I tell her. “Is there anything specific you want to do? I know it’s your only day off. Is there anything that you need to get done tomorrow?” Whatever it is, we’re going to do it together. I want the entire day with her.
“I—” She starts and then immediately stops. I can picture her thinning her lips, as her hazel eyes wage a war of indecision. It’s a look I’ve seen on her every day this week when I mention tomorrow.
“Don’t censor yourself with me. I want to know what you think, what you’re feeling.” I wait for her to speak, and when she does, her words are softly spoken.
“I want real. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. I’ve had enough fake in my life. I don’t want or need more. If you can’t be you… if you can’t be real, then I don’t want you in my life.”
Damn. “Who hurt you?” My defenses are up. That’s not a speech from a woman who’s been cherished and told daily how amazing she is. Hell, I barely know her, and I already know that she’s incredible.
“We all have a past, Grant. Mine is just that, mine. I agreed to do this, and I’m not going to go back on my word. But I need you to just be you. I don’t need smoke and mirrors. I don’t want you to try to impress me. I want you to be you. Grant Riggins. Whatever that is. If it turns out we’re not into the same things, or compatible, then so be it. However, we will never really know unless we are both unapologetically who we are.”
No bullshit, that’s refreshing when it comes to women, and me and even my brothers. She’s new in town, so she doesn’t know who we are. She doesn’t realize my net worth, and she still agreed to spend the day with me tomorrow. Suddenly everything I had planned is tossed out of my mind, and a new plan takes place. I’ll give her me… something I’ve never done, but with Aurora, I want to.
“I’ll be there at nine to pick you up. Dress casual and wear comfortable shoes.”
“Casual? Jeans and a sweater?”
“Perfect. Maybe bring a change of clothes and different shoes for later.”
“I’m not spending the night with you.” Her words don’t sound convincing.
“That’s not why I mentioned it. We don’t know where the day is going to take us, and if you decide to have dinner with my family, I want you to feel comfortable.” I don’t exactly know what we’re going to be doing, but my original idea is not going to cut it. She wants the real me, that’s what she’s going to get.