Beyond the Team (Out of Reach 4)

Cam and Holden both have a great relationship with my father, and he may act annoyed, but he secretly adores them.

“And you know, if this thing works out,” I wave between Griffin and me“mine will be Anthony.”

Dad points at me, his lips lifting just slightly. “Too soon, lady. Too soon.”

The table erupts with laughter, and we finish our meal. Everyone pulls both Griffin and Oliver into the conversation as if they’ve known them for years, and it turns out to be the best birthday yet.

CHAPTER 16

Griffin

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about meeting her dad. From the stories she’s told me, I knew he was protective. I’ve never met my girlfriend's parents before, so I didn’t know what I was up against. I was grateful Oliver came with me and that Parker was the one to meet us. She was on our side. At least Peyton says that she is.

I was sweating bullets until my girl got here. It was her sister’s idea to lock the door and have me answer it. Her dad didn’t agree, but her mom was able to convince him. He’s this protective bear when it comes to his family, but it’s easy to see that Larissa, his queen, can talk him off the ledge.

Thankfully.

We had dinner, and we’ve all been sitting around talking. I’m sitting on the floor, leaning my back against the couch between Peyton’s legs. Her dad keeps eyeing me, but I ignore it. I’ve been away from her for five long, agonizing weeks. I’m not leaving her side.

She leans forward, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You about ready to go?” she asks.

I turn to look at her. “Where are we going?”

“My place.”

“Griffin.” Her dad speaks up. I turn back around to give him my attention. “Where are you all staying?”

“With me,” Peyton answers.

Easton Monroe’s face is blood red. “Lady,” he starts, but he’s cut off when Larissa places her hand over his mouth.

“She’s an adult, Easton.”

“I don’t like it,” he grumbles.

“You don’t have to like it, but you do have to deal with it.” He grumbles under his breath but doesn’t say another word.

I don’t tell them that I didn’t reserve a room. I was hoping that Peyton would be okay with us crashing with them, but if not, we could have just found a hotel to stay in. Karina assured me that she would be, and she was right.

“We’re going to go,” Peyton says, tapping my shoulder for me to stand. I climb to my feet and offer her my hand, helping her from the couch. Not that she needed the help, but it’s another excuse to touch her without her father trying to shoot me. Okay, “shoot” might be a little over the top, but he’s definitely not happy that I’m here.

“Thank you for dinner and the gifts,” Peyton tells the room. She then hugs every person in the room until she ends up back beside me. She slides her arm around my waist and smiles up at me.

“Ready?” she asks.

I nod and step away from her and move toward her father. I hold my hand out for him to shake. “It was nice to meet you, sir.”

Easton gives me a curt nod but shakes my hand. I offer my hand to Larissa with the same sentiment, but she pulls me into a hug. “You’re welcome here anytime,” she assures me.

I hug her sisters, shake hands with Cameron and Holden, and fist bump with Jett, and we’re out the door.

“We’re moving in,” Oliver says as we step inside the girls’ apartment. “This place is quadruple the size of our dorm room.”

“Well, it’s only a two-bedroom, so we’re going to need to talk sleeping arrangements if the two of you move in.” Karina laughs.

“That’s easy. I’m rooming with Peyton,” I tell her.

Oliver grins. “And you and I can share,” he tells Karina.

“Just like that?” she asks.

“Yup.” He doesn’t even blink as he gauges her reaction.

She laughs. “Well, all right then. You get the couch tonight unless you promise to behave. I have a queen, so if you can stay on your side, you can sleep with me.”

I watch as my best friend opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. Instead, he nods and buries his hands in his pockets. We talked on the flight here, and he said he was going to tell her he liked her and wanted to test the waters. It looks like he’s going to get his chance.

“How about a movie?” Karina suggests.

I look over at Peyton, and I can see she wants to say no, but she nods her agreement. That’s fine with me. I’m here with her, and that’s what matters. Kicking off my shoes, I drop my bag behind the couch. I move to where she’s standing and take her hand in mine. Together, we move to the couch. I sit and pull her onto my lap.