After breakfast, Grayson and I spend the day lounging around. We banter with ease and the rounds of marathon sex are explosive. I didn’t think I could fall any harder for this man, but I was wrong. We have a lot of mending to do, but I’m ready to try. We didn’t speak much about Vanessa yesterday, but I need to know where she stands in his life. We sit here now lying on his sofa watching Netflix movies on his insanely expensive entertainment system. My head is in his lap and I’m enjoying his tender strokes down my arm.
“What’s on your mind babe?” His hand stops and he looks down at me. His cerulean blue eyes pierce me. He is so perceptive to my feelings that it’s bewildering sometimes.
“Just thinking.”
“I can tell you’re not here with me. You have that faraway look in your eyes.” He bends down and kisses me on the temple. “This go round we have to communicate sweetheart. Let me know what’s on your mind. What’s bothering you?”
Okay here it goes. “Are you and Vanessa still friends?” I ask with air quotes around the friends. They sure did a lot of fucking to say they were supposed to be friends. Grayson pulls me up and onto his lap.
“Oh baby, please know that you have nothing to worry about. I don’t know what Vanessa told you that day in your hospital room and I choose not to press the issue. If you want to share, I’m listening, but as far as I’m concerned we are moving forward. Understand this. She filled a void.
“We were two consenting adults that knew the score. I’ve never had these kind of feelings for her. We were great friends from childhood that called each other out on our bullshit and talked about our conquests.” It doesn’t get past me that he said ‘were great friends.’ “She was almost like one of the guys, but with a vagina,” he finishes.
He didn’t answer my original question. “But are you two still friends?”
“Our friendship is strained right now. I will never just abandon her if she was truly in need, but it will never be the way it was. She crossed a line. We still see each other at family gatherings or business ventures, but I don’t seek her out. I told her this week at our family dinner that I was going to try to get you back—that I was in love with you. I choose us baby.” His declaration brings a smile to my face. “Oh, and my father and Vivian want me to bring you to Sunday brunch tomorrow,” he says sheepishly. Holy crap, this is huge. This means he told them about me.
“I don’t know what to say. Do they know I’m the same person that came to dinner with Jordan a while back?”
“Yes. I told them everything. They know that you were my student. They frowned on this, but they want to get to know you. I think the fact that you’re no longer my student is easier to digest.” He looks at me intently waiting for my answer
“Okay, but I need to go home and get some clothes. You can pick me up in the morning.” I watch as his face contorts into confusion.“You’re going home now?”
“Yes. It’s for the best. I need to catch up on some homework due next week. Besides, some time apart will prevent you from feeling claustrophobic,” I assure. I get up to gather my things and he follows me into the bedroom.
“Nonsense. We’ve had a whole month of space. I need you in my bed. Naked and ready for my cock.” He grabs me from behind and grinds his erection against my ass.
“You have a filthy mouth, you know that?” My head falls back against his shoulder as he digs his fingers into my hips.
“Yes. And you love the filth that comes out of my mouth.” He reaches down and runs a finger through my folds. “Look at how wet you are for me.” He pulls us both over to the bed and bends me over. He slides in me from behind and I whimper.
“Shit Grayson. You feel so good.”
“Take all of me. Feel me marking what’s mine.” He grabs my hair in his fist and pounds me relentlessly. My knees weaken with each powerful stroke so he wraps his other hand around my waist to hold me up. He explodes inside me and I’m right there with him. We fall onto the bed and he pulls me close to him.
“Stay with me tonight baby. I promise to bring you home in time to get clothes in the morning.”
I couldn’t move even if I wanted to. “Okay,” I say simply. I watch as a grin spreads across his sexy lips. I melt into his hold and snuggle my head against his chest. His breath evens out and I know he has fallen asleep. A day of marathon sex will do that to you. I close my eyes in contentment that I have the love of this beautiful man.
“Get up sweetheart. We need to stop by your place before we head to brunch with my parents.” I wake up to Grayson leaning over me smiling. He has the curtain wide open to let the sunlight filter through. The early morning rays reflect in his captivating eyes making them appear even lighter. He leans down even further and kisses me. I don’t even care that I haven’t brushed yet, this man is so freaking addicting.
“Uh-uh baby. You keep kissing me like that and we won’t make it out of this bed,” he says pulling away. “I put a shirt and some shorts over there on the chair until we get to your place. It will be swimming on you, but it’s all I have.”
“It’ll be fine.” When he gets out of the bed, I see his erection as he strolls to the bathroom. He is so comfortable with his nudity. I hear him turn on the shower so I get up to gather my things. I guess it’s best that we didn’t shower together. I’m really sore today. Every move I make is a reminder of our sex filled weekend.
When we arrive at my place, there is no sign of Jordan. She must still be at Trevor’s. Damn, I could really use her advice on what to wear. Grayson takes a seat in the living room and turns on the television while I get ready. I must try on a gazillion outfits, looking for a suitable meet-the-parents look. Trouble is, I don’t know what the hell I’m looking for. I definitely don’t possess the sophistication or upper crust background that Vanessa does. I look at the pile of clothes on my bed and I want to scream in frustration. I’m on my way to look in Jordan’s closet when Grayson appears in the doorway. His eyes widen at the clothes infested vomit that is my room.
“Babe, it’s been thirty minutes. What are you doing?” I roll my eyes because isn’t it obvious? I wave my hand at all the clothes on the bed and on the floor causing him to take another look at the mess I’ve created.
“I don’t have anything to wear,” I huff.
That grin I love so much spreads across his face. “That’s a lot of clothes over there to be nothing.”
He doesn’t understand my wardrobe meltdown. “I’m going to go look in Jordan’s closet.” I don’t get far. He wraps his hands around my waist and kisses me on the temple.
“You’re over thinking this baby. Don’t be nervous. My parents are going to love you. Come on, let’s find you something here in all these clothes you pulled out.”
The first thing he picks up is a body con dress that I wore the night we first danced at Drai’s Hollywood. Oh. My. God. His parents will think I’m a skank for sure. “Grayson, I’m not wearing that. You want my ass on display for your family?”
“I really love your ass baby. It’s so round and perfect. I want to take a bite out of it right now,” he teases.
“Grayson!” I’m glad that he likes the size of my ass, but I’m sure his parents won’t be equally impressed.
“Just kidding love—not about your ass though.” He picks up a grey long sleeved baby doll dress and pairs it with the grey and black striped tights I have lying on the bed. Why didn’t I see this combo? It’s sad that even his fashion sense is better than mine. He smiles at his accomplishment and pats me on the ass. “I will be seeing this ass later, but for now, get dressed.” He plops on my bed and leans back like he is waiting for the show. I feel self-conscious about him watching me and he knows it, but I push past my embarrassment. I undress with my back to him trying to pretend he’s not in the room.
“Beautiful,” he whispers. Yeah, so much for pretending.
When we pull up to the mansion, my nerves materialize. What if they don’t like me? Grayson opens my door and helps me out of the car. I didn’t even realize he had already gotten out. “We’ll go around back. We’re having brunch in the garden,” he says. We take several steps down into the enchanting greenery before following a stone path to a gazebo.
The bouquet of the various flowers in bloom is heavenly. The statues and fountains add to the beauty of the grounds. As we near the table where his parents are sitting, my heart stops and a lump forms in my throat. Grayson feels the tension in our connected hands and follows my gaze. Vanessa is sitting to the right of Vivian.
“What the fuck?” he mumbles. Hi jaw ticks and his anger is evident. “Vivian, why is she here?” he scolds. Vivian is silenced by the wave of Vanessa’s hand.
“Sorry if I’m intruding Grayson. Vivian didn’t invite me. It’s been a while since I’ve come over for Sunday brunch and I wanted to visit. That’s all. I didn’t know you’d be here or that you’d have company. I can go if you want,” Vanessa explains solemnly.
“Bullshit. You know that the odds were likely that I’d be here. Siobhan is not company either, she’s my girlfriend. You don’t have to leave because we’re going.” He looks at me apologetically, silently pleading with me not to be upset. “Let’s go baby.”
Vivian’s seat scrapes against the pavement as she gets up. She is visibly worried that brunch is ruined. “You don’t have to leave son.”
“I’ll go,” Vanessa offers. I don’t want this bitch to think her presence bothers me or ruin brunch.
“It’s okay Grayson. I’m fine with her being here. She’s here to visit with your parents. I know I have nothing to worry about.”
The snarl on her face is fleeting, but not fast enough. She can pretend she doesn’t care that I’m here with Grayson or the fact that he just announced me as his girlfriend, but I know better. Take that bitch. He’s mine. Let her sit through this brunch while I enjoy time with my man. Grayson looks skeptical, but he surprises me by pulling me in for a kiss right in front of everyone. Nothing obscene, but I still flush crimson at the public display of affection. “Are you sure baby?” He looks at me intently, looking for any sign of wavering thoughts.
“I’m sure.” I squeeze his hand and he seems appeased for now. He pulls out a seat for me on his father’s side of the table. Surprisingly, he had been silent through this whole ordeal. Grayson takes a seat next to me, which means we are sitting across from Vanessa and Vivian. She looks a little too polished for morning brunch in her form fitting dress and heels. Didn’t know Grayson would be here my ass. Lying skank. God, I can’t stand her.
“So Siobhan, how are your classes this semester? You’re getting ready to graduate, right?” Grayson’s father’s questioning snaps me out of my inner Vanessa-hating monologue.
“That’s right Mr. Michaels. I’m looking forward to it.”
“You can call me Ben dear. No need for formalities here with us.” A lady who looks to be in her mid-forties wheels over a cart with several dome covered plates.
She places each of them on the table before uncovering the feast. There is so much food. An assortment of meats, fruits, waffles, pastries, and more makes my mouth water. Grayson pours me a mimosa before making himself one. From the corner of my eye I can see the grimace that Vanessa is trying so desperately trying to hide.
“What does the university policy say about dating students, son? I know she is no longer ‘your’ student, but is it allowed?” Ben is straight to the point. And there it is. The turning point of this lovely meal. I just lost my appetite. I fidget in my seat and Grayson notices. He stills my bouncing leg with a gentle caress.
“Seeing as though the university is your alma mater dad, I know you’re aware it’s not allowed,” Grayson accuses.
“I am. I just wanted to make sure that you were aware. What are your plans son? Surely, you can’t be seen publicly. This has to be a strain on such a new relationship.”
“We’ll manage. In four shorts months, it will be a non-issue.” He leans over and kisses me on the temple. “Get what you want baby,” he says as he loads his plate with various fixings. Ben huffs under his breath, but then proceeds to make his own plate. Vanessa of course, only puts a few pieces of fruit on her plate. Vivian eyes us a moment before she chimes in with what I feel will be another attack.
“So what are your plans after graduation, Siobhan? Grayson tells us you’re a business major.” The snarky grin on Vanessa’s face tells me she is enjoying this little inquisition.
“Well I make handmade soap so I was thinking of starting my own business selling natural handmade products,” I smile.
“Have you written out a business plan? Dreams are fine dear until it’s time to enter the real world where you’ll have bills. Dreams don’t pay those,” she laughs. “Maybe Vanessa can help you with planning. She works with Grayson at his father’s company so she has a lot of valuable knowledge.” The smirk on Vanessa’s face is almost too much as she nods in the affirmative. Vivian just managed to make me feel unworthy of Grayson in one sentence. The premise was always there, she just brought it to the forefront. It’s obvious that she would rather him be with Vanessa. Ben doesn’t approve either. Why the fuck did they ask Grayson to bring me here? Was it to show me how much I don’t belong in their world? Tears sting behind my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. My skin burns hot as I try to get a handle on my emotions.
“Enough,” Grayson booms. “This is not a fucking social visit, it’s a god damn attack and I will not stand for it!”
“Watch your mouth son,” Ben warns. Grayson gets up so fast his chair falls to the pavement. He pulls me up and apologizes.
“I’m so sorry baby. This was a fucking set up and I wouldn’t have brought you here had I known.” He turns and lets them all have it. “Siobhan is who I want in my life. She’s who I love. Get. The. Fuck. Over. It.”
“She’s not Celeste, Grayson,” Vivian chastises. He clinches his fist a few times, but he doesn’t bother to answer. Instead he grabs my hand and we head to the car.