Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 103621 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103621 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
I shake my head, heart swelling until it’s so full it feels like it might explode. “No, it’s not. It’s the best. You’re the best, and I…” I bite back the scarier confession, trying to leap out of my mouth. Instead, I take a breath and say, “I’m so glad I’m here. With you.”
“I’m so glad you’re here with me, too,” he says, and then he proves it.
By the time I’ve come two more times—once on top, once in the shower with my gorgeous man behind me, whispering filthy things in French in my ear as he pumps into me from behind—I’m the happiest I’ve been in years.
Maybe in…ever.
I have a beautiful baby girl, my health, and a couple of good friends, but my parents are gone, and most of my high school friends left me behind long ago, when our lives diverged in such different directions. I’ve been on my own for a long time. It’s been ages since I’ve felt supported or protected, and romantic love just hasn’t been in the cards.
Even when it was, it’s never been like this.
I’ve never felt so safe or valued, so completely in sync with the man I was dating. I’ve never felt like he was a friend I could trust with my deepest secrets, as well as a smoking hot guy I want to do filthy things to me in the dark.
But of course, I haven’t trusted Grammercy with all my secrets.
Not yet.
But I will, I promise myself as I drift off in his arms around one in the morning.
Soon.
Surely, he’ll understand. He’s a very understanding person.
Still, a part of me shudders in terror at the thought of doing anything to derail this miracle that’s somehow found its way to my door.
Because that’s what this feels like. A miracle.
And I don’t know if my heart could survive losing it.
Chapter
Seventeen
From the texts of Grammercy Graves
and Leo Parker
Grammercy: Hey man, are you awake?
Parker: It’s eight a.m. Of course, not. You wouldn’t be either if you were a normal human in your twenties and had gone out last night. Go back to sleep. Think about the mistakes you’ve made. Text me later.
Grammercy: I went out last night. But then I came home early and spent the night with my roommate. In the same bed. And we weren’t just sleeping. And now I’m afraid I’ve fucked everything up. Like…seriously fucked it up.
Parker: Wait. What?! Okay, I’m awake. But, what? Yay for the same bed—about time you gave up that monk life—but what roommate? Since when do you have a roommate?!
Grammercy: Since this week. And Elly’s my roommate. Well, Elly and her daughter, Mimi.
Parker: Who? DAUGHTER? What?!
Grammercy: The pretty brunette and the little girl who were in the family waiting area with my mom after the game. That’s Elly and Mimi. I mean, how many moms and kids do you think I have on rotation, man?
Parker: I don’t know! I only saw you for like five minutes before you hustled everyone out the door.
Grammercy: We had a reservation, and you know my mom. She’s always in a hurry. But yeah, that’s Elly and Mimi. They live with me now.
Parker: Wow. Okay, and Elly is the same “friend” you helped out at the party, right? The waitress who needed to get to the hospital to see her kid? She looked familiar. But like I said, you didn’t stick around to be sociable.
Grammercy: Yeah, that’s her. I didn’t realize you’d connected the dots on that.
Parker: I always connect the dots, man. I’m only half as stupid as I look. And the fact that she was waiting at the valet stand when you pulled up was a pretty major clue. So, she’s a friend and roommate now, huh?
Grammercy: Yeah, she is. She’s great, man. So easy to talk to and be with, but I don’t know… She’s starting to feel like a lot more than a friend.
Parker: HOW, dude? WHEN? WTAF, do you realize how whacked you sound? You’ve known this woman for a week. ONE WEEK. Why is she living with you? I am so fucking confused. This is mentally ill. I’m concerned for you.
Grammercy: It is not mentally ill! A lot can happen in a week! She was in a bind with her daughter’s health problems and stuff and needed help. So, I offered to let them live with me for a while. Elly’s so strong and hardworking and the best mom, but she just lost her job and benefits and can’t seem to catch a break, so…
Parker: So, you swooped in white knight style. Got it. That tracks. You know what also tracks? That I had NO IDEA you were doing any of this. Why? Because you’re a sneaky fucker, Grammercy. Yeah, you’re a white knight, but you’re also cagey. You always have been. I don’t know why I’m even a little bit shocked by your sneaky fuckery.