“I’ll think of something. We’ll say that I’m a bad sleeper, sowe usually use separate bedrooms. I’ll ask to be in another guest room.”
“You think they’re going to be fine with that?”
“Sure.”
“All right.” She was still blushing, though. “Then let’s toast to next weekend.”
I grinned and clinked my glass against hers. I had the strangest feeling that it was going to be epic.
CHAPTER 12
PHOEBE
The next week passed quickly,and before I knew it, it was Saturday morning. Griffin texted me yesterday with the plan for the weekend, and I’d gotten into a bit of a frenzy. We were going to be spending a few hours on Jude’s boat today, and I was to bring a bathing suit.
I only owned a tiny bikini that didn’t cover much. I debated going out to buy another one, but I couldn’t afford to spend money on anything. Having to pack for the weekend also forced me to go through all the clothes I’d planned to take on the trip with Marshall.
For some reason, it didn’t hurt as much to look at everything. My heart felt lighter somehow. Griffin was right about Marshall. Yes, he was doing things for his fiancée that he’d never done for me (I’d stalked his social media some more—he bought her a Louis Vuitton bag and a pair of Louboutins all in one week!), but that didn’t mean there was something wrong with me. He just wasn’t the right one for me. I wish I’d had the guts to leave him years ago.
He’d turned into a bit of a douchebag when he started his practice. I’d been so silly that I accepted working for him atminimum wage. Marshall insisted that we’d save on taxes if I did.
I shrugged it off, not really wanting to think about it anymore. I had a fantastic weekend ahead of me, and I was certain that Griffin and I could pull this off. And I wasn’t feeling as guilty for what we were doing as I had at the restaurant.
The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to help Griffin. Who cared what he did with his personal life as long as he would be an asset to Jude’s business? Jude shouldn’t have held Griffin’s reputation against him in the first place.
Liar, liar, pants on fire.You’re just looking for any excuse to spend some time with Griffin—maybe get one or two of those smoking-hot kisses again.
Yep, I wasn’t even going to pretend otherwise. I was definitely looking forward to another lip-lock with this handsome man.
Because I wasn’t sure what to expect at the house, I packed more outfits than necessary. I was so giddy that I even locked up and headed out with my suitcase five minutes before Griffin arrived.
As I trudged down the front steps, the wood finally gave in, and the lower step broke right in the middle. I managed to avoid sinking my foot through it, but only barely. I lost my balance, dropping the bag to one side, and falling on all fours.
Holy shit, Griffin wasn’t wrong. The place truly was a death trap.
I quickly got up, brushing the dirt off my palms and knees before lifting my bag. Then I inspected the staircase. The hole looked nasty. Whatever, I’d deal with it on Monday. I was determined not to let it get me down.
This was going to be an amazing day and weekend. I didn’t break my neck on the stairs, for starters, and the hottest guy on the planet was picking me up. What more could I want?
I sent a pic of my suitcase to Veronica, who replied instantly.
Veronica: Girl, I can’t believe you’re going through with this, but HAVE FUN.
Phoebe: Yes, ma’am.
Veronica: And if you get the chance to jump his bones for real, DO IT.
I laughed but didn’t reply. She’d been shocked when I first told her we were going away for the weekend, then insisted that I could get another hot kiss or two out of it. I mean… she wasn’t wrong. I was certain we’d have an opportunity to kiss. And I was going to grab it with both hands.
A few seconds later, I spotted Griffin’s Range Rover at the corner and smiled for no reason at all. I rolled my suitcase right to the edge of the pavement.
He jumped out of the car the second he stopped and said, “Why did you trudge your bag out here? I would have helped you.”
“I was excited,” I admitted. “I’ve never been on a boat.”
“You’ll enjoy it. You did pack a bathing suit, right?” he double-checked.
“Yes.” I debated telling him that it might not be entirely appropriate but decided not to. I was just trying to roll with the punches today. I needed some spontaneity in my life. For the past decade, everything had been set in stone, so I was relishing this little adventure with Griffin. It made me feel alive like nothing had before.
