She flips over the baby-sized one that has ‘BABY FORD’written on the back with the number thirteen below. “Aw, this is adorable! Little Tulip is going to look so cute in this!” She puts it down and grabs the adult-size jersey.
She turns it over, expecting just my last name on the back, but I had them custom made. Hers says ‘TEAM FORD’instead, with my jersey number.Because that’s what she is. She’s part of our team.
She slides her delicate fingers over the words, tracing my last name. “Greyson…”
“I noticed you and Gracie were the only ones without jerseys among our friends. I thought you guys could wear them next time you come to a game.” I shrug, not making a big deal about it.
She observes me before a dazzling smile forms on her lips. “Of course, I already can’t wait. Thank you.”
I pick up the final package, giving it to her. “This one is for you.”
“Grey, you don’t need to get me anything.” She touches the box but doesn’t take it from my hands.
“I know, but it’s a thank you for everything you’ve done with Gracie. And for me.” I push it more onto her lap, forcing her to take it.
She huffs out and rolls her eyes, but an excited smile plays along the corner of her mouth. “Okay! Fine!”
Reluctantly, she pries it open, lifting the tissue paper and gasping loudly when she sees what’s inside. Her hands fly to her mouth as that sparkle shines brightly in her eyes. “Oh my God! Greyson! It’s beautiful!” She lifts the dress from the box and admires it.
It’s a 1950s lace-up swing dress, white on the top with ruffled sleeves and a big bow that ties loosely at the neck. The bottom is a dark gray skirt that stops at the knee, with a wide black leather girdle at the waist that ties in a bow behind her back.
I’ve never bought a gift for a woman I’ve slept with before. But when I saw the dress online, I couldn't stop myself from purchasing it. I knew she’d love it. “It comes with one condition, though.”
Her eyes narrow my way. “Are you about to ask me to role-play with you? I always knew you were into some kinky stuff.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “No, Bunny. I wasn’t going to ask that. Although now that you mention it…” I send her a mischievous smile and wink, letting her mind wander.
The truth is, I was kind of disappointed when Emma said we couldn’t sleep together again. I understand her reasoning and support it, but it still sucks. She’s all I’ve thought about since it happened.
Usually when I sleep with a girl, I forget about them the minute it’s over and never really think about the night ever again. But with Bunny, it’s different.
I find myself going over the night in my head when I go to sleep. Or when I step into the shower and jerk off, images of her flip through my mind as I remember the noises she made and the way she called my name as she came. The only other person it’s ever been like that with was Rose.Yeah, I know it’s a little fucked up with them being best friends.
“We agreed, Grey. We aren’t touching that subject anymore.” She points an accusatory finger at me.
“Okay, okay.” I chuckle.
“So, what’s the condition?” she asks curiously.
“You wear it tonight.”
Her face falls, all the light draining from it. “Greyson, I can’t,” she tells me quietly.
“Yes, you can. It’s a beautiful dress, and it will look even better on you. There’s no reason to hide it.”
She bites her lip and puts the dress down, looking defeated as if she just lost a fight. I take her hand in mine and squeeze lightly.
“Em, you shouldn’t care what your parents think of your style. This is your life, not theirs. Stop making everyone happy and letyourselfbe happy for once. I think you look beautiful in your retro clothes, and I’m sure everyone else would think the same if you let them see it.”
“What if they don’t?” I’d never think Emma was insecure, but now I see her tough attitude is just a front.
“Then fuck them. They don’t deserve your time or attention. Because those who love you, those who really care about you, will love you no matter what you wear or how you act.” I offer her a tender smile as I rub my thumb on the back of her hand.
She looks at the dress pensively for a while, then nods sharply. “Okay. Yes. I’ll wear it.” And that beautiful shine returns.
Three hours later, we pass through the open gates and head up the driveway to Emma’s parents’ home. They live in Saddle River, New Jersey, only twenty minutes away from us, so it was a quick drive.
Their house is exactly what I expect rich snobs to live in. A mansion, way too big for the number of people living in it. Everything in and around the house looks too expensive to touch.Jesus, if this is what her parents are like, they won’t like having me on their lawn.
