Dinner included easy conversation and a lot of laughter. Grayson touched me every chance he had, and I returned the favor.
When we tumbled into bed later that night, it was with a full heart and belly.
Thirteen
Is that an elevator?
I tilted my head, but the gleaming chrome-and-glass monstrosity didn’t move. Definitely an elevator. In a two-story house with about three staircases.
I hadn’t noticed it before today because it was in the wing of the house that held Grayson’s office and gym. They were the two places I’d only ever been to during my tour on day one.
It was now day five, and I was still here. Leaving Grayson was harder than expected. But I had to go back to reality and was heading home tomorrow morning. I couldn’t put it off any longer or I’d never leave.
I was living a fairy tale.Myfairy tale.
I just wasn’t sure I’d get my happily ever after. Because the more time I spent in his world, the more it became clear how different we really were. He was used to champagne and caviar; I was used to burgers and boxed wine.
He’d come home an hour earlier because we were supposed to go out to an event tonight. But five minutes after walking through the door, he’d gotten a call and went to his office.
I spent the extra time primping, making sure I was ready and wouldn’t look like the country hick I was. I wore a fitted aquamarine-blue dress that molded to my curves, enhancing my narrow waist and sizeable boobs. Grayson had sent it over earlier in the day with a note to be ready at six. The color looked great with my chestnut hair, which was curled and hanging loose around my shoulders.
I hadn’t dared attempt any kind of hairdo. Not when I knew everyone at the event would have had the help of a stylist. Grayson had offered to hire someone, but I’d vehemently declined. It was enough that he’d gotten me the beautiful dress.
His office door was ajar, and I knocked. He called out for me to come in and waved me closer, still talking on his phone.
When I was within reach, he took my hand and pulled me onto his lap. Brushing my hair to the side, he placed a kiss against my nape, causing me to shiver before I censored my reaction.
His light chuckle told me he’d noticed. “I have to go, but we’ll pick this up again tomorrow,” Grayson said into the phone before saying good-bye and finally hanging up.
“You are a vision,” he murmured against my exposed shoulder. “I knew this dress was made for you.”
I turned and touched my lips to his, sighing in contentment. The kiss turned heated, and I squirmed, trying to get closer. Grayson was the one to pull back, both of us breathing harder than we had before our kiss. “We’re already late.”
He leaned in again, but I put my hand on his chest and stood up after he reluctantly released me. “The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can come back home.”
“We can make an early getaway. Two hours tops.”
I hungrily watched Grayson stand up. He was already wearing his tuxedo, having come back dressed in it. And he was the most handsome man I had ever seen.
He filled it out to perfection, and I’d have a hard time keeping my eyes off him tonight.
* * *
When we turnedthe corner down the street from the restaurant, my breath faltered. There were a lot of cameras and even more people.
I turned my attention to Grayson, who was righting his bow tie. “Are you sure you want me to come with you? I’m fine waiting at the house.”
He didn’t hesitate to answer, taking my hand and holding it to his chest. “I want you by my side. You’re the only thing that will make tonight bearable.”
There was no time to respond because the car stopped and the door opened. Grayson stepped out first and then helped me, holding my hand in an iron grip.
He ignored the photographers and reporters and went straight to the front door of the restaurant. I self-consciously watched my steps, hoping I wouldn’t embarrass him and trip.
The overwhelming noise cut off as soon as the door closed behind us. The inside was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Water was running off the walls, illuminated with a rainbow of colors.
The hostess stand resembled glass, and so did all the tables and chairs. We followed the hostess to a large round table in the middle of the room that was already occupied.
Grayson introduced me to everyone, but their names disappeared as soon as he uttered them. The opulence surrounding me was overwhelming, and I was too occupied with gaping at everything to pay much attention.
