Emma loves her dad, he spoils the hell out of her and has been an excellent example of how a man should treat the woman he loves. He will love me someday, I’ll make sure of it, because whether he hates me or not, I’m marrying this girl one day.
She frowns from across the room and waves her hand to everyone as they stop what they’re doing. Even the crew admires her.
“I’m heading out, but I’ll see you guys soon.” She points to them. “Behave and don’t screw anything major up. We’re trusting you guys to take care of the place.”
Some “Yes, ma’am’s” and “Will do’s” are thrown around along with some farewells. The crew returns to their tasks, and none of the men look at her as she heads my way.They know better than to do that when I fired the last guy who was constantly looking at her ass.
“I’m going to miss you.” She hugs my waist and pouts.
Tracing her jaw with my thumb, I chuckle. “Same here, Princess.” Emma leans into my touch, her eyes heating up and stirring my cock awake in the middle of a busy sidewalk outside the bookstore. “Emma,” I warn her.
“We can find somewhere around here for a quickie.” Her smile is as seductive as her tone.
I already hate myself for what I’m about to say. “I’m sorry, love, but Paul was clear about taking you and your mom out tonight for that concert.” Emma’s bottom lip sticks out again, and I laugh, kissing it and then running my tongue over it discreetly, which only makes things worse for both of us.
“Real quick.” She kisses me again.
Shaking my head no, I say, “Such a stubborn little thing.” I give her one last passionate kiss as everything in me wants nothing but to take her home and not come out for the two days we have left.
Being the first to pull away, Emma’s eyes remain closed. “I hate you for doing that,” she says breathlessly against my lips, and I groan.
“Yeah, me too.”
The sunlight reflects in her light blue eyes, which are full of adoration I most definitely do not deserve but selfishly take.
“I should grab a cab,” she whispers.
Taking out my phone, I request a ride. There’s no way I’m letting her pay for anything when she’s with me. Not unless she somehow beats me to the punch, because as I’ve been saying for months, she’s a stubborn little thing.
We kiss until the ride pulls up seven minutes later, and as soon as she’s out of my arms, I regret letting her go.
On my way to meet up with Jamal—who’s visiting his parents—for a drink, I keep telling myself it’s time for me to fit into the last key part of her life.
Chapter Forty-Seven
EMMA
End of January - Last Semester of Senior Year
Grayson carries in the last of my suitcases, wearing a knitted sweater and black jeans. I’ve been drooling all day over the simple outfit that highlights every single one of his features.
“You are officially moved back in.” He drops the expensive luggage and grabs me by the hips. Unlike summer break, students don’t need to empty out our entire suites when we go away for the holidays, so overall, it’s an easy move-in.
Grayson kisses me, but I quickly pull away. “I’m not officially back until I’ve unpacked. Kami and I usually do that together.” Normally, I’d come back to Driscoll early to meet Jake for our traditional milkshake date, which only Grayson knows about, but he canceled on me, needing the extra day to get back after Aspen.
Grayson frowns and doesn’t let go of my waist. I don’t try to move because, honestly, as much as I love my friends, I understand them now and why they want to spend so much time withtheir partners. If they feel anything like what Grayson and I do—especially as intense as it is at the start—it’s a rush. I’ve learned over the past couple of weeks while seeing Grayson meet my parents and them beginning to get along, us having dinner with my friends—excluding Jake, who was still in Aspen—the dates we went on in the city, showing each other our favorite hidden spots, along with Broadway shows, karaoke, and just being a normal couple—that love is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Dangerous because it is the most addictive, potent, and satisfying drug there is.
The constant sex and new experiences we share surpass anything I’ve ever imagined in my hopeless romantic mind.
“Well, Kamila isn’t here right now, and there’s something I want to show you at my place.” His eyes dance with mischief.
Grayson has completely let go of anything that has been holding him back. He’s still very stern and strict with business, as I experienced firsthand again when the design for the bookstore in the city began, but other than that, he’s been playful and spontaneous. However, I’ve also been very strict about our business in the city. I’ve had a lot of fun with it and have been the pickiest and most decisive of the two. Still, I believe Grayson is deliberately letting me take over to give me everything I want.
Running a hand through his hair, I smile at the man I love.
“You’d better have something waiting for me that I haven’t already seen there, Professor.”
