Page 79 of All I Need

“As long as they’re aware of what’s happening, I think it sounds like fun.”

Score.

“Really?”

“Of course. I’d like to have the chance to get to know Grayson a little better anyway.”

I lean up and kiss her because there’s no other response worthy. I bunch her long thick hair in my hand as I hold her close, not wanting the moment to end.

“You’ll have plenty of time, but tomorrow night is just us.”

“But I thought…” she pauses then, “wait.”

“I’m sorry,” I admit, hoping she understands why I’m sorry.

She giggles before standing up, adjusting her clothes.

“Hey, where are you going?” I reach out for her but she shakes her head and takes another step back.

“You’re just as screwed up as I am,” she giggles.

“I disagree.”

“So I’m screwed up?”

“I didn’t say that… holy shit. You’re trying to set me up!”

“How’s it feel?”

“Touché.”

“You deserved it. You were totally testing me just now.”

“And you had to get off my lap to tell me that?”

“No. I had to get off your lap because if I didn’t, we would miss breakfast and my boss is kind of a hard ass so I’m going to need the sustenance to make it through the day.”

I stand up too. “You think I have a hard ass?” I tease, turning around and shaking it in her direction.

“Walker Paul, would you put your bum away so the poor girl can come in here for some breakfast?” Miss Polly shouts from the kitchen.

“Does she have cameras in here?” Ellie asks, horrified.

“I told you she knows everything.” I grip her hand. “I’m sorry I did that with Grayson.”

“You don’t need to apologize. Remember, you told me how other women have reacted to your relationship with him.”

“But it doesn’t bother you?” I ask, playing with her fingers.

“No. It will only bother me if I see that you’re not living your own life because you’re focusing only on his.”

Her words are like a punch to the gut. It’s exactly what I know I’ve been doing since the day Grayson was born. But it’s not because I planned it that way. I never found anyone else worthy of living my life with.

Until now.

“Time to eat. You have a big day ahead of you.” I lean down to kiss her and she puts a hand up in front of her.

“What’s wrong?”

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