Page 93 of Counterfeit Connection

“Rude, how? What do you mean?”

“Griffin, I promise, it’s all right. You don’t need to go all savior on me. I’m a big girl. I can handle myself, for the most part.” I nudge him playfully. “Get me another drink?”

“This conversation isn’t over. We’ll discuss it later.”

“So serious,” I tease and just over his shoulder, I can see the redhead staring at us.

Mostly because I want to, but a little bit because she’s watching, I throw my arms around his shoulders and pull him in for a deep, soft, sexy kiss.

He slips his hands to lay at the small of my back then pulls me in even closer, like he’s trying to morph us into one body. My lips part and his tongue takes the invitation, finding mine, and they begin their own intimate dance.

He sinks his teeth into my bottom lip then gives it a gentle tug before breaking our connection. “Did you just stake a claim on me?”

“Something like that.” I tilt my head and smile. “Is that a problem?”

“Not even a little.” He laces his fingers with mine and begins to walk. “Dance with me?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

This is the most free I’ve felt by his side in the few weeks we’ve known each other. We may be surrounded by people on the dance floor, by the bar, and chatting away at the standing tables, but Griffin and I are in our own little bubble, swaying together while music swirls around the room.

“Am I dreaming?” I ask him, curling my arms around his neck and standing flush against him, allowing my fingers to play with the hairs at the base of his neck.

“If you are, I am too. Which is either weird, or very poetic.”

I giggle softly. “Let’s stick with poetic. I never thought I’d say this, but I could see myself living here…at least part time. I mean, I couldn’t be away from my father or Gilly for too long.”

“I wouldn’t want that for you either. You’re different around them. You seem whole.”

“My family does make me whole.”

“What do you feel when you’re with me?” he asks.

I’ve been watching his face the entire time we’ve been dancing. He’s been relaxed, focused on me and nothing else. The moment that question is lingering between us, I see what I can only classify as doubt rolling through his being. “What do you mean?”

Griffin takes a quiet breath before focusing on my eyes. “If your family makes you whole, what could I give you that you don’t already have?”

I’ve never been asked that question before, certainly not by a man. Typically, men don’t care about giving you things you need. They are selfish, one-track-minded creatures… usually.

Griffin is different. He’s like the men you read about in romance novels. The ultimate book boyfriend, if you will.

“They make me whole. You make me…” I hesitate, trying to find the right word that could truly encompass what he makes me feel, because honestly, even I’m not sure yet. “You make me absolute. You make me confident. You make me…” I smile. “Happy.”

He pushes a stray hair from my face and cups my chin. “Where did you come from?”

I shrug playfully. “Virginia.”

He chuckles and pulls me in for another kiss. “Let’s get out of here. I want those heels around my ears.”

Our perfect little bubble promptly bursts when we cross the courtyard and make our way back to the valet stand. Ten times the number of camera flashes that were there when we arrived are blinding us now.

“Griffin! Kaitlyn! Just one picture!”

“Smile! Over here, Kaitlyn!”

“Griffin, is it true she’s related to a murderer? Why an American? Is it true she’s sleeping with you for money?”

I look down and cover my face with my hand until Griffin steps in front of me, shielding me from their words and their lenses.

---