Page 69 of Always Been Yours

“You’re already making up for it, Grady.” She places her hand on my chest. “But I’ll happily take whatever time you’re willing to give me.”

My hand moves to the nape of her neck, gripping tighter. “You can have all of it. Every second of the rest of my life belongs to you, if you want it.”

A small smile plays on her lips, but her eyes are glued to mine.

I slowly pull her into a kiss, needing to be closer to her. There’s so much I should say but I couldn’t even articulate properly with a clearer mind. For a sweet minute, she leans into me as my tongue explores her mouth deeper.

Slowly, as if she’s coming out of a fog, she pulls away. “Not like…” She shakes her head, holding her hands to her swollen lips.

“Notlike this,“ I agree. I’d never want any of our firsts to happen when we’re under the influence of anything. Those are moments I want to remember every second of.

Suddenly, she blurts out, “I was supposed to put my laundry away tonight.” She jumps off the couch, turning toward her bedroom.

I fall back against the cushions, dramatically groaning in exasperation.

“And you’re helping!” she singsongs as she turns the corner.

Vivi

One thing I’m quickly learning tonight: you make dumb decisions when you’re high.

Like ten minutes ago. When I decided that I could force Grady to help me fold my laundry. I didn’t think much of it at the moment. I figured we could put on a show—Parks and Rec, of course—and he would help me cut the time in half.

What I didn’t think about was all mydelicates.My lacy bras and cotton thongs.

What I also didn’t take into consideration was how particular I am abouteverything.

So, when Grady went to throw my favorite black set into a pile to the side without making a big deal about it, I almost had a heart attack. I couldn’t just let him chuck them as if they’re a pair of socks. I spend a lot of money on my lingerie, even the everyday pieces.

I wasn’t surprised when Grady laughed at my declaration that I fold everything, including those.

Iwassurprised when he declared that he would focus solely on those pieces.

And even more than that, I hate that he’s folding each one impeccably.

Every time he catches me giving him a scathing side-eye, he gives me a saucy look in return.

“I’m learning a lot about you tonight,” he says as he picks up a satin bra with a dainty floral design embroidered across. I raise my eyebrows in question. “One, we have the same favorite sitcom.” He nods toward the TV. I didn’t tell him that Leslie Knope is akindred spirit but considering I know almost all the lines, I would say it’s obvious. “And two, you have an aversion to padded bras.”

We both look at the bra he’s currently holding then our eyes drop to my breasts at the same time.

“I don’t think I need any padding.”

Grady graces me with my favorite sight—his blush.

“Trust me, I know that.” He clears his throat, but his eyes are glued to my chest. “But you know… nipples.”

What the fuck?

The laugh starts as a quiet chuckle, more confused than anything. But the longer what he said sinks in, I can’t help the throaty cackle. From the mortified look on his face, I know he doesn’t know what the fuck to think either but his eyes shine at my amusement.

“You know,” I try to keep my tone steady, but I can barely fill my lungs in between fits of laughter. “I have no fucking idea what you mean.”

His goofy smile breaks open, finally showing humor at his own expense. “That didn’t make sense.” He clears his throat, trying to act serious now.

I furrow my brow, trying to keep my grin at bay. “No, it didn’t.” Another giggle bubbles out and I slap a hand over my mouth. In a muffled voice I say, “Go on.”

“I meant,“ he huffs, sounding exasperated, as if I’m the one who blurted outnippleslike I was on a dirty game show. “There isn’t much to hide your…” he trails off, suddenly shy.

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