Page 145 of Elevator Pitch

“But you didn’t burn me. Loving you isn’t fatal, Selah. It’s worthwhile.Youare worthwhile. Contrary to what you believe.”

I sigh. “I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, Greyson. I’ve never done this…but I want to, with you. If you’ll have me.”

“We’re going to learn together.” He pushes off the door frame and makes it to me in two strides. My breath hitches as I peer into his eyes. His large hand angles my chin upward and stares adoringly. “Are you going to let me love you, Selah?”

“Yes. You know, the night we met, that was so rude of you to interrupt me while I was reading. You are so lucky I didn’t kic?—“

He cuts me off with a carnal kiss. I meet each stroke of his tongue, moaning softly. His hands explore me as he pulls me plush to him and lifts me off the ground. Nothing exists beyond us, and I need himnow. We eventually come up for air and I remember what I forgot to say. “Wait. I have fun facts for you.”

He chuckles against my lips and sets me down on the ground.

“Well, you know I can’t resist fun facts.”

“Your presence calms me down when I’m anxious. Everysingle time.”

His eyebrows raise in surprise before he presses a kiss on my forehead.

“I have a few more,” I say, holding up a finger. “The coffee shop experiments weren’t working until you joined me. Mama Bailey thinks you’re meant to be my husband and insists that when we marry, it must be anAudrey Woodwedding. Last one. I miss Cliffordandhis Daddy.”

He grips my waist and takes my mouth, moaning as we compete for dominance, and I eventually succumb. Heat pools low in my belly, and that’s when I realize we’re still in the hallway. I nip at his lip as I taper off the kiss, peering into his ravenous gaze. His tone is gravelly and full of desire.

“I know you, and that interrupting kink has something else to say. Tell me, baby,” he encourages.

Ugh. I love this man.

“I do. Grey isn’t a fitting name for someone who’s brought so much color into my life.”

He scoffs. “Oh really? What would you prefer, Sunflower?”

I place my finger on my chin and hum softly as I consider. “Smell Good Man,” I proclaim.

He vibrates with laughter. “I knew I heard you call me that when you were drunk once.” He backs up to his door and turns the knob. “Would you like to come in? Fun fact: I have a big red dog who missesyouvery much. His dad does, too. More than you know.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

73

fingers crossed

Greyson

Manhattan NY | May 6, 2024

I’ve been workingon Selah’s birthday plans with Audrey for a few weeks now, and I’m so nervous. She’s assured me that Selah will love it, but I can’t help but be worried about something going wrong. Everything must be perfect, and I can’t blow this. This is going to be my big grand gesture, and I’m stressed about it. When she told me she loved me back, she made me the happiest man alive, and now she’s mine, for real.

I asked her officially if she’d be my girlfriend, and she said yes. I feel like a kid again with her, and I just want to make her happy and reassure her that taking this chance with me was a good decision. I believe how I celebrate her birthday will give her a little glimpse of what this relationship will look like. She needs to know that her heart is safe here and that she will always be a priority to me. I wanted to do something big to prove how much I love her, and I hope everything goes to plan. I made it a goal to make the woman who hates surprises change her mind and adding a little romance should do the trick.

I fire off a text to make sure she’s prepared for tonight while resisting the urge to give her any clues. I know the way her mindworks so she’s going to be trying to figure it out, but she won’t. Audrey assured me this plan was perfect, and she wouldn’t suspect a thing. If there’s anybody who knows Selah best, it’s her. I take deep breaths and start the shower, hoping to melt away my stress about tonight. Everything is going to be perfect. It has to be.

74

love of my life

Selah

Manhattan NY | May 6, 2024

Greyson sentme a vague text earlier telling me that our date tonight will be split into two parts. I should pack an overnight bag, comfy sneakers for walking, a change of clothes, and my passport. I’m not sure why, but alright. I pack everything he tells me, and I get dressed for the first part of our date. I have no idea what he’s planning, and as much as I don’t like surprises, I’m oddly excited to see what’s in store tonight.

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