Page 33 of Until Presley

Ham wanted me to stay at his house for the two weeks that Griff is here, but I didn’t want to do that. Plus, my father asked me not to. He said that Griff would be confused when Ham and I broke up, and he didn’t want Griff to become attached. I didn’ttell my father that I wasn’t planning on breaking up with Ham. I’m sure I can manage to get my doctorate and still be with him. I don’t have to travel around the world with research teams; I can stay right here and work with Dr. Miller. He’s already asked me to join his research team permanently. He can become my advisor and help me get my doctoral from here in the Keys. I won’t have to return to Miami.

I grab my lightweight jacket as I head out of my bedroom toward the front door, knowing Ham will be waiting. As I round the corner, he’s opening it but stops. I watch his eyes move up and down my body.

My light heather-gray top is sleeveless with a mock turtleneck. “I have a jacket,” I say, holding it up. He’s been telling me all day to prepare for the rain that is coming. The meteorologists say the amount of rain heading our way could set some records. We’re no longer in hurricane season, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear yet.

He walks over to me and pulls me into his body. I lean into him, needing his comfort. I missed him all day. Coming back to this little place wasn’t the same as returning home to him and his house. When I finally look up at him, he leans down and kisses me, making me forget everything but him.

“I missed you today, sprite,” he says, his deep voice rumbling as he pulls away.

“Missed you too.” I sigh as I slip my jacket over my outfit. When I reach for my clutch, Ham is right there behind me.

“Baby, we could still have Griff stay at our place. He’d have his own room. It will be fine. You don’t have to stay here. It might be safer for you at home too.”

We’ve had this discussion over and over ever since I decided to come back here. I didn’t tell Ham about the argument I had with my father over staying with Ham and Griff coming. He threatened not to let my brother visit if we didn’t stay here.

“We’ve discussed this. Griff will be more comfortable here. He doesn’t know you yet, and I don’t want to cause him any stress.”

After Ham helps me into the Jeep, I lean back against the headrest, my mind drifting back to the conversation with my father.

“I cannot believe, after all your studies, you’re going to jeopardize your degree by flaking out in your last year. We have made so many sacrifices for you over the years, and this is how you’re going to repay your family?”

I struggle to understand what sacrifices they’ve made. I’m paying for this with my own money. My inheritance from my mother and her parents is what covers my tuition and everyday expenses.

“Dad—"

“Don’t you Daddy me. I won’t let you ruin your life this way. If you’re not careful, you’ll have to make a choice between him and your future.”

“Baby,” Ham says, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Yeah?” I turn to look at him. As always, I wonder what he sees in me. I’ve been told most of my life that I’m not beautiful, just cute.

“You were thinking hard. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I lie, not wanting him to worry. He already has enough to worry about with the serial killer still on the loose, who, all of a sudden, has gone quiet for the last month and a half.

I turn toward the window, watching the boats out on the water making their way into the harbor, seeking shelter from the incoming storm.

“Okay.” He doesn’t push.

A few moments later, we pull up to the steak house and stop at the valet. My door opens, but I’ve learned over the last few months that Ham likes to help me out. When he comes around,I reach for his hand, and he takes it. Once my feet are firmly planted in my heels, I let him lead me inside. Women check him out, and it makes me again question what he sees in me.

I glance over at him once we’re settled in our seats. He orders a glass of wine for me and a beer for himself, then places the order for appetizers and our meals. He knows exactly what I like and what I’ll want.

“Why?” I ask him, curiosity finally getting the best of me.

“Why what, sprite?” He reaches across the table for my hand.

“Why me?” I tip my head to the side and raise an eyebrow.

“Baby, is that what’s wrong? Are you doubting things because I didn’t fight harder to keep you under my roof?”

I shake my head. “No, but now that you mention it, that does bring up things.”

He releases my hand, and I feel like I just screwed up everything. My heart pounds hard in my chest as my eyes start to tear up. I did it. I pushed him away.

Ham stands up and moves his chair right next to me. He sits down and wraps an arm around me before leaning toward my ear.

“Baby, first of all, I want you in our home. I want you in my bed every night.” He leans closer. “I’m going to miss waking you up with my tongue and cock.” I shiver at his words and feel a blush warm my cheeks. “But I’m not going to push you. I’ll just be staying at your house from now on. Your little brother is going to have to get used to us. I’m not going anywhere.” He kisses my cheek. “As for your other question, from the moment you looked into my eyes after blowing me a kiss, I realized you were mine. I want every day with you.”

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