Page 86 of How He Got the Girl
“Thanks for a fun night. I couldn’t have won it without you,” I say, trying to delay him leaving. It’s crazy how only a few weeks ago I could barely stand listening to him talk for five minutes, and now I’m sad that he’s leaving when I’ve seen him the past four days in a row. But we don’t have any plans together again until New Year’s Eve.
“I’m glad I could help you get the win, but I like spending time with you more.”
A bitter wind rustles my hair, and he brushes the curl flying into my face back.
“I’ve actually been meaning to ask you something.” He pulls his hand back, rubbing it along the scruff on his chin. “It’s kind of last minute, but I’m flying to LA in a week for an influencer event forAccidentally in Matrimony.”
“That sounds fun.” I swallow down the sadness threatening to take over at the thought of him leaving for LA again. This isn’t like the last time. I know he’s coming back, but it still stings.
“It would mean a lot to me to have youthere.”
I blink. “Oh, right. I forgot that attending a more public event was in our contract.”
Griffin steps closer, cupping my cheeks with his hands. His palms feel warm and strong against my skin. “I don’t want you there because of a stupid contract. I want you there because I can’t imagine enjoying the night without you.” He tilts my head back, making me meet his eyes. “I want to show you off to the world, so every single person in it knows you’re mine.”
It’s official. I’m a gooey, melted puddle on the floor, because what kind of man says things like that? It’s no wonder his latest movie did so well. I think I need to watch it now. For research purposes only, of course.
“When would we be gone?” I ask. “School starts back up on the sixth.”
“The premiere is on the fourth, so I thought we could fly in on the third and fly back on the fifth.” He runs his hand along my hair. “I understand if that cuts it too close to school—”
“No,” I cut him off. “I’d love to go support you.”
Griffin’s mouth tilts up into the lopsided grin I’ve come to love. “I’ll arrange a dress shopping trip for you in LA on the third, then.”
My eyes go wide. “Oh, you don’t need to do that.”
“Let me spoil you, beautiful,” he croons, his voice as silky and smooth as the hot chocolate he made me last night.
There he goes, melting my heart again. “If you insist.”
“I do.”
As I lie in bed that night, those words seem to stick with me for reasons I’m not ready to think about just yet.
It’sonlybeenfourdays since I’ve seen her, but they’ve left a Mallory-shaped hole in my heart.
She’s been preparing things for her classroom before school starts back next week, but today she’s all mine. Then I get her all to myself this weekend in Los Angeles. I’m glad she agreed to go with me to the movie premiere because I’d be devastated to miss the last few days with her before school is back in session. I know I’m going to see her less once she’s back to teaching, but I’m choosing to live in delusion until then.
There’s still plenty of time left for us to spend together while Granny recovers. Until I have to return to LA, to my career. I shake my head. I refuse to think about the distance that will separate us when I still have time with her here. Plus, there’s a lifetime together to look forward to. I know that’s wishful thinking, but, like I said, I’m choosing to live in delusion.
My phone buzzes in my pocket with an incoming text.
RHETT
Did you persuade Mallory to come to the showingwith you???
Granny has always called me a golden retriever kind of guy…but if I’m a golden retriever, what does that make Rhett? A Labrador? A poodle? Or maybe one of the little goofy dogs spinning in circles at your feet. Yeah, I think it’s that one. Rhett never runs out of energy, even when touring nonstop. And he’s the most enthusiastic guy I know.
ME
Yes, you’ll get to meet her this weekend.
RHETT
*gif of minions cheering*
I can’t wait!
