Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“He didn’t really ask.” It's only now that I realize this.
“There was nothing to ask.” Graham adjusts his already perfect tie. “We should get going.”
“That’s why I’m here.” Steve winks at me.
“Don’t wink at my fiancée.”
I roll my eyes at Graham, but I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face. There is no way to describe how happy I am at this moment.
Graham tucks me in close to him, making Steve chuckle. We follow him out to the car. I don’t want to be late. Nat and Frankie are going to be at the event tonight too. It’s been too long since I got to hang out with both of them.
“Maybe I don’t care for this dress.” Graham runs his fingers across the swell of my breasts. The heat in his eyes in unmistakable. It fits snugly enough that I don’t need a bra. “I’ll have to fight them off.”
“I think it will be okay.” Graham’s jealous side shouldn't be charming and sweet to me. I eat it up, and it soothes the little girl inside of me. Graham has been helping me heal in ways I didn't know I needed. With each day that passes, I discover something new about myself.
"Michael is going to lose his shit when he sees you."
"Only because he's mad. There is no love lost there."
"Some individuals don't realize their loss until it's irreplaceable." Graham kisses the shell of my ear. "I'd never make that mistake. I know what I've got. Knew it the moment I had you in my arms.” His sweet words are overwhelming but in a good way.
"Thank you," I tell him, pushing away the shyness such a compliment would normally bring.
"No need to thank me. I should be thanking you."
It’s me that initiates the kiss with Graham this time. I pour everything I have into this one, letting him know how much he means to me. He quickly takes control, dominating my mouth as I melt more into him.
“We’re here.” There’s a knock on the window. Steven’s voice brings us both back to reality. Graham and I were so lost in one another that I can’t help but wonder how long we’ve been stopped. I wish for nothing more than to stay in this car with him, but I know we can’t skip out on his family and my friends.
“To be continued.” Graham gives me a quick peck on the lips. “Wait here. I’ll get your door,” he instructs before he exits the car on his side.
I quickly grab my compact out of my purse to make sure my face and hair are all straight. Thank God I wore no-smudge lipstick. It really lives up to its reputation.
Within seconds, Graham is opening the door for me. I place my hand in his and step out of the car, ready to finally face reality. To find out what these ladies have up their sleeves.
Chapter Twenty-One
GRAHAM
Candles in glass cylinders dot the marble stairs fronting the city’s public library. A hedge of roses and greenery mark a path through the entrance. Luna’s eyes are agape.
“The moms went all out.” That’s what she’s taken to calling Mom and my aunts. “I never saw anything like this when I was with Montclair.”
“The moms know how to throw a party.” Flashes go off as a wall of society reporters snap photographs. “Wait until you get inside.” The Bartos Forum at the city’s public library has a 30-foot glass saucer dome, and the moms have lit it up so that it looks like we’re a hand’s width away from a galaxy of stars. The space accommodates only around five hundred, and while we arrived five minutes before the designated start time, it’s already packed.
The city is not big. Luna’s burning of Montclair’s gifts was all over social media. Also no one is turning down a summons from my mother, especially when word got out that Montclair was invited too.
I run my hand up Luna’s back in a supportive gesture, but she walks up the stairs like a goddess of the moon, smiling like she doesn’t care her face is going to be all over social media in a few minutes. Inside, her shoulders collapse, and she allows herself a moment to lean into me.
“I don’t ever want to do that again.”
“We will stay home every night.”
“Except for Wednesdays. I go to happy hour with Nat and Frankie, remember?”
“Yes. I can’t wait.” I may not have sounded as enthusiastic as I should only because I want Luna secured to me before her girlfriends have a chance to talk her out of my life.
“Nat approves,” Luna assures me as we walk toward the Forum.
“You sure about that? She seemed like she was reserving judgment the other day.”
“She texted me and said you were better than Michael.”
“That’s not a huge endorsement because I feel like slugs are better than Montclair, but I’ll take it anyway.”