Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“I’m so close,” she whispers, going right back to biting my shoulder.
“Good girl, come for me. Give me your release because I promise you it is only the appetizer to what I have in store for you when we get the fuck out of here.”
Her body reacts and her pussy grips me like a vice. Her teeth quite possibly have broken skin as her muffled cries surround us.
Her release continues and pulls mine from me just as quickly. We both hold on tightly to each other as we breathe heavily.
I press a soft kiss to her neck and she lifts her head. Our eyes lock and I grin, walking us away from the window.
“Wow, that was, holy wow,” she whispers.
I chuckle as I place her back onto her feet. “That's dangerous and careless, but now maybe we can get through this dinner without bursting into flames.”
“Anya?” Carol shouts up the stairs.
“Shit,” she says, rushing around to get dressed.
As I slip my jeans back on, I grab her panicked face and smile. “Relax, baby. I’m going to go out first and slip into the bathroom. You’re going to fix yourself up very quickly and go downstairs. You’ll tell everyone that you were on the phone with the Mayor giving him details about the dinner choices. They’ll be so excited about that, that when I enter they won’t question anything.” I kiss her soft lips and rest my forehead to hers. “I’m not going to let anyone be none the wiser.”
She nods still looking nervous as I poke my head out of her room and slip into the bathroom. I listen carefully for her and when I hear her walk down the stairs, I wait five minutes.
That was much needed and I feel like I can finally relax around everyone. It also makes me wonder if what Paxton said is true. Am I in love with Anya?
I kind of always think I have been. Just too afraid to ever admit it.
“Dinner is delicious, Mom,” Brock says, savoring a mouthful of roast chicken.
“Yes, everything is amazing,” Callum agrees, nodding enthusiastically as he reaches for another helping of mashed potatoes.
No one questioned me after I appeared shortly after Anya. They were all so excited about her fake phone call that they didn’t notice my delayed arrival. The dinner table is buzzing with conversation and laughter, the clinking of cutlery punctuating the cheerful atmosphere. It's a reminder of how fortunate I am to share such a close bond with everyone here.
My eyes keep finding Anya’s across the table, and each time they do, my heart beats faster in my chest. Her presence stirs emotions in me that I never knew existed, feelings that are becoming irresistibly addictive.
“Mom and I made some chocolates to go with the apple pie for dessert,” Anya says, her smile lighting up the room as her eyes meet mine.
“I keep telling her she should offer her treats more often for parties. They are always delicious,” I add, holding her gaze, a silent connection passing between us.
“That’s not a bad idea. If anyone knows food, it’s Griffin,” Callum says, gesturing toward me with his fork.
“Hey,” Carol says with a laugh, giving Callum a playful nudge.
“Of course, you too, Mom,” Callum quickly adds, his face breaking into a grin as everyone chuckles.
Everyone laughs as Paxton stands up, raising his glass. “Dinner has been perfect, Mom. Thank you. And Dad, thanks for setting everything up.” We all chuckle at his gratitude, sharing a warm moment of appreciation for our parents.
Paxton takes a deep breath, his smile widening. “I asked Mom and Dad if they could host this dinner because Hartford and I have an announcement.”
The room falls silent, everyone at the table leaning in slightly, anticipation hanging in the air. We all have our suspicions, but we're finally about to hear it from Paxton himself.
“Hartford has been my best friend since kindergarten, and I’ve loved her every day since the day I first met her. Best friends, boyfriend and girlfriend. Last night, I asked her if she would like to add wife to that description, and she said yes. Hartford and I are getting married.”
The room erupts in joyful noise. Carol, overcome with emotion, wipes her tears as she jumps up to hug the newly engaged couple. Everyone is offering their congratulations, voices overlapping in a chorus of happiness and excitement.
Amidst the celebration, my eyes find Anya’s. She’s watching with tears glistening in her eyes, a radiant smile on her face. The love she has for Paxton and Hartford is palpable, reflected in her teary gaze.
Under the table, I reach out and find her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her eyes meet mine, and she smiles, a look that takes my breath away. My heart races as I return her smile, feeling a rush of emotions.