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 turn and pull her onto my lap, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear as I stare at her gorgeous face. “I didn’t think I’d ever love someone or be the kind of guy that could be loved. Yet, here I am.” I press a soft kiss to her full lips and smile. “I love you, Anya Atwood.”
Tears swim in her eyes as she smiles down at me. “I wasn’t sure if this was more for you or if it was just all in fun. I’ve tried fighting my feelings, pushing them aside, but I saw glimpses of your feelings and started allowing myself to feel mine.” She presses a kiss to my lips and rests her forehead against mine. “You are so full of love and worth being loved. I love you too, Griffin Cole.”
I close my eyes and allow her words to sink in. She loves me.
It’s the first time I’ve ever said these words and the first time anyone has ever said them to me.
I’m going to have to talk to Callum because Anya is mine.
It’s time everyone knows.
Chapter 23
Anya
It’s been a few days since Griffin and I confessed our love for one another, and yet, we’re still hiding our relationship. I honestly don’t understand why.
Every time I try to bring it up, something happens, and another day passes where we keep our relationship a secret.
I head downstairs on the day of the Mayor’s party, and my mother’s in the kitchen. “Hey Mom, I’m heading to the brewery to set up for tonight.”
“I put all your chocolates in a box. I can’t wait for the committee to see how much work you’ve put into everything.”
I nod. “I just hope everything goes smoothly tonight.”
My mother’s warm smile gives me comfort. “It will.”
I hug my mother, thinking about what Griffin said about his own family. I couldn’t imagine growing up that way, and the thought of it makes me love Griffin even more.
“You look happy,” my mother says, and I laugh.
“I am happy.”
“Wouldn’t be a six-foot-two young man making you happy, now is it?”
My eyes widen. “No,” I say, but it’s totally a lie.
“Anya, I know you haven’t been sleeping here at night. I’m not going to pretend you’re staying with Willow every night.”
I cover my mouth as a huge smile splits my face. “I am staying with Willow.”
My mother places her hands on my shoulders. “I’m not stupid.”
I drop my hands. “I know, it’s just we’re trying to keep it a secret.”
“Secrets have a way of making themselves known.”
I nod. “I know. Honestly, I don’t even know why we’re waiting.”
My mother steps away to grab the box of chocolates. “I would suspect it isn’t easy for Griffin to come clean with your brothers. But I’m sure they’ll see how much Griffin cares about you. I think he always has. I remember when you came home once for college and Griffin was here. The way he stared at you.” My mother clutches her chest. “I’ll never forget it.”
“Really?” How come I’ve never noticed?
“I think he’s always had a thing for you.”
Goosebumps cascade all down my arms. “I wish I’d have known.”
My mother’s smile is wide. “No, it’s much better this way. You both are finally in a position to be able to give each other the things you both need.”
“Did you know about his home life?” I ask my mother. “When he was growing up?”
“Callum once told me it wasn’t good there. I’ve only seen his mother in passing. The grocery store. The shopping centers. I’ve only seen his father once, and he scared me.”
“He did? Why?”
“He’s not a nice man. He was drunk, causing a raucous at the high school once. Griffin and Callum had gotten into a fight with a few of the other kids, and his father was so angry. We didn’t see Griffin for a few weeks after that.”
Chills skate over me. “I love him, Mom.”
My mother wraps her arms around me. “Good. He needs a woman like you.”
“Like me?”
“Yes, a good woman who understands him. Who can love him for who he is.”
I think about my mother’s words, and it makes my heart beat in my chest harder for Griffin. “He said he loves me too.”
My mother’s eyes beam at me. “Good. I think you two are perfect for each other. Sometimes I feel like I know who my children are going to end up with, and I always knew you two would end up together.”
I laugh, swatting my mother’s arm playfully. “That’s not true.”
“It is. I knew Paxton and Hartford would end up together.”
I laugh harder. “We all knew that.”
“I know you and Griffin will end up together.”
“What about Callum? Is he ever going to meet anyone?” I can’t possibly imagine my oldest brother falling in love.
My mother sighs. “I honestly don’t know about him. Whoever he does get with will need to have the patience of a saint.”