“It’s the same room we always rented,” he reminded me.
“I remember, but why are you giving it to me?” I asked in an uncertain tone. He exhaled deeply, and I could see the worry lace his powerful features.
“What I said when you returned home was out of anger and a bruised ego. I don’t want this to be our last hurrah.”
“Gra—”
“Don’t interrupt me.”
I snapped my mouth closed immediately.
“Kiyah… look me in the eyes and tell me you can see yourself happy with someone else.” My eyes met my lap, but that didn’t keep him from searching for them. He finally gave up and tilted my chin up, capturing my gaze. “Tell me that there is another man out there who can make you as happy as I can.” If themoment weren’t so dire, I would’ve said anything was possible, but Grant was pouring his heart out—making one final plea for me to be his. “I’ll answer for you… there isn’t. No man ever has, and never will, know you like I do. And there’s no other woman for me. Trust me, I tried. I really fucking did, but I couldn’t give them all of me, not like they deserved because you had me. I don’t want to live with regrets for the rest of my life. I don’t want to look back on my life and wonder if I should’ve tried harder. And fuck what everyone else thinks. We might be a little dysfunctional, but at least we’re not punching each other out and stealing hearing aids. If our families can support Nori and Daisy’s bullshit, then they can support us, or don’t. I don’t give a fuck. Not telling them about us has never been about shame, but because there was no point because you were gone.”
“I—”
“I don’t want an answer right now. I’ll be there after the wedding reception,” he claimed, pointing at the motel key. “If you’re not there by 11:59 PM, then I’ll have my answer.”
Oasis Motel, Room 107, was where we gave ourselves to each other for the first time.
“Thank you for giving me another chance,” I whispered, slipping the key into my purse. He nodded and beckoned our waitress for the check.
“We can skip the bachelorette party and have a quiet evening to ourselves,” Grant suggested.
“Oh, yeah? And what would we do?” I teased before stealing another kiss.
“The Triple D.”
Dinner, dessert, and dick. That’s my kind of night.
“As wonderful as that sounds, Daisy would be upset if we didn’t make it. Plus, I haven’t had any sister bonding time since I’ve returned because you’ve been on my ass.”
“I haven’t heard any complaints until now.” The waitress dropped off the bill, and I nabbed it before Grant could. “What the hell are you doing?” he asked incredulously, snatching the leather book from me.
“I planned on paying it until I saw the amount. I’m too broke for that.”
“That wouldn’t be a problem if you had accepted the money your husband gave you,” he mumbled under his breath, leaving a generous tip.
I scoffed. “Your commentary is uncalled for.”
“I’m just putting things in perspective for you, sweetheart.”
“Mhm.”
“Curious… how much money do you have?”
I blew a raspberry and hooked the gold chain strap of the black velvet Chanel messenger bag Grant purchased for me over my shoulder. “Two hundred thirteen dollars and nine cents,” I answered candidly.
“Jesus, Kiyah. What do you plan on doing if Dad cuts you off?” he asked, sliding out of the booth and taking me with him.
“I haven’t tried stripping yet,” I teased, earning a glare that the devil himself couldn’t muster. “Calm down. I’m joking.”
“Some things aren’t a joking matter. Let’s go. We need to replace your phone before we head back to town,” he said, wrapping an arm around my waist protectively as he led me out of the bustling brunch spot.
“There’s nothing wrong with my phone.”
“This is not up for debate, Kiyah. Your phone was in someone else’s possession for an extended period of time. There’s no telling whatToddcould’ve done with it.” His jealousy made me snicker. He wasn’t impressed when I referred to Governor Hopeful Thaddeus Branson Jr. by his nickname, and he insisted the man had bad intentions.
Grant’s jealousy is probably what led him to run out and buy me flowers.