Page 147

Story: All I Have Left

“Yes, you do,” I tell him, sternly. “We deserve happy ever after. Together.”
He nods, though I’m not entirely sure he’s convinced, but that part might take a while. It doesn’t happen overnight.
There’s a knock on his door. Grayson scoots back away from me, wiping away his tears. He disappears in the bathroom, the door closed behind him.
After pulling on a pair of Grayson’s shorts on the floor, I make my way to the door and inch it open. It’s Wyatt. “You okay, honey?”
I swallow over fresh tears burning my eyes. My shoulders lift in a half-assed shrug but I can’t use my words. They stall. The tears strangle them and hold the “I’m okay” I want to give him hostage. Because it’s not the truth. I’m not okay. I’m scared, angry, devastated… confused. You name it and I’m feeling it this morning.
Wyatt sighs and yanks me into his chest, the smell of leather and manly aftershave I’ve found comfort over the years invades my sences. Now it’s my turn to cry because once again, the only father figure in my life is here for me when nothing makes sense. His lips press to the top of my head. “We’re gonna get through this. Together.”
I believe Wyatt. I have to. Because that’s where the hard work of making a relationship last comes from. Believing that all that dedication you put into will be worth it.
Grayson takesa shower while I make some breakfast with Julia. She tells me Frankie and Ethan missed their flight to the Bahamas because Ethan was hung over and puking in the bathroom all night.
“Some wedding night.” I laugh, knowing exactly how thathappened. Ethan was shitfaced before he even said “I do” last night.
“How was Grayson last night?” Julia asks, her eyes drifting to mine as we stand in front of the sink sipping our coffee.
My throat feels tight. “He….” I swallow, unprepared for the sudden sharp thump in my chest. “Told me what happened in Iraq.”
By the expression on Julia’s face, she wants to ask details, but she knows her son well enough to know that if he wants her to know, he’ll tell her himself. “Is he okay this morning?”
“He played for the first time….” My voice trails off and I wonder if she understands the meaning behind this.
Her smile is warm, her eyes tender. I see Grayson in her expression. “We heard. It was beautiful.”
Tears burn in my throat. “I don’t know what happens next. I’m scared.”
Julia turns to face me, taking my face in her hands. “We’re in this together. We’ll get through this, sweetheart.”
I nod, tears spilling over my cheeks again. I believe her. I do. But it doesn’t mean any of this is going to be easy.
Julia and Wyatt end up leaving to clean up after the wedding. Apparently everyone was so drunk they ended leaving everything for this morning. I want to help, but I want to spend some time with Grayson more.
I’m half way through another batch of banana chocolate chip muffins when I feel two familiar arms wrap around my waist and pull me into his chest. “Are my parents still here?”
“No. They went to clean up from the wedding.” I lean my head back against his shoulder. “You smell good.”
“Soap usually makes you smell better,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Are those banana chocolate chip?”
I nod, smiling and reach for one of them on the cooling rack. It’s warm, the chocolate chips perfectly melted. Biting my lip, I lift the muffin to his lips. Smirking, he takes a bite out of thetop, his eyes on mine the entire time. I never knew taking a bite could be erotic, but fuck is it.
There’s a flicker of desire in his eyes and before I can even comprehend what he’s doing, he picks me up and carries me back to his room. “You’re not supposed to lift more than twenty-five pounds.”
“You barely weigh anything,” he mumbles, kicking the door shut behind him. Lying me on his bed, he covers his body with mine. “Now… how about we pick up where we left off earlier.”
“Don’t you want breakfast first?”
I’m still holding the muffin in my hand. He takes another bite, his hands grabby. “I’d rather have you for breakfast.” His deep rich voice fills my head and I want nothing more than that.
Him. Always. Forever.
I drop the muffin on the bed beside me as he repositions himself and grinds his erection into me. “I can’t get enough of you.”
When you think about it, Grayson and I have had actual sex, four times. And two of them occurred last night. This is new for us. Exciting, shiny, brand new.
He props himself up on his elbows, his brown eyes pinning me. “Do you want to?”