Page 47 of Mr. Green (Mr. #2)

Lana

W e’re piled up in a black sedan with Andrew driving. When I say piled, I mean Queenie is in the front seat enjoying her fur blowing in the wind, while Grant has my legs over his in the backseat. I’m glad I’m done driving for the day.

We’re on a time crunch to get...somewhere.

Where somewhere is, I have no clue. Scarlett and Matt’s wedding is soon, so she’ll need us for the next couple days, but not tonight.

Grant has thought this out. I don’t care what surprise he has planned; the thought he has put into it is already impressive.

Ryan, for instance, never surprised me. He never bought me flowers, came home early, or stopped by while I was working. Nothing. I feel like a freaking queen right now. Don’t mind my fancy wave as I pull into town, being royalty and all.

I’m assuming Grant is taking us somewhere close to Scarlett’s wedding. That would make the most sense. Unfortunately, my geography skills are as good as my driving skills. I couldn’t tell you if we’re going north or south.

Two hours later, we’re getting close to sunset. Andrew pulls up to the destination, I’m assuming. Waves crash in the distance while the smell of salt in the air melts my shoulders to my toes. If I could live in water, like a mermaid, I’d be the most relaxed person on the planet.

I hop out of the car, the mist surrounding me. I can hardly see in front of me, but there’s still a little light hanging in the air.

Grant comes behind me and puts his sweater around my shoulders, covering me in that familiar forest scent and warmth.

“Thank you!” I turn to look over my shoulder. “I wasn’t ready for such cold weather.”

“I know. I should’ve insisted on you wearing something else, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” He grins. “Let’s go inside so you can get something warmer on. We’re going to miss our activity, so hurry.”

Andrew is already bringing my bag inside as Queenie explores the front of the house. I don’t have a leash on her, but it doesn’t look like she’ll wander off. I head inside with Queenie on my tail.

“Thanks, Drew!” I call as we head for the front door.

I walk into a wall of windows with a view atop a cliff. There are stairs down to the beach. The fireplace is on, instantly warming my bones. All I need is some cocoa and I’d feel back to my normal temperature.

I get my trench coat, a soft burgundy sweater, and jeans out and put them on quickly. I complete the look with some ankle boots. I don’t know what Grant has in store, but I’ll be warm as soon as I grab my soft, emerald green scarf.

I walk out to the living area and find Grant lost in thought looking out the window while he strokes his beard down into a V.

I give him his coat back. He takes it and starts putting it over his gray button-down shirt.

I’ve seen his body. I know it’s not all sculpted, but it is buff.

His arms are about to bulge out of his sleeves.

“You ready, baby?”

“I think so?” I have no idea what to be ready for.

“It’ll be fun.”

“Yup.” I nod.

He melds my body with his, taking my head in his hands and kisses me with just a small amount of tongue.

He doesn’t slobber about in my mouth, which I appreciate.

He just checks it out. He pulls away, then takes my hand and leads us out.

The wind blows my hair back and I hold my coat together with my other hand.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this windy,” he tells me over his shoulder as we stride down the stairs.

Once we get to the bottom, the wind seems to ease. Two horses are waiting for us. They’re tied off at the bottom railing. I start fidgeting with my hair and coat. I’ve never ridden a horse and they’re way bigger once you get right next to them.

“This is Sprinkles and this is Luca.” Sprinkles is brown with tiny spots on her head, hence the name.

Luca is a bit bigger and all black. Grant starts petting them, completely at ease.

I know he likes horse-back riding and I told him it’d be cool, but now that we’re in front of these big animals, I’m a little nervous.

“Huh,” I respond, still trying to place my hands somewhere—my hair, my hip, my other hand, my arm. Nothing feels comfortable.

“You don’t look happy.” He looks concerned, but keeps petting Luca.

I stare at the horses with wide eyes. “They look gigantic.”

“I know you’ve never ridden a horse.”

I fake laugh. “Right.”

“Have you ever pet a horse?”

I shake my head again. “Nope. It sounded cool, but in person it’s a little intimidating.”

“Shit.” He grabs the back of his neck with one hand. “I thought you’d think this was romantic. I wasn’t trying to scare you.”

I smile slightly, trying to show him it’s okay. “I told you to do more of what you loved. I get it.” My heart is melting. He tries so hard with his surprises. I could try this. I shift my weight from foot to foot staring at the creatures.

Can I do this?

“Luca has been my horse since I was twenty-five,” he explains. “You can ride with me and Sprinkles will follow along.”

I let out the breath I was holding in. “I’d love that. I can do that.” I nod.

“Okay, cool. Why don’t you pet him first. Introduce yourself a little. He’s gentle. The ride will be short.”

Grant guides me to Luca’s side and he starts petting him near his mane, showing me what to do.

“Where’s the thing with the handle to hold onto?” I motion with my hands, trying to create a handle.

“The saddle, you mean?”

“Yes!”

“I don’t use one.”

“Oh.” My eyebrows raise to my forehead.

How are we going to do this? I follow Grant’s actions and pet Luca.

“Good boy, Luca,” Grant coos.

Luca nudges the side we’re on, I guess that means he wants more. I keep petting him. Grant gives him a few taps with his open hand.

“Okay, that’s his cue he’s ready to ride. I’m going to boost you up first. Just swing your leg over. Hold on to his mane for support. It won’t hurt him.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.” He chuckles.

I look over to Sprinkles, who has a saddle on.

I look back to Luca and focus on what I’m supposed to do.

I step onto the stepping stool and do as I’m told.

My hands are shaky and my eyes are wide as I get on this beast. Grant boosts my ass and I try to be as elegant as I can.

I make it to sitting and rearrange myself.

Looking down and you’d think I’m at the top of the Empire State Building.

I need Grant up here as soon as possible. Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long. A moment later, Grant is behind me. He holds the reins around my body and starts us off on a walk.

“Ahhhh!” I scream, the movement of the horse putting me off center.

“It’s okay. I got you. It’s just a little walk.”

I like Grant’s arms around me. I focus on him. I’m surrounded by a good-smelling security blanket. I don’t dare let go of Luca’s mane, though. This is my only lifeline to stay on top of this thing .

“Relax,” Grant whispers in my ear.

I can’t seem to pull my shoulders from my ears. “Are you sure I’m not going to break him? Maybe I should just walk with Sprinkles. Will she run me over?”

“You’re not going anywhere. I promise you’re not going to break him. There’s no saddle and he helps with a lot heavier stuff on most days. Don’t worry, he’s alright. He likes to feel useful. Trust me, he’ll tell me when he’s not happy.”

“So this guy is your horse?”

“Yeah. Andrew drove him down for me over the week so I could do this with you.”

“You’ve been planning this for a week?”

“There’s more.” I feel his smile in my toes as his voice pulses down my back.

I don’t notice the wind with Grant pushed up next to me. I turn to see the horizon. There’s a tiny glimpse of a sunset with an orange-red bleeding through the clouds.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asks.

“Stunning. I love being by the water. It’s like the water takes all your problems away.”

He grabs my chin and turns it so I have to look back at him. “I can help you with anything, Lana. I hope you know I’m here for you. Anytime. You don’t have to face problems alone.”

He sounds sincere and it’s why my heart doesn’t belong to me anymore.

~

My night is complete! He has cocoa. He got me a cup right after helping me off the horse. Thankfully, I didn’t face-plant. I don’t think he’d let me, though. He’s very perceptive.

There’s wood stacked for a bonfire, and a white tent set up with a dim lantern. After getting some cocoa in a tin cup, he lights the bonfire. I didn’t think it’d work; the mist seems rather thick. But then he sprays some lighter fluid and lights a match.

The heat sneaks up on my cheeks as the fire blazes, warming them as the cocoa slides down to my stomach and warms my hands.

I wonder why he’s doing all this. I know he can be romantic and has good surprises, but come on.

It’s just me. He doesn’t need to do all this fancy stuff.

It’s nice to feel wanted, but I’d be happy sipping cocoa at his house on the cliff or in my apartment.

There’s two foldable chairs he sets up in front of the fire. I go to sit in my own, but he grabs my hand. “You could sit on my lap. I’ll keep you warm.” He winks.

“I’m going to sit next to you, but thanks.”

“My lap is more comfortable than a flimsy chair,” he retorts.

“Would you stop?” I blush.

I sit down next to him and he grabs the inside of my thigh. He seems genuine about always wanting to be with me. That’s new in a relationship. I love it.

“We won’t stay long. I just wanted to ask you something important.”

I turn my head from the fire to him. “Important?”

“Very important. My life depends on it. Your answer will determine the next step in my life.”

“What? You’re making me nervous. That’s a lot of pressure.”

“Are you ready?”

“I don’t know.” My hands start fidgeting again.

“Here it comes.” He pauses. “Do you eat marshmallows?”

“Marshmallows?” I stare at him like a gecko is growing out of his neck. “That’s your life-threatening question?”

“I don’t think I can date someone who doesn’t like marshmallows in their cocoa.”

Why do I like him so much?

“Sooo?” He raises his eyebrows a couple times.

“Yeah, I like marshmallows,” I respond.

“Cool, cool. What do you think about agreeing to be mine? ”

My eyebrows shoot up to my forehead. “I’m not agreeing to be your property.”

“I don’t mean like that.” His hand moves to the back of his neck. “I mean, you’re mine and I’m yours. It feels funny at the ripe old age of thirty-three, to ask a woman to be my girlfriend . That’s what I’m trying to ask. What do you think?”

I smile. “Is that why so much planning went into this?” I swish my arm around at the scenery.

“Only the best for my girl.” His chin tilts down. “You are my girl, right?”

“Yes. I’d love that.” I go and sit in his lap and kiss him. His tongue enters my mouth. It’s hard to not smile through the kiss. I can’t believe he picked me !