Chapter 16

Griffin

Anya spent the night, last night, and waking up with her in my arms was something I didn't even know I needed until I opened my eyes. My arms wrapped around her delicate body. Her face inches from mine. The way her hair splayed across the pillow. Damn, I didn't want to move and disturb such a peaceful moment.

That may be what it is I'm needing or craving—peace.

I never experienced a sense of peace growing up. I was constantly walking on eggshells, always in a persistent state of nervousness. The only time I felt my body relax was when I was at the Atwood's and even that was just temporary because I knew I'd eventually have to leave.

But this morning, waking up with Anya, I felt a peace I've never experienced before and it was amazing.

She left this morning, after I made her come twice, and it was not easy to let her go. I wanted us both to call out of work and spend the day in bed, but she reminded me we have a party tonight. After a long goodbye kiss, I watched her pull out of my driveway and my heart sank. One night together and I feel like I can't breathe without her.

That's why I'm equal parts excited and nervous to be at Atta Boy today. I can't wait to see her, to have her near me, but that also means I'll be seeing Callum. I'll be seeing all the Atwood's for Christ's sake and I honestly don't know how I'm going to react.

I broke my promise to Callum, and while there was no possible way around it, the weight of my actions sits heavily on my shoulders. The connection I feel to Anya is unavoidable, an intense need stronger than anything I've ever experienced before. It's not just attraction; it's something deeper, something that pulls me toward her with an irresistible force.

Yet, I know Callum won't understand. He'll see me as the guy who betrayed his trust and took advantage of his little sister. He'll look at me with disappointment and anger, unable to see the depth of my feelings for Anya. In his eyes, I'll be nothing more than a promise-breaker.

The thought of losing my friendship with Callum gnaws at me. We've been through so much together, shared countless memories and built a bond that felt unbreakable. But now, that bond is at risk. I've worked hard to get where I am, and Callum's influence is significant. If he turns against me, I'll be left scrambling to pick up the pieces of my shattered career.

I won't be the same person if that happens and I won't be the same person if I lose Anya.

I'm cornered and I don't know how to get out.

But, I told Anya we should keep this a secret and thankfully she agreed. So, until I figure out how things will play out, my relationship with her will be kept in the shadows.

"Hey, Griffin," Tripp says, slinking into the kitchen.

"You're late," I say, keeping my back to him as I chop potatoes.

"I overslept and Anya took too long in the bathroom."

I spin around and stare at him with narrowed eyes. "So you're blaming being irresponsible on your sister?"

I'll be damned if I'm going to allow him to put the blame on anyone, especially Anya.

"I'm not blaming her. I'm just saying it's part of the reason I'm late." He moves to stand next to me and smiles up at me. "What's going on with you two?"

I turn back to chopping potatoes and shake my head. "We're friends and we work together. Nothing more to it, Tripp. Don't try to avoid what's going on with you by focusing on nonsense that doesn't exist."

"Hey."

I spin around and see Anya standing there and my heart sinks. I know from the look of hurt in her eyes she heard what I said to Tripp.

"Why aren't you telling her she's late?" Tripp says, shaking his head.

"Tripp, if you don't get out of my sight I'm going to end up hurting you. Go set up the tables for lunch," I say, keeping my eyes locked with Anya's. He slowly starts to walk toward the door and the anger I feel with myself continues to get misplaced. "Now, God damn it."

Once he leaves, I move slowly toward Anya and rest my hand on her cheek. She forces a smile and nods. "I know."

"You weren't meant to hear that. I was trying to get him to focus on himself. I'm sorry. This is brand new with us and honestly, I just want to keep you all to myself right now."

She searches my eyes and a genuine smile graces her face. "We both decided to keep this between us for now. You didn't do anything wrong."

I push her against the wall behind the door. I crash my lips to hers and we both let out a soft moan at the reconnection. It's hard and fast, but full of promise for what lies ahead.

When I pull back, I grin down at her, running my thumb over her bottom lip. "That's something I've wanted to do in this kitchen for a long time."

"Just kiss me?" she questions with mischief in her eyes.

I push my knee between her legs and grab her wrists, pinning them above her head. "There's a lot I want to do to you in this kitchen and I promise you I will."

The door opens, hitting me in the back and I quickly let go of her. "Damn, sorry," Callum says, walking into the kitchen. "Wait, what the hell are you guys doing behind the door?"

"I dropped my earring and Griffin was helping me look, but I found it. I'll be back later to check in on the menu," she says, walking out of the kitchen.

It takes a lot of self-control to hide my smile as I watch her round ass as she walks away. She protected this secret thing between us the same way I did and it makes me relax a little bit.

"Tripp is out there working already. He said you told him to come in," Callum says, leaning against the counter.

"Yeah, he wanted to pick up some extra cash and I told him he could help me today. That's cool, right?"

"It's great. Maybe he's finally starting to take an interest in the brewery." I've gone back to prepping and Callum moves to stand by me. "Listen, I know we haven't had time to talk lately, but I want you to know I see you going out of your way to help Anya and Tripp. You're a good friend, Griff. Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day to do it all and it's nice to know that you're there to help when I can't."

If he only knew how I was helping his sister.

Yep, I'm an asshole.

"Helping Tripp is easy. I get to be the big brother I never was," I say, forcing a laugh.

He chuckles, crossing his muscular arms. "I know, helping him is easier than helping Anya. She's a lot to handle."

Anger and guilt wrap around me and I slide my eyes to his. "I'm not helping her, I believe in her dream and I'm part of what is making it a reality. That's not a burden, Cal, it's an honor."

He nods, taken back a little by my comment. It's not something I'd usually say to him, but I'm beginning to see that Anya isn't the only one that sees me as the ‘fix it' guy.

"I appreciate that, Griff. You're not just my best friend, but you're a fucking stand-up guy. I wouldn't trust my sister with anyone else."

With that he leaves the kitchen and I'm left feeling like I'm being torn in two.