9. Savannah

9

SAVANNAH

“Spill it,” Liz says as we sit across from each other at dinner. We came to try out a new Mexican place that just opened up called Taco’s and Guac. It’s a cute little place that, apparently, just became a franchise.

“I don’t even know where to start. The past few days have been a whirlwind, and I keep having to pinch myself to make sure this is real life,” I admit.

“Oh, this is real life, and from the look on your face, you’ve got lots of juicy details to spill. Start at the beginning. What happened after the fundraiser?”

“After things ended, Graham hung back so he could talk to me afterward. He asked if he could take me for coffee to keep the conversation going. Instead of going somewhere, we ended up just going to my apartment. We talked for a while, mostly just catching up with one another, but there were definitely some low-key flirty vibes being mixed in. When I got up to get us a refill of drinks, he followed me into the kitchen, and after boxing me against the fridge, he made a move and kissed me. Things quickly got heated from there, and before we knew it, we were naked in bed together.”

“Damn, girl. I’m equal parts proud of you and jealous.”

“That’s not it,” I say.

Liz laughs. “Of course, it isn’t. What else?”

“The man is very generous, and holy hell, the dirty talk.” I fan myself just thinking about it.

“How does it feel to be God’s favorite?”

I chuckle at her question. “He eventually went home, but then, he called me on a whim last night and asked me to dinner. We ended up just going to his house to eat. Liz, I can’t even put into words how amazing his house is. He gave me the full tour. It has a freaking movie theater inside it.”

“I’m sure he gave you the full tour. The full tour of his dick.”

“I won’t deny that.” I smirk. “But seriously, his house is something you’d expect to see on one of those multimillion-dollar real estate agent shows.”

“Damn. Sounds fancy.”

“I’d be afraid to touch anything because I wouldn’t be able to afford to fix it if I broke it.”

“Honey, that man is rich-rich. He can afford to fix it. So what else happened?”

I lean in so I can talk a little softer. “He spread me out on the table and had his way with me, then took me to bed, and let’s just say I couldn’t walk properly when he took me home, and getting out of bed this morning was a bit comical.”

“Holy shit. You really are God’s favorite.”

“He had to leave this morning for a long road trip, so I won’t be able to see him for a little over a week. But then, the flowers arrived, and here we are.”

“Damn. Get it, girl. That man is infatuated with you.”

“I don’t know.” I chew on my lip. Our server arrives with our food.

“Can I get you ladies anything else for now? Maybe a refill on your margaritas?”

“I’m good, but I’ll take a side of sour cream,” I say after looking down at my plate.

“No problem at all.”

“I’m good,” Liz says before she walks away.

“Where are they traveling to?” Liz asks as we both dive in to our food.

“Vegas, then Seattle, Vancouver, and two games in California.”

“Dang, I didn’t realize it was such a back-to-back season. I’m so used to football, where they only play one game a week.”

“Yeah, the hockey season is kind of crazy. Eighty-some-odd games in the regular season, which runs October to early- maybe mid-April.”

“Damn. That is quite the intense season.”

“Yep. With half of it on the road, they spend a lot of nights in hotel rooms.”

“So what do you want from this re-connection? Besides the good dick?”

I laugh at that last little added part. “I don’t know,” I say honestly. “It has been quite the whirlwind few days. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop and my life to go back to normal. I can’t help but think, why now? Why all of a sudden would he be interested in me, and can it last? I’d never want to come between him and my brother. They’ve been best friends since, like, kindergarten. That’s a long-ass friendship.”

“Playing devil’s advocate here, wouldn’t your brother want both of you happy, even if that meant you were together?”

I think about Liz’s question as I take another bite of my food. “You’re probably right. But I still think it would be a little weird for him, don’t you think? I know if you were to date my brother, I would be happy for the two of you, but I wouldn’t want to sit across from you while you tell me how he spread you out on the table and had you for dessert.”

“Damn, girl, don’t let him go if that’s how he treats you,” our server says as she drops back by. My face goes crimson red in embarrassment, if the heat I can feel radiating off my face is any indication of my embarrassment level.

“She’s right,” Liz chimes in. “If I had a man wanting to have me for dessert, I’d be asking him what time dinner was, so I’d be ready.”

We catch up on school. I fill her in on Graham’s offer to pay for the field trip, and get her approval to start researching that so we can get it scheduled. She was just as floored as I was at his generosity. We finally settle our bill and head our separate ways home for the night.

“Ms. Rhodes,” one of my students gets my attention and signs my name.

“Yes,” I sign back, giving her my full attention.

“I need help with this. I don’t understand,” she explains, so I round to her desk and look down at the math sheet she is working on. I help her through the section, explaining how to solve the problems, and by the time we reach the end of the page, she has the concept down.

I flick the lights to get everyone’s attention. It’s the easiest and fastest way to do so on a daily basis. “It is time to put your things away and get ready for lunch,” I sign to the room.

They all start moving about, putting away the pencils, counting blocks, and extra paper they might have had out for our math lesson. Once everyone is lined up, I lead them down to the lunchroom. Those who are having school lunch break off and get into the line to pick up their trays, while the others head for the tables. Once I see that all my students are accounted for, I head for the staff lounge to take my own lunch break.

While I wait for my food to cook in the microwave, I pull out my cell and check my notifications, then swap over to the NHL app. I downloaded it last night so I could easily check on the score of Graham’s game. They lost to Vegas in overtime last night, so I’m sure he’s not too happy about that.

Savannah:

Sorry about your loss last night. How’s your off day?

The bubbles immediately pop up, so he must not be busy.

Graham:

Eh, at least we got a point out of it. Today is good so far, better now that I’m talking to you. Aren’t you at school?

Savannah:

It’s my lunch break, so I can’t talk for long. I only get about forty minutes, and ten have already ticked off the clock.

Graham:

It’s been a lazy morning here since we didn’t get in until late. I’ve hardly gotten out of bed and had a cup of coffee and here you are already on your lunch break.

Savannah:

We live such different lives. ;)

Graham:

I guess so. Call me when you get home tonight?

Savannah:

That I can do.

Graham:

Have a good rest of your day.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and clean up from my lunch. I check the clock, and I have just enough time to stop in the bathroom and then get back to my classroom for my kids to return from their after-lunch recess.

I finish putting all my supplies from the day in their respective bins, then pull out the bins for tomorrow, placing them on the small tables I have in my classroom. The more prepared I can be for tomorrow now, the smoother my mornings tend to go, and I’m all for smooth mornings.

Once I’m home, I rummage in the kitchen, pulling out the ingredients to make a quick stir-fry that will give me enough for lunch tomorrow, as well. I get things started sautéing, then hit Graham’s contact on my phone, calling him like he asked.

“Hey,” I greet when he answers.

“Hey, how are you?” His deep timbre fills my kitchen since I have my phone on speaker.

“Just cooking. Wanted to get it done with before I settle in for the night.”

“What are you making?” he asks.

“Just a stir-fry. I had some veggies in the fridge that were nearing their end, so it’s an easy way to use them all up, plus, it gives me lunch for tomorrow,” I explain. “How was the rest of your day?”

“Pretty good, went and got stretched out, then had a massage. I tweaked my hip in the game last night and I’m feeling it today.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Will it keep you from playing tomorrow night?” I ask, worried for him.

“Not sure yet. We’re going to make it a game-time decision. I’ll see how I do once out on the ice tomorrow. I didn’t attempt to skate today. Whitney, our trainer, suggested I take a rest day, so that’s what I’m doing.”

“Probably a smart idea. Are you at your hotel?”

“Yeah, just hanging out in a conference room they have for us. They bring in recliners and comfortable seating so we can all have a central place to hang out if we don’t want to be holed up in our rooms. It is also where we have the team meals they cater in.”

“Ah, that makes sense. And nice that you have the place to just relax. I’m learning something new every day about your lifestyle.”

“Your text this morning got me thinking. Did you watch the game last night?”

“No, I fell asleep kind of early. I went to dinner with Liz, then came home and snuggled with Simon for a little bit before calling it a night. I was exhausted for some reason.”

“Such a shame you were so tired.” I can practically hear the smile on his face. It gives me an idea, and before I can stop myself, I hit the FaceTime button. Soon, his handsome face fills my phone screen. “Why hello there, gorgeous.” He smiles at me.

“I decided I needed to see your face,” I say.

“Glad that you did,” he says as I see him get up and start moving.

“Where are you going?” I hear someone call out.

“Away from you fuckers,” Graham calls back as he enters what looks like a hallway. “That’s better, but if I lose you, I’ll call you back once I’m in my room. I’m stepping on the elevator now.”

“I didn’t mean for you to leave your teammates.” I frown at the screen.

“I’d much rather talk to you than not. I have lots of hours to hang out with them over the next few days. I only get a few spare moments to see your pretty face.”

“You sure do know how to make a girl swoon,” I say as I plate up my food.

“Damn, woman, you’re making my mouth water. I might just have to have you cook me dinner when I get back.”

“That can be arranged.” I wink at him.

I watch as he walks into his hotel room, then relaxes on his large bed. He props the pillows so he can sit up against the headboard. My mind flashes to the memories of being spread out on his bed just the other night and all the delicious things that happened.

“Where did your mind just go?” he asks, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Why do you think my mind just went somewhere?” I ask, trying to feign my innocence.

“Because you got this dreamy look, and your eyes dilated.”

“Busted.” I smirk. “Seeing you adjust the pillows had me thinking of another headboard and what happened on that bed.”

“Such a bad girl,” he croons. “Making me hard when I’m thousands of miles away and can’t come take care of things. Tisk tisk. I might have to spank you next time.”

“So that means there will be a next time?” I ask.

“Fuck yes, unless you say differently?” He pops an eyebrow in question.

“No, I’m not saying anything different,” I promise.

“Good girl,” he practically growls.

We continue to talk about our day as I eat my dinner. I feel kind of bad about eating in front of him, but he assures me that it doesn’t bother him. We stay on the phone while I clean up the kitchen and get my lunch box ready for tomorrow, so all I have to do is grab the refrigerator stuff to add to it, and out the door I go.

“Are you going to bed soon?” he asks once I’ve settled back on the couch.

I glance at the clock on the wall. “It’s only eight thirty, so maybe in an hour or so. I’ll probably watch some TV or pull out my book to read for a little while before I crash. When are you going to dinner?”

“The group text says we’re meeting in the lobby at seven, so I have about twenty minutes before I should be headed down.”

“I can let you go so you can get ready,” I offer.

“I’m ready, just need to head out. I can talk for a bit longer, unless you are ready to go?”

“No, just didn’t want to consume all your time.”

“Consume away. I’m not complaining,” he assures me.

“Oh, I started researching the zoo and sent them the inquiry email today. I’m hoping to hear back by the end of the week with the availability and the total price.”

“Good, just let me know and I can give you my credit card number,” he offers. “Do you just want it now?”

“Oh, um, I guess. You are okay with me just having that information?”

“I trust you, Savannah. I wouldn’t offer it up if I didn’t. Hell, go on a shopping spree with it, for all I care. You need anything for your classroom? Order it and charge it to the card.”

“I could never do that,” I insist.

“We’ll see about that.” He smirks, then rattles off the card information. I repeat it back to him to make sure I have it correct, then make a mental note to keep it in a safe spot so it doesn’t go missing.

“I’ll text you the amount once I receive it, just so you know what to expect.”

“That’s fine. Question for you,” he says.

“Answer for you.” I smile at him and don’t miss the eye roll that gets me.

“Smart-ass.” He chuckles. “What are you doing next Wednesday and Friday evenings?”

“I don’t know of anything specific, why?”

“Good, block off your schedule for both nights. You’re mine those nights. In fact, go ahead and block off your entire weekend, unless there is something you just can’t miss.”

“I can probably do that.” I pull up the calendar on my phone to double-check. “Yep, I’m free. I’ll just need some time on the weekend for laundry, groceries, that kind of thing.”

“I guess I can let you take care of a few things, if I must.”

“You must because, like we’ve already discussed, we live very different lives, and mine requires me to do everything on my own. I don’t have a chef, housekeeper, or someone to do my laundry. If I don’t do those things, then they don’t get done, and my life gets chaotic.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He nods his head.

“So what is it that you need my presence for all that time?” I ask.

“Wednesday for dinner and other activities. Friday night, I’ll get you a ticket to come to the game, and afterward, we can head back to my place. I was thinking maybe pack a bag and stay the weekend, if that’s okay with you.”

“You want to have a sleepover with me?” I tease.

“Fuck yes, I do. I hated having to drive you home the other night.”

“I’ll have to pop home to feed Simon and check on him. He doesn’t like to be left alone too much.”

“Bring him with you,” he offers.

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t care. He isn’t going to fuck up my house, is he?”

I laugh at the thought of my cat destroying anything. “No. He’s well-behaved. He just likes his person and is very cuddly.”

“Then bring him with you. Order all the things you’ll need for him at my place, like his litter box, food dishes, food, toys, whatever, and have them delivered. That way, you don’t have to move it all back and forth, and he can just come with you whenever you come over. And charge them to my credit card.”

His offer kind of shocks me, like this isn’t the only weekend he expects me to be spending at his house.

“Cat got your tongue?” he asks.

“Is this even real life?” I ask him as I look around my living room as if I’m in a dream.

“As real as it gets. If having your cat at my place allows me to spend time with you, then the cat gets to come to my place.”

“Isn’t this moving kind of fast?” I ask quietly.

“It isn’t like we just met this week, Savannah. I’ve known you your entire life.”

“Eww, when you put it that way, it sounds kind of creepy.”

Graham chuckles. “Are you calling me a cradle robber?”

I shrug my shoulders. “If the shoe fits.” I smirk.

“You know you love it when I rob your cradle.”

“You’ve got me there,” I confirm.

“And on that note, I need to get going to meet the guys for dinner.”

“Have a good night. I’ll talk to you sometime tomorrow, and if I don’t, I hope you’re able to play and have a good game.”

“Thank you. If I haven’t heard from you before I have to get dialed in for the game, I’ll text to let you know I’m no longer available until after the game.”

“Night, Graham,” I say before we disconnect. The instant butterflies that take flight have me feeling like a teenager again, thinking the quarterback of the football team might like me.