19. Blair

I still can't believe Griffin is letting me do this. When we first discussed it, I thought he would have preferred to have his teeth pulled rather than let us host dinner at his house. I can't imagine why he hates having people over because his house is a work of art and deserves to be seen.

We get to work once Griffin gives us the green light for the party. Mrs. Potts is over the moon about it. She told me that the Hawthornes used to host the utmost elaborate soirees with the most exclusive guest list. Maybe Griffin doesn't like them because of how many he had to attend as a kid.

Our guest list might not consist of senators, royalty, and celebrities, but it is still rather exclusive—only a handful of people got invited. Said guests will be arriving within the hour, and I still need to finish my hair and get dressed. We decided to go all out with the dress code. Even if it's just our close friends, getting dressed up will be fun, and I have the perfect gown. I got it right after I started working at The Fallen Petal as a little retail therapy. I spent way too much on it, but at least now, I have an excuse to wear it.

After loosely curling my hair, I run my fingers through it, opting to leave it all down, cascading down my shoulders. I get dressed and then head downstairs to meet Lumi, who just texted me to let me know he's here. My heels click on the marble floor as I descend the stairs and make my way to the front door, feeling a bit like a queen wandering through her palace.

As I open the door, I find Lumi with his jaw on the floor.

"You look incredible, Blair." He laughs in amazement. "Griffin is going to lose his mind."

Pursing my lips, I smile. "Thank you. You guys look pretty amazing yourselves."

Lumi invited Paul, whom he met at the baseball party. Apparently, they have been hitting it off, and I'm excited to finally meet him.

"Hi, I'm Blair," I introduce myself to Paul, who smiles nervously.

He opens his arms for a hug, and I happily accept.

"I'm Paul. It's great to meet you. I've heard so much from Lumi."

Pulling away, I chuckle. "Oh, I'm sure you have."

He laughs with me. "Good things. I promise."

"Well, come inside and make yourself at home. Feel free to grab a drink in the kitchen. The other guys should be here soon," I inform them while searching outside for any sign of Griffin, but no luck .

We find seats at the dining table, and I spend the next half hour telling Paul funny stories about Lumi while Lumi tries his best not to die of embarrassment. I only tell mildly humiliating ones, like the time he fell into one of the fountains at school because he was on his phone and not paying attention.

My phone vibrates on the table, and I check it to find a text from Griffin.

Griffin: Hey, I'm sorry we're running a few minutes late. But we are on our way.

"The guys are on their way. Practice must have run late," I fill Lumi and Paul in as I respond to Griffin.

No problem. Drive safe.

"I'm going to use the bathroom. I'll be right back." I excuse myself from the table.

I go to the bathroom and double-check that my makeup still looks good before doing one final look-over. My red satin gown glides over my body like water flowing over every curve. Thin straps hold up the plunging neckline.

Suddenly, I'm very aware of how much of myself is on display, and even though he's seen me practically naked, I'm more nervous now than I was the night I danced. A shiver runs down my spine because I know Griffin will be here soon, and I wonder if I should change. This dress is probably too much. I should grab one of my usual school outfits—a cute sweater and a skirt.

Actually, maybe I'll just throw on my HEAU hoodie and leggings. Wiping the little smudge of red lipstick off of my teeth, I leave the bathroom on a mission. I'll say I had a wardrobe malfunction and had to change.

My chest is tightening more and more by the second. I think what I really need is a some fresh air and a deep breath.

Walking past the dining room, I head toward the front door and step outside into the cool evening air, immediately feeling more refreshed. Tilting my head up, I stare up at the darkening sky and inhale deeply.

I hold my breath for a second, then slowly exhale as the hair on the back of my neck stands up. A vicious wave of tingles drifts down my back, making me suddenly uneasy. The type of discomfort you feel when you're being watched. But looking around, I don't see anyone. I'm probably just imagining it.

Descending a few stairs to the first landing, I lean against the golden railing and search the grounds I can see, but I find nothing out of place. Turning my head, I have the same result.

Until I spot Griffin's truck, which is parked far from his usual spot and tucked as far away from the house as possible. I didn't hear them come inside or see them in the dining room when I walked by.

Looking closer, I can tell the vehicle's empty, so they must already be in the house. But why would they go out of their way not to use the front door? Regardless, that means he's here.

Maybe I should head back inside.

I spin around, my dress flowing in the breeze, along with my hair. As I place my hand on the railing and take a step up, the front door opens, and I freeze, my mouth drying and pulse racing.

Griffin steps through the door in a white button-up and dress pants that takes my breath away. His brown hair is perfectly styled in that hot, messy, but somehow still kempt way. His white button-up is undone at the top and tucked into his slim-fitted navy slacks, secured with a belt. I genuinely didn't think he could get more alluring, but I was so very wrong.

As I scan over every inch of him, I can't help but notice him doing the same to me, and I feel myself warm from his burning stare.

"If I knew hosting a dinner meant I got to see you in that dress, I would have agreed to do this long ago," Griffin utters, his voice low and rugged.

Looking up at him, I take another step, trying to find the right thing to say.

"Speechless, my little prisoner? I've never seen you at a loss for words." He smirks and holds his hand out to help me up the last few stairs.

Gulping, I smile and slide my hand into his. "Thank you."

He helps guide me up the last few steps, and when I finally hit the main landing, he lifts my arm into the air and twirls me around.

My chest flutters, and I giggle as I come face-to-face with him. "Thank you again for letting us do this."

His fingers graze my waist, and I inhale sharply. "I doubt there is anything you couldn't convince me of, Blair."

"Who knew the little hockey player could clean up so well?" I compliment him in the only way I think I know how—teasing him.

He bites down on his bottom lip, smiling, and opens the front door. He guides me past him with his hand, but not before leaning down to my ear and whispering, "There is nothing little about this hockey player."

I am so out of my league when it comes to flirting with Griffin. I think I'm doing good, and then he sweeps me off of my feet with something like that, knocking me off-kilter.

As I walk inside, I spin, glancing down at our hands, and my face falls. "Oh my God. What happened to your hand?"

I didn't notice his knuckles when he stretched his hand out to me on the stairs, but they are red, split, and bruising in a deep array of colors.

Griffin is quiet this time, and when I look back up at him, I find him studying me cautiously, unsure of what to say.

"What happened?" I ask him again, lifting his hand closer to my face for further inspection. "Oh God, Griffin. That has to hurt."

He flexes his fingers. "Not any more than I can handle."

"Was it hockey? You didn't have a game today, and I can't imagine you beating one of your teammates up this bad," I ramble, trying to talk my way to the answer. "The only person I could think of who you'd do this to is Grant."

He stays quiet .

"Oh my God, it was him, wasn't it?" I look up at him, seeing the truth all over his face.

"I won't apologize for hurting him. He deserved it. But I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it first. I just didn't want you to risk you talking me out of it," he admits, and I can't think straight.

Grant has always been clingy, different, and obsessive. For what he did, I wish I could have been there to hit him myself. But I'm more worried now about whether he's going to retaliate. Griffin can't always be by my side, and what happens if Grant corners me when I'm all alone?

"Are you mad at me?" Griffin whispers, each word laced with worry and despair.

Lifting his hand up, I gently press my lips against each one of his knuckles, kissing them tenderly before meeting his eyes. "No, I'm not mad. Of course I'm not mad at you. You did that for me."

He flips his hand over and brushes my cheek with his thumb. "You still look upset."

I answer him honestly, "More like concerned. You don't know Grant. Sometimes, losing only makes him want to win that much more. I'm just scared of what else he might do."

My eyes burn, and I bite back the tears that are forming.

Griffin tilts my head up, forcing me to look at him. "He won't. I made him promise not to fuck with you anymore."

"And did he?" I ask, desperately wanting to hear the word yes .

"He did. Repeatedly." His thumb swipes against my bottom lip.

I would say that's reassuring, but I'm not sure Grant's word holds any weight.

"Come on. Forget about him for right now. Let's enjoy the rest of the night."

Taking a deep breath, I sigh, "You're right. He's had enough of our time."

"That's my girl," he coos and holds his hand out, gesturing toward the dining room. "After you."

I step forward and lead the way back to the group. Everyone is lost in conversation, including Malik with Mrs. Potts. I can't imagine what they are possibly discussing.

Something grabs my attention, and I look down to where Malik's hands are clasped on the table. They look exactly like Griffin's. Did he help? Why would he do that?

"Dinner is ready, if you are?" Mrs. Potts addresses the group, and we answer her with a unanimous, "Yes."

Griffin pulls a chair out for me, and Lumi flashes me a smile as I sit down.

Lumi gives me a look that I interpret as, Where were you two?

Squinting at him, I roll my eyes, dismissing him.

Griffin sits next to me, and I suddenly realize that this kind of feels like a date. Well, perhaps if it wasn't shared with five other people—Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumi, Paul, and Malik.

Mrs. Potts serves all of us our food and drinks before sitting down and joining us. She made New York strips, asparagus, and mashed potatoes .

As I start to devour my plate, I am suddenly so upset I haven't asked her to cook dinner before because this is the best meal I have ever had in my entire life. Seriously, it's so good.

"Mrs. Potts, this is incredible," I praise her between bites, and she grins from ear to ear.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." She beams. "Save a little room for dessert."

"Can I marry you?" I ask her, and Griffin coughs, choking on his food next to me. I look at him, fighting back a smile. "Are you okay?"

"Yep," he responds, taking a sip of his water.

We finish enjoying Mrs. Potts's excellent cooking, including the most decadent crème br?lée for dessert. I am absolutely stuffed by the time I set my fork down next to my empty plate.

After a few minutes of listening to Malik and Griffin talk about hockey and my food baby has rested, I decide I can help clean up. I gather my and Griffin's plates and carry them to the kitchen. I set them down next to the sink before going to get more.

Turning back into the dining room, I come face-to-face with Griffin, who's holding two more plates in his hands.

I smile up at him, and he nods his head at me and continues into the kitchen. I gather the last of the dishes and help Griffin load them into the dishwasher.

"Thank you for helping me," I tell him as I load the final plate.

"Thank you for cleaning," he says, closing the door and starting it .

"Of course. It's the least I could do," I admit truthfully.

"Blair?" Lumi calls out and walks into the kitchen, immediately turning red as he sees Griffin and me talking. "Oh my God, I have the worst timing."

"You sure do," Griffin agrees, and I chuckle.

"Sorry about that." He pauses. "Paul and I are going to head out for the night."

"Okay, I'll walk you out." I can feel Griffin's gaze on me as I turn the corner and head toward the door. "Thank you guys for coming tonight."

"Are you kidding? This was the best. We had way better food than we could ever get in town, and it's in a mansion, for God's sake," Paul babbles, and I can't help but think of how perfect of a match he and Lumi are. "Thank you for having me."

Lumi hugs me as we hit the front door. "I love you. Have a good night. Can't wait to hear all about it."

Pulling away, I glare at him. "I love you too. And nothing is going to happen."

"Uh-huh. You should have seen the way he was looking at you all night. I bet it would take one word from you for him to be on his knees," he whispers, and I shoo him out the door.

"Yeah, yeah. Good night, guys!" I tell them as they walk outside.

"Good night!" Paul says and waves, dragging Lumi along with him.

Shutting the door behind them, I hear Griffin and Malik talking, but can't really make anything out. Walking on the balls of my feet, I quietly stalk back toward the dining room until I can hear what they are saying.

"He got what was coming to him. Thank you again, man. Seriously," Griffin says.

"I'd do anything for you, Griff. You know that. I'm glad she's doing better after what that prick pulled." He hesitates. "But I'd better get going. Are you sure you're good with me taking your truck tonight?"

"Yeah. Just pick me up for practice in the morning," Griffin says, his voice suddenly sounding much closer.

Quickly, I tiptoe back toward the door and put my hand on the handle like I am just closing it as they walk into the hallway.

"My favorite bookworm," Malik calls out and walks toward me.

"Hey, Malik. Thanks for coming tonight." I genuinely thank him. My dislike of him is slowly fading away, especially after tonight.

"No problem. Have a good night, you two. I'll see you in the morning," he tells Griffin before letting himself out.

My feet ache as I rock back and forth on my heels. "I am dying to put on some PJs and cozy socks right now. I'll be right back."

"I think I'll join you," Griffin says, and his eyes widen. "Join as in also change into cozy clothes. Not watch you change. Although I wouldn't mind—" He cuts himself off and huffs. "I'm going to change as well."

Pressing my lips together, I chuckle. "Got it. Real smooth."

He laughs and follows me to the stairs, once again offering me his hand to take, and even though I don't need his help, I slide my hand into his.

He helps me up the stairs and into the east wing, and we part ways at our rooms. The second I'm inside and shut the door behind me, I kick the shoes off and slide down to the floor.

What is he doing to me?

I think I'm losing my mind, or perhaps he's stealing it because he seems to be occupying it more and more every day.

After picking myself up off of the floor, I quickly change into one of my favorite sets—lacy red shorts and a camisole—before heading to see if Mrs. Potts needs help with anything else. But when I get downstairs, the kitchen is empty and spotless.

Opening the fridge, I grab a bottle of water and can't help but notice a container full of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Grabbing two, I take my water and hop onto the kitchen counter to enjoy my little treat.

I bite into the strawberry and practically moan from how good it is. I don't care what anyone says; this is the best dessert. Juicy, fresh strawberries covered in silky chocolate? Unbeatable.

"Can I have one too?" Griffin's deep voice cuts through the silence, making me jump. He's leaning against the entrance into the kitchen, wearing gray sweats and no goddamn shirt.

How long has he been standing there?

Is he not wearing a shirt just to torture me? Because it's working.

"You can have one out of the fridge." I gesture to the one next to me and grin before pointing at the one on the counter beside me. "That one's mine."

He saunters over to me and grabs my other strawberry, the one I just told him he couldn't have. "This one?"

He steps between my legs, forcing them apart, and I sharply inhale. I nod, answering his question, unable to form a single word.

"Open your mouth," he orders me, placing his hand flat on my upper thigh while pressing the berry to my lips.

Holding his stare, I challenge that sexy gleam in his eyes, but he doesn't back down, so I do as he asked.

He pushes the berry into my mouth, and I bite down, chocolate falling right onto my lap. Without hesitation, Griffin sets the strawberry down and grabs the pieces of chocolate from my thighs, tossing them into his mouth with a heated stare.

I'm too shocked to chew my bite, but I force myself to focus and swallow it before I end up choking on it.

"Mmm. That's good," he rasps, and my lips part at the sultriness in his voice. "The chocolate—it's good."

The chocolate, of course.

He leans further into me, forcing my hips to open to him completely. I do the only thing I can and secure my legs around his waist.

He places his arms on the counter next to my hips and leans forward, rolling his forehead against mine.

"Blair …" He draws my name out, and the need in his voice draws me closer to him. "What are you doing to me?"

A breathy scoff leaves my lips as I ponder the very same thing about him .

"Someone's coming," he states and pulls away from me before storming out of the room, leaving me a hot and confused puddle on the counter.

A second later, Chip walks into the kitchen with a water bottle in hand. He looks up and smiles at me, and I do my best to act normal and wave back.

I hop off of the counter, grab my now two-half-eaten berries and water, and walk away, trying to sort out what the hell just happened in there. I make my way to my room, just as hot and bothered as I started.

I set my stuff on my nightstand and jump into bed, grabbing my vibrator from the nightstand drawer. I need to get rid of this pent-up energy before I lose my mind. At least then, I'll be able to think a bit clearer.

Sliding under the covers, I slip my shorts off and turn the toy on.

I should have grabbed his face the second he pulled away and kissed him. God, his hand on my thigh has me soaking through my panties.

I've never been this turned on in my life, and it's driving me insane. Pressing the toy against my center, I gasp as the sensation lifts my back off of the bed.

"Ahh," I whimper as I imagine him grabbing my jaw and kissing me.

His hands slide up my sides, lifting my top off and leaving me bare.

Oh God, I can't imagine what his mouth would feel like, sucking on my nipples.

I'm so desperate for release. My orgasm is building fast. I won't last another thirty seconds if I'm lucky.

He picks me up off of the counter and carries me upstairs, sucking on my neck and biting my lip before plunging his tongue into my mouth.

That's all it takes to send me over the cliff with my arms spread wide, welcoming the descent into euphoria.

"Fuck, Griffin." I moan louder than I intended. I slam my mouth closed and ride out my orgasm against the toy as unbelievable pulses of pleasure rock through every cell of my body.

Knock, knock.

"Oh shit." I sit up and turn the vibrator over, frantically searching for the power button. "One second!"

I find it, shut it off, and chuck it into my nightstand before sliding my shorts back on.

"Come in!" I call out, patting my hair down and trying to slow my breathing.

Griffin opens the door, and my eyes widen.

Oh my God, what if he heard me?

"Are you okay?" He looks at me with a furrowed brow.

Shaking my head, I dismiss his concerns. "I'm perfectly fine. Why?"

"You're a bit, uhh … flushed ." He emphasizes the last word with a smirk on his full lips.

"Nope. Not at all." I try to change the subject. "Did you need something?"

He grins. "Yes, actually. Here, this is for you."

He walks over to the bed but remains standing and hands me a credit card.

But I just stare at him without taking it.

"What is that?" I ask, wondering why he wants me to do his shopping .

"I'm going to be gone for games this weekend, so I want you to have it in case you need anything."

He holds it closer to me, and this time, I hesitantly take it.

"I don't need this, Griffin," I tell him, knowing I'm not going to use it even if I do need something.

If he insists, I would feel bad, using his money like that.

"It would make me feel better, knowing you have it. I mean it though. Use it for anything. I don't care," he says, holding my gaze.

"Okay," I say, knowing he's not going to let it go until I agree. I set it down beside my water. "Thank you."

"Got to make sure my gir— tutor is taken care of." He smirks, and my stomach erupts with butterflies from what he almost said. "Try not to miss me too much."

He backs up to the door as I say, "I won't."

He fake stabs his heart and looks pained as he steps into the hallway. "Ouch. Good night."

"Good night, Griffin." I smile at him as he pulls my door closed.