Chapter 20

Cheyanne

I couldn't takemy eyes off Chandler as he rested peacefully. The sun had just started to rise, and there wasn't a more beautiful sight than its rays on his face. I was head over heels in love with this man, and it felt too soon. Maybe I'd always been in love with him and finally felt comfortable enough to let it flow through my mind and heart.

His eyes slowly opened, and I felt like a creep because he caught me staring down at him as he slept. It didn't make me look away though. We mirrored each other's smiles. Chandler's hand went to the back of my neck. He pulled me down to his lips and pecked mine three times before releasing me.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Do you want to meet Papa?" I blurted before I lost the courage to.

His head tilted and eyebrows wrinkled as he processed my words. "Right now?"

"Only if you want to."

Chandler pushed me off him, causing me to fall back onto the bed. I laughed as he hopped out of bed.

"What the hell are you doing, Chandler?"

"I can't meet my future grandfather-in-law wearing last night's clothes."

My eyes rolled as my laughter died down, but his excitement made my heart light. I knew he'd been waiting for this moment for a while, so I got why he was so ready to go.

"I didn't mean this exact moment, babe. It's still super early."

"I don't care. I just want to be ready to go before you change your mind."

On my knees, I scooted to the edge of the bed and tugged him in my direction by a belt loop on his pants as he zipped them. I kissed his chest.

"I'm not going to change my mind. I promise."

Chandler kissed my forehead, then my lips. "All right. I'm still going to go and get dressed. How about breakfast before we go to see him?"

"That sounds good."

"Okay. I'll be back shortly."

A smile covered my face as he grabbed the rest of his things and left. This was a big step for me, but I was confident it was the right one.

After Breakfast

"Hmm."

Chandler's fingers tapped his thigh as we entered Papa's neighborhood. If I could see inside his brain, I bet I would find turning wheels. There was no doubt in my mind that he knew the history of this neighborhood, but still, I asked, "What's on your mind?"

"This neighborhood is hard to get into," he started, looking over at me briefly. "Not only are the houses millions of dollars, but it's extremely exclusive. They won't let just anyone with money live here. The vetting process is extensive."

"That's true."

"Your grandfather is either very wealthy and prolific in the entrepreneurial world or he's into politics. Which one is it?"

Pride had me smiling and cupping my hands in my lap. "Papa is very prolific. He is an entrepreneur. I'll be more surprised that you don't recognize him than if you do."

"Hmm…" he repeated, and I giggled. He was determined to figure this out on his own instead of just waiting. "How old is he? Is he a millionaire or billionaire? If he's a billionaire, it's only one of two options. Really just one. There are two billionaires in The Hills. Port Green and Robert Lang. Robert's family lives the typical socialite lifestyle. So it can't be him. It's either Port Green or a man on his way to becoming a billionaire but not quite there yet. It can't be Green, though."

"Why don't you think it would be Green?"

As we pulled into the driveway, Chandler eyed me. "Is it?"

"Why don't you think it's him? I'm just curious and want you to continue your deductive reasoning."

"I did my thesis on him. He's my inspiration. I mentored at his company. From my research on him, his family tree was public. If I saw you on it, I'd remember."

I didn't respond right away. I waited until we were at the front door to say, "Babe, you remember I changed my name, right?" He looked down at me skeptically. "I made my mom's middle name my last name. That's why you couldn't find any information on me."

"What was your last name?" he asked as I rang the doorbell.

I remained silent, feeling like I was about to burst. Knowing he admired Papa made this even better.

"Cheyanne."

"Yes?"

"What was your last name?"

As the door unlocked, I told him, "Green."

Papa opened the door as Chandler said, "No fucking way!" His eyes shifted from me to Papa, who looked at us both in amusement. "Cheyanne! Your grandfather is the Port Green? Hell yeah!" The men shook hands as Chandler said, "Sir, I love your granddaughter, but I love you a little more. You're my idol. From a business standpoint, you're my blueprint. Wow. It's truly an honor to be in your presence."

Papa chuckled as he pulled Chandler in for a hug, but I was stuck on him saying he loved me.

"It's an honor to meet you too, Mr. Jones. I've done my research on you, and from what I've heard, you're well on your way to not just getting where I am but to surpass me as well. I have waited to meet you since my granddaughter told me she started working for you. It always fills me with pride to see a young Black man making waves legally and building a legacy for his family."

"I'm hurt that she didn't tell me you were you," Chandler said as they walked into the house and left me at the door. "I mean, I get her hesitation because of who you are, but Jesus Christ. It's like I'm meeting Michael Jackson."

Papa's hearty laughter bounced against the walls, and I knew he was just eating this up with a wide spoon. Chuckling, I closed and locked the door behind me. I didn't even bother following them because their little bromance was enough to make me gag. It was cute, though; I couldn't lie. I didn't think I'd ever get to see Chandler in such a childlike state, but I was happy he was finally able to meet someone he admired so much.

I let them have their time before joining them. By the time I did, they were talking about sports. That somehow led to business, music, and politics. Then, they were on to family and our relationship. At that point, I cut in to say, "Y'all are just best friends already and have completely forgotten about me."

Chandler walked over to me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. "I could never forget about you, beautiful."

"Good answer," Papa replied, beaming.

We talked for a while more and ended the day with them agreeing to play golf that weekend. They asked if I wanted to come, but I told them to have at it. As Chandler and I prepared to leave, Papa asked to speak with me privately. When we made it to his study, I said, "Yes, Papa?"

"He comes from a good family, and he seems like a good man. Does he make you happy?"

"He does."

"Can I trust him with you?"

"You can."

"And you both are on the same page with where you want this to go?"

"We are."

"Good, then you have my blessing. Go forth, and don't let anything stand in the way of your pursuit of love and happiness with that charming young man."

Having Papa's approval was like the final piece of confirmation I needed that choosing to be with Chandler was the right choice to make.

Later that Evening

By the timewe made it back to my penthouse, Chandler was seemingly coming down from his high of meeting the Port Green, in his words. I was happy that my two favorite guys hit it off and were like two peas in a pod.

"I'm gonna walk you up, then I need to head to my place to get some files. How do you want to do our sleeping arrangements tonight?" he asked.

With a shrug, I leaned against the elevator wall. "Doesn't matter."

His head tilted as he looked from my toes to the top of my head. "Come here, Cheyanne."

I took slow, small steps in his direction as he hit the button to stop the elevator. "Yes?" His arms wrapped around me.

"Thank you for trusting me enough to introduce me to your grandfather. I think we're going to have a great relationship, but I want to remind you that I'm not with you for him; I'm with you for you." I nodded, head bowing briefly. His fingers on my chin lifted it. "The only time I see you dim your light is when it comes to your past. I made a joke earlier that I probably shouldn't have."

"What was that?"

"That I loved you, but I loved him more."

We shared a quiet chuckle before I nibbled on my cheek. "Yeah, I knew you were just playing, but it kind of did sting. That was a me thing, though, so I wasn't going to mention it."

"I was joking when I said I loved him more." He paused, placing a sweet kiss to my lips. "I've never loved anyone more than I love you."

His statement caught me so off guard my exhale was vocal as I gripped his forearms.

"Wait, what?"

"I'm in love with you. I've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. I've been single since we met because when you came into my life, there was only room in my heart for you. So… yes, I have admired your grandfather for his business tactics and ethics, but he changes nothing when it comes to you for me. I'm with you because of you, and I am so happy and in love with you."

The pads of his thumbs wiped away my tears. We were so in sync it was scary. Just this morning, I questioned if it was too soon for me to feel the way I did, but he was right—this wasn't new. This had been brewing since the day we met.

"I'm in love with you too. Thank you for saying this, babe. I can't tell you how much I needed to hear all of it."

"I have no problem reminding you that I'm with you for you, but I plan on showing you every day with my actions, for as long as you'll let me."

He had no idea. Now that I knew I was safe with him and that my grandfather approved, he wouldn't ever be able to get rid of me.