Page 45 of Mocha Kisses

“You’re not leaving us, are you? You scared us a little bit this morning, sweetheart. Thought you were going to take off.”

“I just needed to process.”

“And now?”

“I’m starting to see that I’m safe here.”

Luna

ThenextmorningIfind myself on one of the bar stools again, Rome sliding me a fresh cup of mocha coffee and a cinnamon roll. He’s half asleep, his movements a little sluggish and that’s when I remember that he usually gets up at 3 or 4 am to start baking. It’s nearly 8 am so he couldn’t have had much sleep.

“Rome, are you going to be okay?”

“Huh?” His head jerks up and he collides with one of the open cabinets by the sink. “Fuck. Yeah.” A tired Rome is a hilarious one, the way he bumbles around and still makes me a perfect coffee. “I’ve got to get some items from the grocery store and then I’m closing the café at noon.”

I perk up with the mug halfway to my lips, tilting my head to the side. “Why are you closing? Isn’t it graduation day today? Rome…”

“Needed a day off, Luna. Besides, a few big orders came from the university for the ceremony that were delivered already so I think that it’ll be fine.” Rome starts rubbing his forehead as he closes the cabinet and then throws me a big smile. “Wanna come with me?”

I frown and shake my head. Grocery shopping? No, thanks. Not after catching Vera at the shops or dealing with yet another of those texts. Staying inside is safer. Besides, we don’t have a lot of time before Yana shows up and I’m expecting a call from Max any minute to check on my progress. Rome just shrugs and starts plating another cinnamon roll as Griffin saddles up behind me and kisses my cheek.

“You know it’s graduation, today?” I nod and he grins. “Wanna go? I never got to walk the stage with you, Luna. Hell, I missed my own graduation too.”

“What for?” I press. There’s no reason other than to live memories of a time that should have never ended. I should have never had to run. I stuff my face, intent on ignoring the issue. Griffin mentioned something this morning just before I ran into the shower—spouting shit about putting me between him and Nova. We both know I’m not ready for that but we also know that I want to be. “Why are you both looking at me like that?” I say after pushing the food into my cheeks. Rome chuckles and shakes his head as he scoots a plate to Griffin.

Griffin taps my arm and I turn to him, my brows furrowed. “I know you’re here as my editor but Luna, I was thinking last night. Well, Nova mentioned… a fresh start. Like, doing all the things you didn’t get to do.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean like your graduation and the little shopping sprees and the cute dates and everything. We’re not 22 anymore but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the small things.”

“Everyone thinks we’re fucking married. I don’t… what about Rome and Nova?”

A warm smile spreads across Griffin’s face. “We’re not going to worry about them. It’ll just be about us, okay?”

“How does this even work?” I don’t understand what Griffin is getting at. Reliving memories or creating ones I never got to have? That’s not even possible. Griffin takes off back to the bedroom, returning a few minutes later with a gown I remember and a leather book. He lays both on the kitchen counter, grinning at me like he’s won the lottery. I reach for the leather book, running my fingers along the golden embroidery set in the scarlet leather.Red Brook University.

When I open it, I’m shocked to see my name on that line.

“They let me collect it for you. Everyone knew we were dating so it wasn’t a hard sell and you left your robe with me so your mom didn’t get to it. Luna, today can beyourgraduation.” He steps closer, wrapping an arm around my waist. I bow my head and let the tears fall at what he’s offering. Griffin holds me against him as I cry, Rome reaching across the counter to grab one of my hands. I don’t deserve these men. Not one bit. “Let’s take some pictures, yeah? Make some memories.”

I can’t even find the words to speak so I just nod.

“Go on and get dressed. The bag is in my room.”

I give him and Rome a quick kiss before running into Griffin’s room, halting when Nova is there in a full suit, doing up his tie in the mirror. He catches my gaze through the reflection and his entire body tenses. “I didn’t think you’d be in here,” I say. “I’ll just…”

“No, it’s inevitable, Luna. As much as I hate suits, they come with the job. I don’t want to scare you so I’ll just get out of your way.”

“You don’t scare me, Nova. You did. I thought you were them. You’re obviously not. I couldn’t make the distinction at the time but I can now.” Even as I say those words, my heartbeat quickens. None of the other suited goons hold a candle to Nova but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a twinge of fear that I could blink and he’d be one of them. Nova turns around and moves toward me, curiously watching my reaction before pointing to the bed. “I heard you’re graduating today so I got you a little something.”

“What? I have-”

“Everyone needs something special for graduation, Luna. Besides, I can’t be there and if this is the only way I’m going to be in the picture, I’ll take it.” Nova steps closer as he pulls his hands behind his back and then leans down to place a soft kiss on my lips. “I alsoreallylike the color blue.”

My gaze drifts to the sundress on the mattress, splayed out. The thin-sleeved top morphs into a straight skirt that will hang past my knees. Every single curve and roll and handle will be on display but it seems that these men like that. They love every part of me regardless of how I feel about my body andthatmakes me feel more confident than I ever have. “I don’t take handouts, Nova.”

“And it isn’t one. Knowing that you’re wearing my clothing while you’re out with them?” His voice deepens several octaves, matching the deepening shades of blue in his eyes. “Luna, I can’t stop thinking about your taste on my tongue, the moment you let go in my hands. The little cries that spilled from your pretty lips as you came for us.” His hand moves to my cheek, the back of his fingers running across my skin. “If this is the closest I can get to touching you today, I’m going to take it.”

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