Page 46 of Mocha Kisses

A shudder runs down my spine at his words. “You can’t just say things like that!”

“And yet? I just did. Get dressed, Luna. You have men waiting.” He straightens up and fixes his tie again before waltzing out of the room. I don’t miss the rather prominent bulge between his thighs. Those words weren’t just for me. Hearing his own words turned him on. The fantasy of sharing him with Griffin is a lot closer than I think.

Pushing that to the back of my head, I quickly change into the dress, surprised that it’s a near-perfect fit. I stare in the mirror, happy with the woman staring back at me. A few days ago, I was distraught and a complete mess. I’m still a bit of a mess but the woman staring at me looks happy. She has men who want to protect her, enjoy being with her, and don’t pressure her when she needs space. Yesterday was the perfect example of that.

My cheeks heat at the memory of Nova’s fingers stuffed in my pussy as Griffin fucked himself with Rome’s hand. I never thought I’d see that but I’m more than glad I did.

I shake my head and grab what I need from my bag, deciding to trust Rome and Griffin with my safety. It’s a big step but I’m ready. I think. When I emerge from the room, it’s like the entire room freezes, three sets of hungry eyes focused on my new attire. I suck in my bottom lip, waiting for a reaction but all I get is Griffin groaning and Rome raising an eyebrow before glancing at Nova. He shrugs, swipes a bite of one of the cinnamon rolls, and then jogs down the stairs.

“Damn, Luna. Not sure we’ll make it to the ceremony,” Griffin purrs as he saunters up to me. His hands are immediately on my waist, dragging me into his chest as he peppers kisses along my nose and cheeks. “Jokes. Obviously. Come on, we’ll be late.”

“We’re notgoingto the ceremony, are we?”

“No, but we need the lawn and I’m not sure you want to be caught with actual 22-year-olds asking who the fuck we are.”

He’s not wrong. Not in the slightest.

The ride to Red Brook is mostly silent as I continue working through Griffin’s manuscript, marking it up as I see fit. I’m curious to see how Noah will handle his brother and the three men who are madly in love with the main character. So far there’s been no resolution and Noah is at his breaking point. I can see that Griffin channeled his feelings into this one and it hurts reading it. Hurts knowing that I caused most of those feelings.

We make it to the football field and I see the spot where I told Griffin goodbye. Tears well up in my eyes at the memory but I smack those away. We’re creating new experiences and doing things right this time. Which means I get to pretend that this is my graduation day and I have the entire world ahead of me. I climb out of the car, laughing at my beat-up shoes paired with the deep blue dress Nova bought. It’s a testament to how well Griffin knows me that he didn’t buy me a pair of heels.

I had a very similar pair of shoes the day of graduation and not one person was going to talk me out of wearing them. Griffin comes up beside me and slides on my gown, the scarlet red accentuating the blue of my dress. He hands me my diploma and helps situate my hat on my head before stepping back to assess my outfit as I do the same for him. He’s in his own gown, the scarlet bringing out the deep gray color of his eyes. This is a moment for both of us, one that we’ll both treasure for the rest of our lives.

A camera snaps and I twist around to see Rome leaning against the car. “What? You look like long-lost lovers. Pose for another one.”

Griffin laughs and pulls me to his chest before smashing his lips to mine, bending me backward slightly. I reach up to grab my hat, Rome snapping another pic. I fall in love with their laughter as we maneuver in different positions, Rome taking endless pictures until he steps up to us and snaps a selfie. “What? I can’t get in on the love?”

“Of course you can, Rome,” I mention as I kiss him this time, Griffin taking over the camera. I’m not sure how long we spend there, making silly faces and sharing kisses and soft touches. A few parents I recognize from Spring Brook pass, a family that knew us when we were younger deciding to go out of their way to come speak to us. Rome’s arm is around my shoulder, Griffin flipping through the last several pictures when the older couple waltzes up to us.

“Fancy seeing you here! Engagement photos? No, that can’t be right. You’re already married!” The woman throws her head back and laughs as the man points to Rome.

He shakes his finger, obviously displeased at the situation. “You know it’s no good to be hanging off another man’s woman. Griffin has a lot of patience but don’t push it.” The man claps Griffin on the back, all three of us confused.Again.This is the second time in two days that someone has mentioned marriage. And it’s never been a question ofifwe are married. Everyone is so sure about it.

Rome chuckles but I can hear the nervous edge to it as his arm falls away. “Right. Just, uh, congratulating her? Let’s go. I have to get back to the bakery and you have… work to do.” I hold back a snicker at his uneasiness as we race to the car, none of us speaking until we pull out onto the road.

Griffin is the first to say something. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

“I’d love to but fuck if I know.” To be honest, I have a suspicion but I’m just hoping it’s not right.

My phone buzzes and I take a deep breath before pulling it out.

Max

how’s it coming along?

fine so far

should have another draft done soon

it’s not bad, just needed some work

he as terrible to work with as everyone says?

no. just quiet.

he isn’t at press conferences lol

Fuck. Yana just told me she’s packing up to head over to Spring Haven

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