Page 108 of Dream Girl
It was here where I’d explained sex to her after she’d been so confused after her biology class. I’d shown her how it worked here. We’d tried out my knot in here.
This was also where we’d bonded. I hadn’t just bonded her, she’d bitten me back–on the shoulder, where my military tattoo now was. It just hadn’t left a mark. That was another reason to believe that she had been close to being a full omega.
The last time I’d seen her in my dreams had been here, too.
Scooping her up, I tossed her on the bed, like I had so many times in our dreams.
She giggled. “Are you going to cover me with blankets, too?”
“Of course.” I took off her shoes.
Like I had when she’d had a bad day and needed cuddles and comfort, I piled all the blankets around her, including the ones in my closet.
“Here.” I handed her another one of my stuffed animals to hold since we didn’t have Mr. Hippo.
Taking off my own shoes, I climbed in with her and pulled her to me and began to purr.
Memories of all the times I’d done this hit me. It had been one of my favorite things–to be able to comfort and care for her. She’d been so fucking neglected back home, even before the mistreatment really started.
“I remember this.” Tears pricked her eyes as she looked up at me.
“I love you so much.” I kissed away the tears. “Grace, I’ll love you until the end of the universe.”
“I love you, too, to the end of the universe. I… I never want to leave you again.”
I held her tight to me. “You never have to. Promise.”
She was mine, and I’d never let her go. Ever.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Brennan
“What do you think? Pass? It’s really run down,” my business partner and longtime friend Terrance asked after we finished touring the estate I was considering buying. Terrance was almost as tall as me, but broad, his brown head shaved bald.
“The gardens, though.” That’s what made this place extra special. But it was more run-down than I’d expected.
“The upkeep will get expensive,” he countered. “It’s also not very big.”
“Some of our properties aren’t that large. What about an event venue instead of a boutique hotel?” I threw out, as we walked back toward his car and my motorcycle. As we toured it, Evan’s suggestion kept playing in my head.
Even if he wanted to marryGracehere.Ugh. I’d gotten pictures of them going to the home store, baking a cake, and decorating the backyard for Wes’ party like a happy couple.
Terrance thought for a moment, stroking his dark goatee. “Like for weddings and mating parties?”
“Yes. Along with excellent eighteenths, pack celebrations, awakening parties, and gala dinners. Outdoors in late spring through early fall, indoors the rest of the time, but there might be a few rooms available for the happy couple or whatever,” I suggested. “We don’t have a property that does this. While it is a little far for a weeknight party, that might appeal to people.”
He shrugged. “But we’re high-end. How much would we have to invest in it so it would hold up to the brand standards, and could the market bear those costs?”
“True.” I’d have someone run the numbers. We dealt only in ultra-luxury or very special hotel properties. I checked my phone. “I should head back. It’s Wes’ birthday today. They’re throwing him a barbecue.”
“Um, about Wes. Is he courting someone? Last night, my wife and I were over at the lake under the East Bridge with the twins, and well, he was in the paddle boats with this little blonde who was definitelynotEvan.” Terrance pulled up a picture on his phone.
He showed me a photo of Wes and Grace in a boat at sunset, her head on his shoulder.
“Fuck.” Anger welled up in me.
“You didn’t know. Sorry.” He put his phone away. “It isn’t my business, but you know, after Caroline and everything.”
