Page 101 of Tangled Kisses
“What time is it?” My voice is thick with sleep.
He leans down, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to my lips that sends warmth curling through me. “Five,” he murmurs against my mouth. “I was trying so hard not to wake you.”
“Five?” I groan, tugging the blanket higher. “That’s practically the middle of the night.”
A low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he straightens. “Stable work doesn’t wait. It’s early mornings, long days. But it’s okay. It’s all going to be worth it in the end.”
“You’re working so hard,” I whisper, watching him tuck in his shirt.
He shrugs, easy but determined. “That’s an understatement. I’ve got a busy couple of days ahead, but I’ll find time for you.” He bends to kiss me again, softer this time, like he’s reluctant to let go.
When he finally leaves, the door clicking shut behind him, I flop back into the pillows with a giddy little squeal. My fingers trace over my skin, remembering every place his hands touched last night. I didn’t know I had nerves there, but damn if he didn’t bring every inch of me to life.
God, I can’t wait to tell Piper. She’ll scream right along with me. I want to shout it from the rooftops: I’m falling in love with Griffin Topete, and he’s everything.
Still buzzing, I slide out of bed and into the shower, humming under my breath. By the time I towel off, the world feels scrubbed clean, wide open with possibility. I settle at my laptop, pulling up emails while sipping my first cup of coffee.
And then I see it—my quarterly 401k statement.
For years, I’ve scrimped and saved, watching that number slowly climb. Careful. Responsible. Always telling myself it was for someday.
But staring at the balance now, a wild thought takes root. I could cash out part of it, help Griffin start his business.
The idea sends champagne bubbles fizzing through my veins. He wouldn’t have to worry about Portland, or Lauren, or leaving. We could stay here together.
Normally, I’d never consider something so rash. But Griffin feels like the greatest gamble I’ll ever take. Isn’t love the only investment that matters?
I take a deep breath. The next time I see him, I’ll sit him down and talk about it. He has a business plan, and now I do too—one that doesn’t require the promise of a marriage.
Although if I’m being honest, I’m not exactly opposed to the idea. Not with someone like Griffin.
On my way to get dressed, I catch sight of myself in the mirror, cheeks flushed, eyes still shining from last night.
“Reese Topete,” I whisper, then snort and roll my eyes at my reflection. “Get a grip, girl. Don’t scare the man off already.”
Still, the smile lingers. Deep down, a tiny part of me wonders—maybe, justmaybe—it isn’t such a crazy thought after all.
The scentof coffee and warm pastries hits me as soon as I step into the breakfast bar. It’s cozy, a little rustic, with a spread of muffins, fruit, and eggs set out for guests and staff alike. I’m still glowing from last night, still humming under my breath as I grab a plate.
Too bad the glow doesn’t last.
Sabine slides up beside me, her perfume sharp against the steam of coffee. With a little hip-check that nearly sends me into the buffet, she grins. “Ooh, somebody got lucky last night.”
I bristle but force a smile. “Are you referring to yourself or to me?”
She laughs, low and knowing. “Don’t play coy, Reese. I saw Griffin leaving your room at the crack of dawn. Walk of shame, anyone?”
Heat crawls up my neck. “That’s really none of your business.”
“Oh, honey.” Her voice drips with condescension. “Don’t take it the wrong way. I hope he made you see God.” She leans in close and arches a brow. “Especially since your sister lined him up for you.”
The fork clatters from my hand. “Excuse me? What are you talking about?”
Sabine waves a manicured hand, casual as anything. “I don’t know if it was serious or just a joke, but…” She gestures vaguelytoward me. “What does it matter? You got laid, you had your orgasms. End of story. And trust me, sweetheart—around here, everyone knows how good he is.”
Her dismissive words sting as she hands me back my joy in broken shards.
Desperate for balance, I reach for some fruit, but Sabine refuses to back away.
