Page 79 of Make You Love Me

Greyson’s arms immediately encircle my waist and pull my body flush with his. No words are exchanged as he just stares at me with love and lust in his eyes. I can't help but crash my lips into his. We’re entwined with one another for several moments before I hear Ashley.

“Okay, you two. I can see where this is heading, and it's definitely not towards the front door.”

Greyson ignores her completely and pulls back just enough so he can look at my face. “You look absolutely stunning. If it was up to me, we’d be skipping out on this whole thing, and I would spend hours worshipping you.”

I slap him playfully on the chest. “Well, it’s a good thing it's not up to you. Besides, there's always later.”

“You bet your fine-ass there is,” he says, swatting my behind as I walk past him to grab my clutch.

“Come on, the car is waiting outside.”

I hear a yelp coming from Ashley, and I turn to see a devilish smirk on Trent's face. “You better behave, mister,” I say, wagging my finger at him. Trent just smiles at me and draws a cross over his heart.Liar.I know those two will sneak off the first chance they get.

“Wait! Before we go, can we get a pic with all of us?” I put down my bag and rummage through it for my phone.

“Fuck yeah, we look hot. Set it up over there.” Ashley points to the entryway table as a good spot to set up my phone. I set the timer and we take a series of photos. Some serious, some goofy, and of course some lewd ones.

My nerves get the best of me on the car ride, since I’m unsure of what I’ll be walking into. I’ve been to many fundraisers with Gigi and Papa, but never one that supported a cause so dear to me. I hope I can make it through with my wits still intact. Greyson places his large hand on my thigh, squeezing lightly. “I’ll be there for you all night, wherever you need me.” I guess I'm not doing a good job hiding my anxiousness.

“Thank you. I didn’t realize how nervous I was.”

“I get it, but you got this. You’re one of the strongest people I know Lottie Richmond.” That puts a smile on my face.

Leaning over I give him a light kiss. “Let’s do this.”

I'm in awe at the splendor of the grand ballroom. The room is filled with women in gorgeous gowns and men in their finest suits and tuxes. The smooth strumming of the string quartet fills the space along with the light chatter amongst the guests.

I’ve lost count of how many hands I’ve shaken and how many introductions I’ve had. All give me condolences once they’re made aware the Richmond Research Fund was set up in honor of my mother.

Within an hour of my arrival, I’ve had just about enough of Ethel parading me around, but I understand the importance of tonight. I’m doing this for the foundation, my mother's legacy. Not Ethel. At times, it becomes a bit overwhelming meeting and making small talk with so many people, but I'm thankful for all the familiar faces I see in the crowd. They’re always there to make me laugh or smile, or hand me a shot of liquid courage when I need it. There must be several hundred people here, most of whom seemed enthralled with my grandmother.

Through it all, I never lose sight of Greyson, or better yet, he never loses sight of me. He’s by my side when I need him and knows when to let me be on my own. Especially when it comes to discussions with some very important people in the clinical research community. My rock, myanchor.

During one of my many social breaks, I find myself sitting amongst Smith and Gunnar. Trent and Ashley are lost in each other's arms on the dance floor. I love the fact that they get to enjoy this time together out in the open.

“So, what do you think the big-ticket item this year will be?” Gunnar asks.

“Oh, you know, probably one of the usual. Some fancy all-expenses paid weekend away… last year wasn’t it a week-long yacht cruise around the Keys?” Smith responds.

I turn my focus to the two. “How long have you guys been coming to this?”

Gunnar looks to Smith then back to me. “We started in its inaugural year, so maybe four years now?”

“Yep, this is our fifth event. But it's funny how up until this year, Ethel never mentioned Leah’s daughter. And now you’re the center of every interaction,” Smith mentions with a sour look on his face. We both gaze in Ethel’s direction where she’s currently talking to a large group of people. They all seem to be laughing and enjoying their time.She really knows how to turn on the charm, doesn’t she?

“Wow, I didn’t realize that.” Surprise is surely written on my face. I mean, it makes sense why a few of the people I was introduced to seemed stunned at first. Why wouldn’t Ethel have mentioned me? Was she embarrassed that I was being raised by her parents and not living with her in North Carolina?

“But you bet your ass our table is the best one at this thing. No others can compare. Not only are we the best looking, but our dance moves are unmatched.” Gunnar laughs.

“Keep telling yourself that!” comes from a man I recognize from the cookout the other weekend. The whole table starts laughing.

“Lottie, they’re all jealous, they know I’m the best. I’ll have to show you my killer dance moves later,” Gunnar winks at me.

Smith grabs my hand. “Ignore that moron… in all seriousness Lottie, I’m so happy to be here for you… for her. Whatever I can do to help.”

“Thank you, that means a lot to me.”

“I’ve been watching Greyson all night. His eyes haven’t left you for a minute. I’m glad to see you two together. He’s so protective over you, I'm actually surprised he’s not here now.”

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