Chapter Eighteen
Griffin
Avery’s cheeks were flushed, her hair mussed, her nipples visible through the soft silk of her robe. I wanted to stay, to run my hands up her thighs, between her legs, breathing in her scent, wrapped up in her limbs. I’d wanted it more than I’d ever wanted anything, more than the success of my company, more than my next breath.
I couldn’t understand why she thought she was incapable of emotions, of feelings, of living life to the fullest. She was adventurous in bed, letting me take her where she needed to go. She never once tried to take control or shutter her emotions. I hadn’t been alone. She was with me during every touch, kiss, and move.
I tightened my fingers around the steering wheel, worried Avery would feel differently in the light of day. She’d pull back, putting space between us, telling herself it was nothing but sex, an excellent fuck after an amazing date, but it wasn’t. She was more than that. She was everything I wanted and needed in my life. I’d make her believe in us, in what we had together, and what we could be.
I was used to selling people on the vision of my software, on the reach of my company, but my greatest challenge would be convincing Avery Arrington that we were amazing together. It would probably be the most difficult thing I’d attempted other than taking on Declan but if she gave in to me, into the idea of us, she would be the greatest addition to my life.
She gave me hope, meaning, and purpose. Now if I could only convince her that we had potential.
The next week, I hummed with energy. I researched possible investment opportunities. I even looked at my notes for the software program I’d hoped to develop with my old company. It was the one thing I’d never discussed with Damon. Maybe some small part of me knew he wasn’t trustworthy.
I could develop the software, test it, then shop it around. I didn’t need a partner. I could do this on my own. The first few months after Damon and Lorelai’s betrayal, I was angry, confused as to how I’d missed them screwing around under my nose, convinced I’d never be able to focus on developing anything again. I wanted to sell the company, my condo, leaving California behind.
The sale of the company only brought more media attention to how my relationship ended. Not to mention, when I found out they were cheating on me, they weren’t embarrassed. Damon and Lorelai were a happy couple as if the years I spent with her meant nothing. It was too much.
I was grateful for the additional time I had with Julian, but when he died, my life was upended again. I put everything I had into making sure Declan was okay, being the best father figure I could be, despite my reservations about my qualifications. Then I met Avery, things were different. They were better.
I felt hope for the future. It was the first time I’d felt any desire to work again. My creative juices were flowing. I spent hours while Declan was at camp, working. Avery came over in the evenings, or I called her for a video chat. Talking to her was the highlight of my day, but we hadn’t had alone time since our date at the yacht club.
I’d thoroughly researched Kids Speak’s operations in New Orleans, calling the director there to get more information. Hadley’s program was successful, valued by both the parents and the schools. I was convinced Hadley knew what she was doing and was right to expand into Annapolis.
I wanted to be involved in a local program that helped kids. I couldn’t think of a better use of money except possibly Cade’s nonprofit, Morrison Rebuilds. We’d exchanged numbers at the Kids Speak charity, so I’d reached out to see if we could meet up.
He had a slow day today, so he was able to meet for lunch at Federal House. When I walked in, he was sitting at one of the high-top tables by the bar, watching sports highlights on the TV.
Cade stood when he saw me, shaking my hand. “Hey.”
“Thanks for meeting with me.”
Cade settled back into his seat. “No problem. I had some free time today.”
I sat across from him. When the waitress stopped by, I asked for water. “I wanted to talk to you about Morrison Rebuilds. I remember what you’d said at the fundraiser, did some digging online, but the stories are the before and after photos. I want to know how you’re operating, what you need.”
Cade raised his brow. “Thinking of investing?”
“Possibly. I haven’t been involved in any projects since I left California. I think it’s time to get back in the game.”
“Sure. We renovate properties for families who need their homes to be handicapped accessible. I joined forces with my brother recently, hoping to take on more projects.”
So far, it sounded promising. “Where do you get your funding?”
The waitress stopped by, we ordered sandwiches, and she took our menus.
When she left, Cade focused on me. “Some families have grants through the government, we fund the rest.”
It wasn’t good business to fund the projects himself especially if it had a negative impact on his cash flow. I respected him because of his selfless act to make a difference in people’s lives. It was impressive. “You can’t keep doing that.”
A pained expression crossed his face. “I know. It’s draining our profits, but once I know what the family needs, it’s hard to stop when the budget doesn’t cover it.”
“I get that.” My brain hummed with ideas. This is what I wanted to do, step in to help nonprofits that needed the money. They were making a real difference, not just using the charity to promote their name or other business endeavors.
“Dylan is working with us to raise more money, get investors, to take the pressure off so we could focus on construction, not the money side of things.”
I’d seen what Dylan did for Kids Speak, she had talent. “Should I be talking to her?”
“Both of us. I’d like to stay in the loop.”
“I can do that. Can I see one of your projects?”
“Of course. We have one in progress if you’d like to see that one after lunch?”
“Definitely.” Now that I’d made the decision to get back into investing, I was eager to be involved. The familiar motivation to do something meaningful was back in full force.
Talk turned to what it was like growing up in Annapolis. The food arrived and we dug in.
When our plates were pushed back, I said, “Thanks for meeting with me.”
“I’m glad we have another male in our circle. It’s all women if you know what I mean.”
Hadley, Dylan, and Avery. “I don’t know if I’m in your circle exactly.”
“Aren’t you dating Avery?” Cade’s posture stiffened.
“We’ve been seeing each other,” I said cautiously. Labels would irritate Avery. Cade knew I took her out the other night, but I wasn’t sure what she’d shared with her friends.
Cade’s eyes settled on mine. “Avery’s special. She’s been through a tough time. Hadley worries about her.”
“I’m glad she has good friends.” I was happy she had a good support system. She acted like she was alone, but she wasn’t.
Cade gave me a pointed look. “If you hurt her, I’ll hear about it.”
“I have no intention of hurting her.” I respected that Avery’s friends looked out for her, but I worried she’d be the one to hurt me and Declan.