“Where are you parked?” Drew asks Griffin.
“There.” Griffin points at his Jeep parked in front of the hotel.
“I’m right beside you. Let’s just take mine,” Drew says and starts walking toward his car while Griffin and I head to his Jeep. “We’re right behind you,” Drew calls out to us.
Griffin walks me to the passenger side of his Jeep and opens the door for me. “It’s really good to see you, Peyton,” he says before closing the door and making his way to his side.
“I’m sorry in advance for anything the four of them say or do while we are having lunch.”
“It’s fine, Peyton. I promise I can handle it.”
“Do you have a lot of experience with this kind of thing? Meeting the family?”
“No. I already told you that I don’t.”
“Then how could you possibly know that you can handle it?”
“Because you’re going to be there with me. I’m pretty damn sure I could endure a whole hell of a lot just to get to sit next to you.”
“You can’t say things like that,” I blurt as I place my hand over my quivery belly.
“What? Why not? It’s the truth.”
“Because it causes my belly to be queasy.”
“Good queasy or bad queasy?” he asks.
“Good. Like a swarm of butterflies.” I feel stupid for saying any of that out loud, but the smile he gives me tells me he’s glad I did.
“Noted.” He winks as he pulls out onto the road.
CHAPTER 8
Griffin
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when Peyton called earlier. What I did know was that she was asking to spend time with me, and considering tomorrow is her last day here, I was all in.
It turns out her family is pretty amazing. I’ve been sitting here in the back room of my father’s restaurant talking to her uncle and brothers-in-law like we’ve known each other for years. Parker and Peyton keep up with the conversation like pros, and I like this girl even more, knowing how much she not only knows about the game that I love but how much she seems to love it too.
Our plates are empty, and our bellies are full. I’m holding Peyton’s hand under the table, and although it makes me feel as if I’m back in middle school, I’m not willing to let go either. I’m already counting down how many hours I have left with her, and I do not like the number.
“Well, we should get going,” Parker says, standing. “I know that the two of you have plans later.”
“Not until dinner,” I speak up. I look over at Peyton. “She doesn’t think I can make a steak tender enough to cut with a fork,” I tell her family.
“I’m just saying I’ve never had that before.”
“Well, if the meal today was any indication, my guess is he’s going to prove you wrong.” Drew smiles at us.
“Are you all done for the day?” Peyton asks them.
“Yes, and I’m headed to the hotel to video call my family.” Cameron reaches for his wallet as the server comes in. He tries to hand him his card, telling him to put it all on his.
“I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Anthony has insisted that today’s meal be on the house,” Todd, a longtime employee of Anthony’s, tells him.
“Did you do this?” Cameron asks me.
“No. But I’m not surprised by it either. That’s just my dad.” I shrug. “In fact, I’m shocked he didn’t stop in and say hi, but I’m sure he was respecting your family time. He knows we get Peyton to ourselves tonight.”
“Please thank him for us.” Parker smiles at me.
I nod. “I’ll be sure to tell him.”
Cameron reaches into his wallet and pulls out a wad of cash, then hands it to Todd. “This is for you. Thank you for a great meal and service,” he tells him.
We stand, and I make it a point to go to Parker first. Instead of shaking her hand, I pull her into a hug. “It was nice to meet you,” I tell her.
“Hey, now, hands off my girl,” Holden says. He’s joking, but I also think he’s half serious.
I laugh it off and offer him my hand and do the same with Cameron and Drew. I step back and stand next to Peyton. I want to entwine my fingers with hers, but I’ve already pushed the boundaries, and I don’t want her family to think I’m going to maul her to death. That’s not what this is. Not to mention that it’s only been days, and I shouldn’t feel this need to touch her and be near her. Not this soon.
“Are you coming back to the hotel?” Parker asks her sister.
Peyton looks up at me for direction. “My mom’s at the house. We can head over there if you want?”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” she agrees, turning to look at her sister. “We’re going to head on over to Griffin’s.”
“I have the address,” Parker assures her.
“Wait.” This comes from Drew. “You have his address?” he asks, pointing at me.
“Of course I do. She went over there yesterday, and no way was I letting her go to some strange guy’s house and me not know how to find her.”
“Your dad would be so proud,” Drew boasts.
Parker winks at Peyton. “Us Monroe girls have to stick together.”
“Trust me,” Holden says, “they do stick together.”
“Get used to it,” Cameron says as if it’s a forgone conclusion that Peyton is mine.
I like it.
“It’s good to know she’s got support.”
“You have no idea,” Peyton mutters, and everyone laughs.
“Be safe and have fun,” Parker says, hugging her sister.
“Always.” She looks up at me. “Ready?”
“If you are.” She nods, and this time, I do reach out to touch her. I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her out of the room. I know that her family is behind us, but I can’t seem to find it in me to care. I really like this girl, and I can’t help myself where she’s concerned.
“Is your mom really home?” Peyton asks once we’re in my Jeep and headed toward my place.
“She is. At least she’s supposed to be.” I reach over and place my hand on her thigh. “Hey, we don’t have to go yet if you don’t want to,” I tell her.
“No. It’s fine. I was just curious.”
“I won’t lie to you. Ever,” I assure her.
“I don’t trust easily. I’ve seen my sisters go through guys who used them, and even though they’ve both found their perfect match, I’m still a little skeptical, you know?”
“I get it. Your family is in the spotlight, and I can’t even imagine the assholes who have tried to use you to get to them.”
“I’m glad you’re not one of them,” she says, surprising me.
“I’m glad you can see that I’m not.”
“I was worried when you first met Cam and Holden, but you proved me wrong. Or I guess you could be a damn good actor.”
“I’m real with you. Always. You get me straight to my core.”
“You’re going to make some girl very happy someday,” she muses.