He knew, he knew all too well. “After the divorce I felt many of those feelings, Ginny. I felt like I failed somehow. But it’s not your fault. The only fault you have is trusting and loving the wrong person.”
She nodded. “So I didn’t know where to go or who to talk to and I found myself at Dane’s house.”
His body stiffened at the mention of his brother, despite hoping she’d admit she’d seen him.
“And…”
“I’m not sure why I went there, I guess I was hoping he’d reassure me that it wasn’t true.”
“Did he?” The image of her being embraced by his brother, their limbs entwined, came back to his mind, sending a surge of jealousy through him.
“Well, I got there and I started crying and I’m sure babbling like an idiot, I don’t really remember. And I fell to sleep on the sofa with him and when I woke up, we talked and he made me see the truth.”
“How did he do that?” He could see she was telling the truth. She had no interest in Dane.
The issues he was having were his problem, not hers. If it was Dane she wanted she’d be there, but she wasn’t, she was there with him. Where she wanted to be.
“He told me you worked all night last night. But more than that he made me realize how perfect we are for each other. And how I need to trust you, because that’s what you deserve.”
Chapter 17
~ Genevieve ~
Genevieve waited on bated breath, waiting for him to say something – anything. She didn’t expect for this to go down like it was. He was much more standoffish, as if he were angry with her. But she hadn’t done anything wrong. Well, not really.
The memory of being cuddled tight to Dane and the mysterious thump that had woken her came to mind and it all became clear. He’d gone to Dane’s house hoping to figure out where she was and discovered her sleeping on the sofa with Dane.
“You went to Dane’s house this morning looking for me, didn’t you?”
He took a deep breath in and slowly released it. “I did.”
“And you saw us sleeping together.”
“Yes.”
“It wasn’t what you think. I was up all last night planning an incredible day for us and after seeing Emma all these emotions came to the surface. By the time I got to Dane’s I was just…
spent... Next thing I know I’m waking up to you slamming the door as you left – at least I assume that was you.”
“I’m not sure what I think it was, or how I feel about it.” Despite his words she could see his features softening.
“I made a mistake of going to Dane, but he’s the only one I know who knows you and…”
She chewed at her lower lip, not sure what to say to make it right. “But, I can’t not be friends with Dane. He’s your brother, he’s going to be around so we have to move on. I know now what happened in Vegas doesn’t matter anymore. He may look like you, but he’s not you.”
His stony expression broke and he smiled at her, sending a wave of warmth through her.
“Come here.”
With a sigh, she slipped into his arms, pressing herself against him. But as soon as her arms closed around his neck the fact he’d been working all night and she’d interrupted him in the middle of an intense workout came rushing to her.
She cringed as she pulled away from him.
“What?” Despite his question, she could tell he knew what her issue was.
“I think you need a shower.”
He laughed as he stood. “What you smell, baby, is 100 percent man.”
She grinned at him in response. “It’s nasty. Like you’ve run a marathon.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet and back into his arms. She squealed and pushed at his chest, but was seriously overpowered. “Yes, I did just finish a pretty intense workout.”
Giving in, she laughed. “Shower and I’ll give you anything you want.”
He cocked a brow up at her and grinned. “Anything?”
“Anything. Today my intention was to make this the perfect day for you, just like you do every day for me. Emma may have ruined the morning, so I’ll have to make up for it this afternoon.”
He released her and his grin widened. “Then by all means, who am I to get in the way of your plans?”
~*~*~*~
~ Genevieve ~
“Oh my God, this is incredible!” Genevieve rushed to the small two-person table, which was set with two place settings but the food had yet to arrive, all set up on the rooftop of one of the highest buildings in Manhattan. The table was surrounded by electric floor lamps, which looked like little lanterns suspended four feet in the air from iron holders that gave off a soft golden glow, although they really didn’t need the extra light. The night sky was clear, the stars challenging the full moon to be the most beautiful element in the sky.
She slowly spun around, her face tilted upward admiring the sky and attempting to pick out the individual constellations. She was able to pick out a number of them, but her curiosity over the rest of the rooftop overrode her desire to peer up into the sky.
“How did you manage this?” she asked as she rushed over to the edge of the building. There was a three-foot concrete barrier that surrounded the perimeter of the rooftop, with another foot of iron railing atop the concrete.
“The owner of the building had some issues with break-ins and I managed to catch them in the act. He allowed me access to the rooftop and the kitchen as a thank you.”
Laughing, she leaned her forearms against the cool iron railing and leaned forward, attempting to peer down the dozens of stories to the ground. Graham’s arms wrapped around her from behind and his lips brushed across her ear. He felt so good, the warmth of his body beckoning her to relax back into him. He felt so right.
“Look straight ahead.”
She lifted her gaze and looked straight out and gasped, waving her finger out into the darkness. “It’s the Statue of Liberty! Wow, you can see straight out into the water.” As she further inspected the area, she noticed dozens of tiny lights out into the water, presumably boats.
He chuckled softly and kissed her temple. “That’s why I pointed it out.”
“This has to be one of the best views in Manhattan. I’m speechless.” She felt so special at that moment, special and cherished.
“You’re saying a lot for being speechless.”
She groaned, rolling her eyes and nudging him in the ribs with her elbow. “Smart ass. You know what I mean.” She turned in his arms, smiling. “Thank you.”