I’d pushed everyone away after Matthew diedand even though Griffin had stuck around the longest, I hadn’t been the easiestperson to deal with. I needed to change that now so he wouldn’t think he had todisappear again.
Matthew wouldn’t want that.
He studied my face for a long moment. “Areyou sure? I know memories are—”
I interrupted him. “Memories arebittersweet sometimes, but still nice. Besides, you always promised to make medinner sometime, so now it’s time to show me what you can do.”
He chuckled and stood, bending over to givemy forehead a kiss. “Deal. Do you still have the same number?”
The fact that he needed to ask that saidI’d pushed him away too well. “Yes, and I’ll stalk you if I don’t hear from youby Wednesday.”
He snorted. “You don’t even know the nameof my company and I’m no longer living in that ratty apartment.”
I grinned. “But you’re doing the cateringhere tonight so that makes it easy.”
He gave me a curious look like he wasthinking too hard. “Hmm, what about my privacy? I was assured our records werekept very safe.”
I leaned forward. “I think you should talkto your boss a bit nicer.”
He laughed. “Oh, there’s a story here.”
I shrugged. “I’ll tell you at lunch.”
“I’m starting to think you’ve gottensneakier.”
Shaking my head, I smiled. “No, you’re justgetting to see it now.”
“I’m glad.” He ran his hand over my head,still smiling. “And now I have to go before the boss starts to get mad.”
I must have looked anxious or worriedbecause he touched my cheek. “I promise I’ll call, but that means you promiseto let me cook for you. No hiding.”
Nodding, I leaned into his hand before hemoved it away. “Deal.”
Austin gave him a very regal smile asGriffin hurried away to do whatever he’d been hired to do. I remembered Shanetalking about a small catering contract with just a few things that would beeasy to do in the kitchen, but I couldn’t remember any of the specifics.
Had he said Griffin’s name?
Before I could think about that, Austincame over and flopped down beside me. “I swear, you trip over sexy men who fallin love with you like I find money. It’s not fair.”
“You’re insane.” Wrapping the blanketaround me again, I shook my head and relaxed into the wonderful ache that wasspreading through me. “He was just surprised to see me.”
Austin snorted. “I might be insane, butyou’re delusional. I saw the way that alpha looked at you and it was like you’dhung the moon.”
Calling him crazy again wasn’t going totalk him out of the ridiculousness that was coming out of his mouth, but Iwasn’t sure what else to say. “That’s ludicrous.”
Shaking his head, Austin gave me a lookthat said he was starting to question my mental faculties. “Saying it againwith bigger words won’t make it any more true.”
“He was friends with Matthew and used tocome around all the time for dinner and things. He was just a friend. Matthewthought he was a Dom, but they never spelled it out. He said he thought Griffinwould be good with Jonah.”
“I know what I saw.” Austin leaned over andcuddled into me. “But changing the subject, how did you like your flogging?Everyone is very curious.”
I grinned. “Tristan did a great job. I feelincredible.”
Every time I moved, I could feel the achein my muscles. I thought it would feel strange after so long, but it wasfamiliar and welcoming…like I was finally living again.
Snuggling into Austin, I smiled. “Matthewwould be very proud of me.”
“I know he would’ve. You looked so hot he’dhave probably fucked you back here before you’d even had a chance to catch yourbreath.” Austin’s words were tinged with desire.
