Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 64887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
At the window, Grayson parts the blinds with two fingers and peeks out at the back yard. “I don’t see him anywhere in the party,” he reports. “I should probably check out front to make sure his car is gone.”
I take a deep breath. I’m feeling the impulse to walk over to Grayson, take his face in my hands, and propose to him myself. I’m a modern woman, after all. And I know he’d say yes to me.
But no.
Despite what my heart wants to do, my brain knows this probably isn’t the right time, what with Andre potentially lurking around and Grayson still looking so amped up and distracted. Not to mention, after all the times Grayson has casually proposed to me—in bed, in the hot tub, in the shower—I think he deserves to finally hear me say “yes” in reply to a more traditional, formal proposal. The more I think about it, I wouldn’t want to steal his thunder.
“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea,” I say, referring to Grayson heading to the front of the house. “But, honey, if Andre is out there, please be careful. If you lay a pinky on that man, he’ll sue you for assault and try to destroy you.”
“No worries, love. I know exactly what game he’s playing. If he strikes first, he’s going down. But otherwise, I promise to keep my cool.” He kisses my cheek. “Go back to the party. I’ll be right behind you, once I’m sure he’s gone.”
Back in the party, I find my friends and tell them everything that happened with Andre and Grayson, and they practically explode with comments, questions, and exclamations.
“Where is Grayson?” Victoria asks after a while, looking around.
“He’s making sure Andre left,” I explain. But I’ve no sooner said the words than my phone buzzes with an incoming text from the birthday boy himself.
Grayson: No sign of A or his car out front. Talked to Mr. Peterson. He’s been outside mowing his front lawn for the past twenty minutes. He confirmed A drove away.
Me: Huzzah. Come back to the party, birthday boy. We’ll bring out the birthday cake and champagne!
Grayson: Need a quick bathroom break. Be there in five.
I reply with thumbs-up and heart emojis and resume chatting with my girlfriends. But a few minutes later, my phone buzzes with yet another text from Grayson.
Grayson: Hey, Hot Teacher. I’m hoping you’ve got time to give me some much-needed advice.
Me: Hey there, Grayson-hopper! I’ve always got time for you. What’s up?
Grayson: I have this amazing girlfriend I’m so in love with, it hurts, and I’m planning to ask her to marry me. Something big just happened that’s thrown me for a loop, and now I need some guidance on how to pop the question to her.
Me: You’re getting married? How exciting! Congratulations!
Grayson: Assuming she says yes.
Me: Oh, she will. Your girlfriend would have to be a damned fool to turn you down. Is she a damned fool?
Grayson: LOL. No, she’s the smartest person I know.
Me: Then she’ll say yes. I’m sure of it.
Grayson: Thank God. Okay, so here’s the thing. I’ve already got a romantic proposal with all the bells and whistles planned in a couple weeks. But after a near-altercation with her ex a few minutes ago, I suddenly feel like I can’t wait another minute to call her my fiancée and future wife. So now, I’m thinking of scrapping my original plan and doing it now.
Me: DO IT.
Grayson: You think? The thing is we’re at my birthday party with tons of our friends and family, and my girlfriend once made a comment about not being a fan of public proposals.
Oh, hell. I knew I’d unwittingly messed with Grayson’s head when I said that thing at the basketball game, right after we witnessed a stranger proposing at center court. It was written all over Grayson’s face that he was thinking, “Note to self. No public proposals.”
Me: Honey, this wouldn’t be a public proposal. It’s your birthday party with family and friends! I’m sure your girlfriend will be thrilled to share this special day with them, especially after watching you spring to action like a superhero with her horrible ex. As a matter of fact, a little birdie told me she thought you were insanely sexy and swoony when you did that.
Grayson: Hehe. Not gonna lie. It was hot.
Me: I bet it was. Honestly, I can’t think of a better time to ask her than RIGHT FUCKING NOW.
Grayson: Holy shit! Okay. I’d better go now. My girlfriend thinks I’m taking a bathroom break and I wouldn’t want her getting suspicious that I’m up to something.
Me: Good idea. Wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.
Grayson: Exactly. Thanks, Hot Teacher. You’re the best.
Me: Any time, Grayson-hopper. It’s always a pleasure. I’d wish you good luck with your proposal, but I’m confident you don’t need it.