35. Collateral, Elevator Pitch (Hapless In Love #1)

35. Collateral

collateral

Selah

Manhattan, NY | January 11, 2024

Audrey and Eric pick me up from the airport and I’m anxious the entire ride back because of this ‘surprise’ that’s waiting for me. I practically jump out of the SUV when we park. They catch up to me as I’m stuck waiting for the elevator. I’m holding my breath as I survey my apartment. When I reach my office door, I brace myself as I turn the knob. I’m very meticulous about my things. Everything has a home and a reason it exists where it does. I beeline for my desk to scan it thoroughly, and once I discover it’s been untouched, I sigh in relief. Audrey leans against the doorframe as if she’s waiting for me to finish up here.

“I’m offended that you think I’d let anyone touch your desk. Now that you’re done, are you going to look around this damn room and notice what’s different?”

I look to my left and begin surveying the room, my eyes bouncing high and low in search of anything new, when my eyes land on a series of tall bookshelves on my far right, filled with my books that were previously stacked in piles on the floor in that exact spot. Organized alphabetically by author in order by series—that was Audrey’s doing. I sigh in disbelief at the chair, side table and reading lamp beside it. It’s the perfect addition to my office.

The little reading nook I’ve put off setting up stares back at me and my heart swells with joy. I am itching to curl up with Peach, a blanket and a book to get lost in. That will be the perfect way to wind down for the night. Traveling drains me and I don’t do it often. While I read on the trip and the plane, it’s not the same as the comfort of your own home. I blink back the burning tears that are eager to escape from the thoughtfulness of my best friend and my neighbor who pulled this off for me in my absence because I would’ve fought them on it the entire way if I were here.

I wince at the fact that Greyson did this and has now seen exactly what I read. He’s gotten a glimpse and has read a few recommendations, but not everything . Not that I am ashamed, but damn. I feel like he knows my darkest secrets, but something tells me he has his own.

My friends have offered to help with this project since I moved in, I kept telling them I’d get around to doing it eventually, but I kept forgetting honestly and while I kept buying books, I got used to stacking them and going about my day. I love my e-reader and use it daily, but it didn’t prevent me from buying more physical books. Hence the overflowing collection that was desperately in need of order. I turn around and Audrey is smiling.

“That’s not all, babe.”

“You’re kidding.”

She shakes her head. “Follow me”

We walk into my bedroom and a large full-length mirror I bought when I got my place is now mounted and placed exactly where I imagined it to be.

“He was a little frustrated about this mirror not being unboxed. Said that you should be able to see how incredible you look every day. ”

I roll my eyes, but it doesn’t hide my smile because Audrey gives me a knowing look.

“I’m annoyed with you for having that man all in my house acting like a husband or something.”

The look she gives is incredulous and she snorts. “Girl, please. He was just here last week, pleasing you like a husband or something. Bossing men around is my favorite thing on Earth, and this was for a good cause. I think the words you’re looking for are ‘thank’ and ‘you.’ I’ll wait.”

She stands with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes closed, and face turned up while she waits for a response. I chuckle at her because, as usual, she’s right. “Thank you. I really do appreciate this.”

“You’re welcome, honey. She opens her arms and wraps me in a hug. You wouldn’t let us help, so I thought I’d get creative while still doing it behind your back. Now you got something to talk to him about.”

When she releases me, she reminds me, “Don’t forget to thank Greyson, he’s expecting to hear from you. I had to talk him out of going to the airport to pick you up.”

“Oh God. He was serious.” I cover my face with my hand.

“He was, but I told him I had you and I’d have you check in once you got home safe. Can you at least do that? Or he might show up at your door again with food.”

“That wouldn’t be the worst thing, but I will thank him. I promise.”

“You better. With words please? He didn’t let me do anything but organize those books. I told him where to place things, but he did the work. Thank him, please.” She gives me a stern look as she stands beside Eric, who’s waiting in the entryway. She adjusts her purse on her forearm and shuffles towards the door. She halts as if she forgot something, pointing toward my kitchen, she informs, “oh and there’s leftover cake in the fridge, Grey made it with me. I had to fight Eric off to make sure he saved you a slice. ”

“That was nice of you. Eric, too,” I chuckle. “Thanks again. I love you, Aud. I appreciate you so much.”

“I love you too. Don’t mention it.” She adds a soft smile and follows Eric out the door.

I stand in my living room for a moment. I had anxiety about coming home to a surprise, but I never expected this . I’m so grateful and want to relish it for as long as I can.

I go to my office and admire my bookshelves for a moment, I run my fingers through the assortment of books and examine the shelves. Determined to spot the new homes of my favorite reads. Until I notice an empty space. My stomach sinks when I realize one of my books is missing. I look closely and see a tiny sheet of paper in its place. I carefully remove the note and read it.

Consider this collateral.

I’ll be hearing from you soon, Sunflower. :)

That little shit.

I huff as I pull out my phone, firing off a text to a certain infuriatingly sexy man.

Thank you. I got your little note. I was going to tell you when I made it home. Can I have my book back?

I stew in my bedroom and wait for a response. I force myself to unpack my suitcase now, or else it won’t get done. Once I’m finished, I hop in the shower and throw on some comfy clothes to relax. My growling tummy starts to roar, and I head to the kitchen to scour the fridge for something quick. That’s when I notice the leftover cake Audrey mentioned. I grab a fork and dig in.

Damn, that’s good .

My phone dings back-to-back. I pull it from my pocket and see (2) Text Messages from Greyson.

Greyson

That’s it?

Where are your manners, Princess?

Thank you for setting up the reading nook and the mirror.

It was really kind of you and you shouldn’t have.

Can I have my book back, please?

Greyson

You’re welcome and no.

Why the hell not? I’ll just come upstairs and get it.

Greyson

I’m not finished reading it, that’s why.

And be my guest, you know where I live.

You’re always welcome to come. ;)

I snort to myself and take a deep breath as I try to push away thoughts of how good he is at making me come. Before I respond, he sends another text.

Greyson

Actually, while you’re here, I have a question for you. These colored tabs and highlighted quotes, what is the purpose of it?

Fuck. I didn’t even think of the annotations in that book. Mostly filthy and unhinged notes, but anything that hit close to home and had me sobbing is acknowledged in there as well. I’d say it was equal parts spicy and sweet.

Those are things that stood out to me. They’re called annotations.

Like a note to self, or something you want to be able to reread later.

Please ignore them.

Greyson

Interesting. I’ll be paying close attention to what stood out to you. I know you’re upset, but I just needed to know what makes this your favorite book.

You could’ve just asked me what I liked about it.

Greyson

Where’s the fun in that? This way I can see it for myself and thanks to these little notes, I get a peek inside your thoughts while I read along.

I can’t even argue with that, but I don’t even know how to respond. So, I sit there staring at the screen for a few moments, mindlessly eating until my fork is scraping the plastic container.

I’m not as upset as I was since you actually want to read it, but you have to discuss it with me AND give it back. Deal?

Greyson

Deal. Are your other books annotated like this?

A lot of them are, yeah.

Greyson

I’d like to check one out from you next time instead of stealing it. That’s If you don’t mind.

I don’t mind one bit.

It’s the least I can do since I now have a special place to read at home. Thank you, Greyson.

Also, the cake you and Audrey made is astounding.

Greyson

You’re welcome, Sunflower.

I’m surprised there was any left, but I’m happy that you liked it.

I try to ignore the way my stomach flips when he calls me Sunflower .

Well, I’ll stop interrupting your reading.

I’m about to go do the same.

Greyson

Will you be in the nook?

I smile at that question.

Yes, I will.

Greyson

Send me a picture when you get settled. I’d like to see you enjoying the fruits of my labor.

I get nervous and start running through excuses in my head.

I just got off a plane and I’m not all done up.

Greyson

Selah, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Send the picture. I’ll be waiting.

That shut me up for sure. I take a look in the mirror and I look fine. I grab my blanket and my e-reader, calling out for Peach to join me as I leave my office door open. I get cozy in my chair and melt into the cushions, pulling up my most recent read. I grab my phone and angle it to take a picture of myself with the nook in the background. I don’t do anything silly; I opt for flirty facial expressions and once I settle on two I like, I send them to Greyson and quickly shove my phone face down.

I pick up where I left off on my reader and moments later, I hear a few repeated dings that make my heart race. I don’t know why I’m afraid to look at his response.

Greyson

Good girl. Like I said, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

Have a great night, Sunflower.

Goodnight, Greyson.

Thanks again.

Greyson

Anytime :)

VOTE

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