Elevator Pitch (Hapless In Love #1)

74. Love Of My Life

74

love of my life

Selah

Manhattan NY | May 6, 2024

Greyson sent me a vague text earlier telling me that our date tonight will be split into two parts. I should pack an overnight bag, comfy sneakers for walking, a change of clothes, and my passport. I’m not sure why, but alright. I pack everything he tells me, and I get dressed for the first part of our date. I have no idea what he’s planning, and as much as I don’t like surprises, I’m oddly excited to see what’s in store tonight.

I text him when I’m on my way upstairs and he advises me to let myself in while he finishes getting ready. Greyson gave me a key to his apartment when he had to go out of town a few weeks ago to look after Clifford, but he didn’t take it back. I offered it to him, and he said that it was mine now. When I get settled in his apartment, I smell something delicious cooking and follow the scent. I’m very shocked to find a chef instead of Grey in the kitchen. I am practically salivating over how good everything smells. I greet him in the kitchen, and he introduces himself as Marco Aguilar, of Aguilar’s . I’m excited to see what he makes. I hate surprises but he and Elena sure can cook. I step away and call for Clifford because he didn’t charge me when I walked through the door. He’s not coming when I call for him either.

Grey appears from the hallway dressed in a navy sports coat, matching slacks, a white silk shirt, and loafers.

He looks as sexy as he did the night we met.

“You’re awfully dressed up to be in the house tonight, sir.”

He looks at me with a devious grin, scooping me up in an embrace as his lips take mine in a greedy kiss. Before he pulls away, he says in my ear, “Now, Princess, you know I prefer Daddy over sir . ”

His laugh vibrates through me, and I feel heat pooling between my thighs at the sound of Daddy on his lips.

“Where’s Clifford? He never ignores me.” I wrinkle my brows in concern.

“Oh. He’s with Alex tonight. I wanted us to have the house to ourselves, and he tends to steal you when you come over. Not that you seem to mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. I love Clifford.”

He places a kiss on my forehead and says, “I’ll have him dropped off in the morning so you can spend the day with him.” He looks at me expectantly. He wants me to be comfortable, always. I get the feeling that if I wasn’t, he’d drop everything to pick him up now if that’s what I wanted.

“That’ll be perfect. I’ll make him mini pancakes.”

He tuts. “You are not lifting a finger on your birthday, and we’re not going to argue about it. I have breakfast arranged as well.”

He strides over to the candlelit dining table, decorated and set to perfection. I notice fresh sunflowers as the centerpiece, and my eyes well up at the sight. I’m not sure what to say and I’m in awe of what he’s already done so far. I can’t imagine what else he’s planned.

“Because I know you’re not a fan of surprises, I had Audrey help me with printing menus for tonight’s meal so that you can at least have an idea of what I plan to serve you. We made an itinerary, too. It doesn’t spoil what I have planned but gives you enough to expect a night of romance. I’d like to ease any anxiety you have and make this a night to remember.”

I’m speechless and rooted to this spot. I admire the effort he’s put into this date, and it hasn’t even begun. Asking Audrey to help, which couldn’t have been hard because she loves playing matchmaker and doesn’t know what to do with herself if she isn’t planning something. Designing an itinerary so that I don’t have anxiety over whatever surprise he’s got up his sleeve? I’ve only read books about men who are this kind and attentive.

I may not make it through the night without shedding tears. I appreciate all the effort he’s put in, and the night has only begun. He sits at the end of the table when Marco advises us that dinner is almost ready. He insists I sit beside him, and once I do, he grabs my hand. He seems nervous and that’s not like him. I’m sure it’s whatever he’s planned for us tonight.

We enjoy dinner by candlelight and it’s straight out of a book. It’s dreamy and peaceful, while the sight of him in that suit has me wanting to be tossed over his shoulder and carried to the bedroom. He stares adoringly at me and butterflies flutter in my stomach. My mind swirls with countless questions, but I don’t want to douse the flame burning brightly between us. My surprise dinner was pizza and pasta, all a girl needs in life. When he set it in front of me, I burst out laughing. After dinner, he mentions we should get ready for the next part of the date. We change into sweats, grab our passports, and board the elevator hand in hand. Grey warns that he’s going to blindfold me and it’s a part of the surprise. It makes me uneasy but I trust him. Once he’s tied it, he rubs his thumb over my knuckles to soothe me and resumes holding my hand. The elevator dings and he guides me through the lobby.

A familiar voice greets us outside. It’s Eric.

“Alright, bird box. Watch your head,” he jokes, helping me into the backseat.

I cackle in response.

Why is he here? Is he driving us somewhere? What is Greyson up to?

Eric speaks when he opens my door, telling me to be safe and he’ll see me soon before sweeping me into a hug. When he lets me go, Greyson warns he’s going to remove the blindfold and I brace myself. I’m shocked that we’re standing on a tarmac with a private jet waiting for us. I don’t have to guess who was responsible for this one. I’m just not sure where we’d be going that requires this. We board the jet and the flight attendant makes sure we’re all set before takeoff. I cozy up in my seat and rest my head on him once the plane takes off. I dozed off for a bit and thankfully it was a short flight.

Did I just hear the pilot say we’re in Buffalo, NY?

Did he do all this so I could see Niagara Falls?

You’ve gotta be kidding me?

“Greyson?”

He glances over at me and lifts his brows in question.

“Why are we in Buffalo?”

“I’ll answer that question in the car, baby. We don’t want to be late.”

There’s a black SUV on the tarmac and a driver waiting. He’s broad-chested and wears a suit, tattoos coat his brown skin and are visible on his neck and hands. He introduces himself as Royce, a regular driver of Avery’s and he shares that he will be driving us to Niagara Falls and back to the airport this evening. After we settle into the backseat, I look over at Greyson and he’s got a goofy smile on his face. I give him a few minutes into the drive to start talking, and I get antsy when he doesn’t.

“Will you tell me why we’re going to Niagara Falls now?”

“Honestly, I can show you better than I can tell you.” He wraps his arm around me to pull me closer to him and says softly, “I know you hate surprises, but I need you to trust me.”

“I do trust you,” I whisper back and rest my head on his shoulder.

When we reach The Falls, Royce tells us he knows where to get a good view, and we’ve got good timing. When we park and he lets us out, he locks up and walks with us.

“I’m going to let y’all have some privacy, but I took this gig specifically so I could see this show. I drove six hours from Philly,” he says excitedly.

“Alright, man,” Grey says with a chuckle and glances at his watch.

“What is he talking about? There’s a show?” I ask.

He quickly stands behind me and holds me close. I relax into his touch as we take in Niagara Falls at night.

“Wait for it.”

A lighthouse shines onto The Falls, illuminating it with an array of colors and it’s staggering. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

“This is what I wanted you to see.”

I’m mesmerized by the vibrant colors dancing across the waterfall. Eye-catching patterns and transitions brighten the attraction, and I cannot look away until the show is over. I’m overwhelmed with emotion right now. The sheer thoughtfulness and planning that went into this is amazing. I’m at a loss for words.

This is the love I deserve .

“Where did you come from?” I ask dreamily.

“Brooklyn.”

We burst out laughing. He leans in close, pressing his forehead to mine. “I love you , Sunflower.”

He takes my lips in a mind-numbing kiss and glances at his watch again when we take a breath.

“Let’s go home. My birthday girl needs to be worshipped,” he says matter-of-factly.

Yes Sir.

Once we touch down, Eric is waiting for us, leaning up against a black SUV with a toothpick hanging from his mouth.

“Happy Birthday, baby,” Greyson says in my ear as we approach the vehicle.

“Thank you for making it special.”

“Oh, I’m not done yet,” he adds with a kiss to my cheek.

Eric helps us into the car and wishes me a happy birthday. Grey is teasing me with a still hand on my thigh, occasionally kneading it.

I’m going to make him pay for that.

Greyson and I rush into the lobby with hurried steps, still holding hands while we wait for the elevator. It dings and opens to a completely empty car. He gives me a mischievous look before I follow him inside. He taps the twelfth floor, and then his lips are on mine, desperate and hungry for more. He devours my moans as soon as they escape me, deepening the kiss until we come up for air. We don’t stop until the elevator opens. We dash to his apartment and barely get through the front door before he presses me against it. He trails his tongue along my neck and nips at my jaw, hovering his hand over my aching pussy.

“Can I taste you?”

“Yes, yes,” I breathe.

I kick off my shoes and start slipping out of my pants when he tuts.

“I didn’t give you permission to take off your pants, baby. Pull them back up.”

I scoff as I do what I’m told.

“Good girl.”