Unveiling Destiny

Chapter 12: Aria

"Thanks again for letting us crash your day," I say sincerely to Griffin as he leans into my car window, hands braced on the top of the car.

"No problem, Princess," he rumbles in his deep voice. "You're welcome to stay longer, you guys really aren't intruding, I promise."

"I appreciate that, but I've got meetings lined up tomorrow morning. Running your own business isn't always sunshine and rainbows, especially when you have meetings lined up starting bright and early."

"I get that," he says understandingly before peeking up to where Katie is emerging from the front door. "But you better keep one eye open, because you started this prank war and payback's a bitch."

I smirk at the humor and mischief written on his face. "Bring it," I announce, as Katie slips into the car.

"Oh, I will, beautiful. Don't you worry." He steps away from the car and heads back up the steps. "Drive safe! Text me when you get home," he says over his shoulder.

"It's less than two minutes away!"

He turns fully, smiling his sweet, genuine smile. "Then I guess I'll talk to you in two minutes."

I just roll my eyes and wave as I pull away from his house and head back to ours.

Katie is quiet for a moment before turning to me and asking, in a tone of pure innocence, "So, what did you think of Griffin being shirtless today?"

"I think it was normal since we were in the pool most of the day," avoiding the question she's really asking me.

"Cut the crap," Katie deadpans.

I laugh. "You would think getting laid would take the edge off of you. I thought he was extremely attractive. Happy?"

"Very," Katie says, clapping and smiling as we pull into the driveway. "You weren't the only one interested. Griffin was drooling over you, and came up with reason after reason to have his hands on you. You noticed that, right?"

"I think I'd have to be blind not to. He's not exactly hiding what he wants, and I can't pretend I don't like that. But, he's also made it very clear everything is at my pace, which I also hugely appreciate," I state, pulling my phone out to text Griffin about our arrival as we walk in. "For now, we're friends, but I won't lie and say I don't find him ridiculously attractive."

I shoot off a quick text and find Katie shaking her head at me. "Girl, I admire your resolve. If I were you I would have already broke and locked down this fuck hot boy friend who wants to be your boyfriend."

My phone dings.

"Speaking of, said boy friend is texting," I say, intentionally taking a long pause in between the words boy and friend. "I'm going to respond and then get ready for bed. I have a meeting early tomorrow to talk about a property." I blow her a kiss as I walk towards my room.

"Have fun with your boy friend not boyfriend! Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" she calls after me.

"That leaves a lot of wiggle room," I yell over my shoulder, hearing her laughter in response.

In the solitude of my room, I check my phone for Griffin's response.

G: Glad you made it home safe. Are you heading to bed?

A: Probably pretty quickly. Just have to hop in the shower first. Someone threw me in a pool today, and I need to get the chlorine out of my hair. I don't fancy having a green tinge to it.

I'm getting ready to jump in the shower when my phone dings.

G: How dare he. That guy sounds like a jerk.