Page 166 of Come Back to Me

I run over to him and jump into his arms. He picks me up, securing me with both of his hands.

“I missed you so much,” I say. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come to pick you up at the airport. Work has me swamped.”

“I missed you way more, and don’t worry about it.”

Grayson got drafted into the NBA during our senior year of college. He brought me as his date to the draft dinner, and I remember he cried because he finally achieved his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player. He plays for the Florida Sharks and has been on the road, playing a mix of games out of state and at home.

After three months of dating, we moved into our own apartment together near campus.

After we graduated college, we moved into an apartment on the edge of Sunset Cove.

His mom still lives here, so he didn’t feel comfortable moving far away from her. She lives in her own place in town close to Laura and Celia that he bought for her, like he said he would a couple years ago with some of the money he got from his NBA contract with the Sharks.

As for me, I got promoted to manager of Sweet & Salty last year. Laura was impressed by my drive and work ethic.

My PR company, Love & Violets, blossomed into something I didn’t expect. I have over fifty clients now. I offer social media management, content creation, and ARC management, among other services to my clients.

The roster continues to grow, and I decided I can’t be a one-woman show anymore. I added Sage as my web designer and Willow as my book cover designer to the team last year. Once I’m able to afford a PA, I will be hiring one as soon as I can because I need to be able to take a breath.

Since my business has taken up most of my time, I work part-time now at the bookstore because it was extremely challenging to juggle both jobs.

Grayson cups my cheek with the palm of his hand, bringing me back to reality and pulling me in for a kiss that leaves me speechless.

“Oh, are we still going to Sweet & Salty? I know you talked about that book you’ve been wanting to buy.”

“I’d like to, but I know how tired you must be from flying and being in airports most of the day. Are you sure you’re up for it?”

He nods. “Oh, yeah. Hey, do you mind wearing that pink floral dress I love?”

“Why?”

“Don’t ask questions. It’s a surprise.”

“Okay, I’ll wear the dress.”

Why does he want me to wear that dress specifically? I have so many other dresses I could wear. Honestly, I would’ve preferred to wear a comfier outfit, but it’s okay. This dress is semi-comfortable.

Once I’m all dressed and ready to go, I notice how Grayson is all dressed up, too.

“You do realize we’re just going to the bookstore, right?” I run my hands all over his white button-up shirt.

“What if I want to take my beautiful girlfriend for dinner afterwards?” He kisses my forehead.

“Your beautiful girlfriend can’t say no to that.”

“Are you ready, Angel?” A small smile appears on his clean-shaven face.

“Yes, sir.”

“You know our rule.”

“Don’t call you sir in public, only in private. And we are in private.”

“I know, but I wanted to see if you remembered the rule.”

We pull up into one of the parking spaces in front of Sweet & Salty. It’s oddly quiet for a Saturday night in January because it’s still considered season here.

“Hey, I’ll meet you inside. I got to get something out of the back,” he says.