Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended. ©2024

Thank you to my beta and pre-reader. You ladies are the best!

Paige Edwards thank you for showing my story some love by making it the story of the week. You ROCK!

FYI: some of you Edward die hearts probably won't like this chapter. Sorry, not sorry.

Chapter 23: I Think I Deserve It

Bella

It had been three months since Grayson and I made love for the first time and now I've turned into a needy little sex addict. It seemed like there was this button that had been turned on that I never knew was there.

Normally when I would have driven home a few times and stayed at my parents' house but now… I pulled up in front of Grayson's parents' house on several Friday afternoons and did not come out until Sunday evening, driving back downstate to school. My parents never knew I was in Chicago.

His parents' jobs have them traveling a lot, so it's been easy to spend the whole weekend in his bed. Needless to say, I would be sore and walking funny for a few days after our rump fests.

Tanya always seemed to get a kick out of it, looking forward to seeing me when I walked through the door Sunday night.

Grayson couldn't seem to stay away either. Even when he could only stay for one night, due to classes, he'd still make the drive, reserving us a room.

The sex was beyond great, but it wasn't just that. We talked at least twice a day every day and for hours on the weekends when we couldn't be together.

We just clicked.

He was the yin to my yang.

Even though we couldn't see each other daily like normal couples, it never felt like there was distance between us. Although some days were harder than others, with Grayson being in his final year of college, we still made time for each other.

When he and I spoke on the phone last night, he said he had some good news to share with me but wanted to wait until we were face-to-face.

It was Friday afternoon, and I was done with classes, studying, and anything related to school. My brain was fried between anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. I was comfortably seated in my big cozy chair, with closed eyes, and my head laid back, as I half listened to Tanya and Garrett talking on speakerphone when a knock got my attention.

"I'll get it," I said as I stood to my feet.

Tanya waved her hand, indicating she heard me.

"Hey." Rita smiled as I opened the door.

"Hi." I smiled back.

She was one of the nicer receptionists for our building. She did her job but never flirted with the residents' boyfriends like a few of the others.

"Grayson is downstairs waiting on you." She jerked her thumb.

"Okay, thanks. Let him know I'll be down in a few minutes."

"Sure will." Rita nodded and walked away.

After I closed the door, I grabbed my overnight bag and coat, waving at Tanya.

"Hold on a sec, Garrett." Tanya muted her phone. "I know you won't be back tonight." She smirked. "But I expect a full report by tomorrow afternoon if you all can tear yourselves away from each other long enough."

I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "Whatever. I'm not exactly sure what he wants to talk about so we may not even get to that." I knew I was lying, and she knew too.

"Bee, who do you think you're fooling? Grayson has brought out the freak in you." Tanya threw her pillow at me.

I caught it and threw it back at her. "I texted the name and address of the hotel we're staying at to you this morning. Depending on what his good news is, you'll probably hear from me tonight."

"I won't count on it but by tomorrow at two o'clock if I haven't heard from you, I will be calling you."

"All right, fair enough. Talk to you later," I said exiting the room.

I ran down the stairs quickly, too excited to wait on the elevator.

Grayson stood there in his ripped jeans and his multicolored coat looking like sex on legs. It didn't matter what he wore, I always wanted to tear it off of him.

Maybe Tanya was right. I have turned into a nympho.

He must've felt my presence because he turned around and met my gaze. "Baby." He smiled and closed the distance between us.

I leaped into his waiting arms, dropping my bag as I wrapped my legs around his waist, tangling my fingers into his soft hair. "I've missed you so much," I whispered.

"I've missed you, too, so much," he said, softly kissing my lips.

I stared into his beautiful hazel eyes wondering how our relationship could get any better than what it was. Everything in my life had seemed to fall in place and I was enjoying every minute of it.

Many times, I found myself just staring at him wondering what the hell I did to have such a wonderful man in my life. One that didn't play mind games and knew exactly what he wanted.

He kissed me on the nose and smiled. "Penny for your thoughts."

"I'm happy." I bit my bottom lip.

"Would I have anything to do with that?" He smirked.

"Maybe," I teased.

"Maybe?" He tickled my thigh with one of his hands.

"Stop, Gray." I laughed, squirming in his arms.

"Say it and I'll stop." He wouldn't let up. "Tell me who makes you happy?" He tightened his hold around my waist with one hand and then took his other hand and began to tickle me in my most ticklish spot—my knees.

"Okay, okay," I said between breaths. "Y—you make me happy."

"That's more like it." He laughed, slapping my behind.

"No fair." I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest. "You cheated."

"By any means necessary, baby." He winked. "We need to get going anyway. We have reservations at Seven Saints."

"Really?" All sulking forgotten.

He knew the smoky barbecue sliders were one of my favorites. It was usually packed on the weekends by nine o'clock but since he reserved a table for us earlier in the day, we'd miss the crowd.

He kissed my forehead before I unwrapped my legs and slid down his body.

Grayson intertwined his fingers with mine as he picked up my bag, walking me toward his car.

CCCCCCCCC

The four huge crab cakes were delicately placed on a bed of bright green lettuce with mango salsa and spicy remoulade on the side. We slowly sipped on our Brick River Sweet Lou's Blueberry Lavender cider as we talked about Grayson's theories of crime causation class.

The live band played a soft instrumental in the background that added to the dimly lit ambiance.

As badly as I wanted to know what the big news was, I decided to wait and let him tell me at his own pace, but I was beginning to lose my patience.

Grayson leaned forward, grabbing my hand, chuckling. "Bee, I've been sitting here going on and on about my class and haven't shared the reason why I drove down here today."

I squeezed his hand and nodded in anticipation.

"I know it's going to be a lot but please hear me out before you respond, okay?" His eyes looked sincere as he shifted in his seat.

"Okay." I smiled, raising his hand, and kissing the back of it.

"As you know, I've been going through the rigorous FBI recruiting process, even before we knew each other." He briefly paused. "I received my conditional job offer letter a week ago and the only thing I have left to complete is my background investigation before my training in Quantico after graduation in May."

I was happy as hell for him, but I knew I'd miss him the moment he left. Even when we were just friends, we talked about his career choice at length.

He continued. "The sixteen weeks of training starts the second Monday in July, so at least I'll have some time to spend with you and my family before I leave for Virginia. I don't particularly like it, but I'll have to stay on campus during that time. But my work hours will be Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. I'll have my weekends free." He rolled his eyes. "With a midnight curfew."

I couldn't contain myself any longer. "Congratulations, Gray!" I shot up from my chair to hug him.

"Thank you, baby." He beamed, hugging me back just as tight.

Still leaning down hugging him, I looked into his eyes, "I'm so excited for you but I'm going to miss kissing these kissable lips." I ran my fingers through his hair and gently kissed him, lingering after I pulled back.

Damn, he was fine.

I never grew tired of staring at him.

He ran his tongue across my lips and smirked. "That's the part I wanted to talk to you about." He scooted his chair out and pulled me down on his lap.

Sitting across his lap, I turned and faced him, giving him my full attention. "I'm listening."

"You know I've been in love with you since day one, right?" I nodded because he shared that with me a little while ago. "Some might even say I'm too young to be saying this, but I know how I feel and you're it for me, Bella. You're the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, buy and home, and make a family with. I know it sounds like I'm rambling on, but I—I would like for you to move to Virginia with me."

My jaw dropped loosely, as my eyes blinked rapidly, trying to process everything he'd just said.

It didn't sound crazy to me at all.

I wanted it all with him.

I just didn't think we'd make such a huge move so soon.

I thought we'd make the long-distance relationship work. I'd fly out to see him when I could, and he'd do the same.

What will my parents say?

I'd be moving across the country.

I knew they loved Grayson but this… I was not exactly sure.

And Tanya, I'd never been that far away from her. What would I do without her being a few minutes away from me?

But I loved him more than anything.

"Bella?" He pulled me out of my reverie, with an uncertain expression. "I know what I'm asking is a lot but please, baby, say something."

Grayson was not a man who doubted himself, but at that moment I saw it in his eyes.

"Sweetheart." I laid my hand on his chest. "I'm sorry for the delayed response. So many different things ran through my mind all at one time. Not to mention, Mr. Walsh, you're full of surprises. I wasn't expecting you to ask me to move to Virginia with you."

He exhaled with a soft smile. "Do you mind if we talk about it now? I did some research, and I may be able to answer some of your questions."

Sounds like he put some serious thought into this.

"What would I do about school?" I was in my junior year and I knew that would be the first question my parents would ask.

"Well, you could continue online with the University of Illinois or you could attend the University of Mary Washington, which wouldn't be far from my campus. They have a great physics department comparable to where you are now, and we can reach out to an advisor to see about your credits transferring."

What he said made perfect sense, but I'd still need to double-check.

"I'd have to find an apartment or stay on campus during your basic training, right?"

"Yes, that's the part I don't like. We have to share rooms in a dorm. They say it's to foster a safe, uniform environment with discipline and to eliminate unnecessary distractions. But the pro is it's only for sixteen weeks." He kissed me on the cheek.

"So, you'd want to live together after you completed training?" I asked.

"Yes," he said matter-of-factly.

My parents were pretty liberal, but I didn't think they'd be that liberal.

"My parents, I don't—" He cut me off.

"Let me share with you what I have in mind." He shifted me on his lap and pulled his phone out. "I've narrowed it down to three apartment complexes that you can rent for four months. See, this is the first one." He handed his phone to me.

It was the cutest apartment with stainless steel appliances, plenty of cabinet space, hardwood floors, two bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. The rent was a little over two thousand a month but some of the utilities were included.

I had my savings from working because between my scholarships and my parents, I didn't have to pay for anything.

I looked at two more apartments, but I liked the first one the best.

"All of these are nice, but my favorite is the Silver Collection complex."

"I knew it would be," he said taking his phone back.

"I'd have to use some of my savings for rent or find a job. Or I could see how much a one-bedroom would cost."

Grayson shook his head smiling. "No, I'd pay for the rent in advance since I'm the one asking you to move."

"Absolutely not," I protested. "I wouldn't dare ask you to do something like that. If I come it would be my decision."

"Bella—" He was interrupted by our waiter.

"Excuse me, sir and ma'am. Are you all ready to order yet?" He smiled. "I would have come over sooner, but I didn't want to intrude in what seemed to be an important conversation."

"No worries, dude. We'll both have the smokey barbecue sliders with a side of fries," Grayson said.

"Great!" The waiter jotted the order down. "Would you like some cider with your food or you're good?"

"I'd like another one with my food," I said.

"Make that two," Grayson added.

"Sounds good. I'll go put your order in now. Is there anything else I can get you?"

I shook my head and Grayson responded, "No, we're good."

The waiter nodded and walked away.

"Now, back to the rent thing. Bella, if you come, I'll pay for the rent upfront. I'm not hurting for money and I'm going to be paid during training. And just so what I said won't be misunderstood, I'm not saying you can't pay your way, but I am asking that you let me do this for you—for us. I want to make everything as smooth as possible for you."

This man couldn't get any better.

It felt like I was living in a fairy tale.

"It seems like you've got everything covered but one small factor remains—my parents."

He ran his fingers through his hair with a sheepish look. "Remember I told you I got the letter a week ago?"

"Uh-huh." I nodded.

"Your parents and I had dinner a couple of nights ago."

He had spoken to Mom and Dad already and nobody said anything to me. I couldn't believe my mother didn't spill the beans, as much as she loves Grayson.

"Please don't be upset with me, Bella. I know it may seem a bit presumptuous, but I wanted your parents to know my intentions with you, and they aren't to play house."

"I'm not upset, Gray. I'm just surprised and curious to know what they said."

"To be honest, at first, I thought Mr. Swan was going to reach across the table and strangle me. It took your mother to calm him down. When I was able to lay it all out for them, everything was smooth sailing from there."

I bit my bottom lip. "And what exactly did you lay out, Mr. Smooth?"

"Well, Mrs. Smooth, I explained to them that I'd pay for your short-term lease, furnish the apartment, and take care of the utilities and groceries. I also told them about the University of Mary Washington, or you continue online and if you don't like either one of those options, we can find others you would like."

My parents had done well in their careers too, so they weren't hurting for money either. I knew Grayson had to have said more than that because they could have paid for all of that themselves.

"What else, Walsh?" I smirked.

"I told them once I graduate from the academy, and you graduated from undergrad we would need to start planning for our wedding." He looked intently into my eyes.

My hands trembled with an electric energy, as my heart pounded like a drum in rapid reverberating beats, and a surge of adrenaline jolted through me.

"Y-you what?" I whispered as tears began to form.

"I have every plan to propose to you, sweetheart. I won't tell you when, but I'm serious about this—us." He waved his hand between the two of us. "I know our relationship is still new, but I've never felt so sure about anybody in my life. You're my other half, Bella, and I plan to make you Mrs. Grayson Walsh." He ran the pad of his thumb over my lips before he leaned in and kissed me.

I was completely blown away by how he'd thought out every detail and had the initiative to go to my mom and dad and tell them his intentions on marrying me. Obviously, they were okay with it or I would have heard from them by now.

"You're serious?" The first tear rolled down my face. I was excited and a little scared at the same time.

"Very." He nodded with a determined expression. "I want a future with you, baby. I want to go to bed with you in my arms every night, and wake up the next morning the same way. I want to have a house full of children with you and be at every appointment. See your stomach swell up with my babies and go out at two in the morning to buy whatever crazy craving you have and eat it with you." He laughed with a bright twinkle in his eyes.

"A house full? How many kids do you think I'm pushing out, Gray?" I asked with wide eyes.

"At least four." He shrugged one shoulder. "Twins do run on my dad's side of the family so maybe we'll luck out and have a few sets."

In one of our late-night conversations, he told me wanted to have a big family since it was only him and his sister.

"A few sets? Have you lost your mind?" My body shook with laughter.

"Nope." He kissed the tip of my nose.

Before I could say anything, our waiter walked over with our food and drinks. After our sliders and drinks were set on the table, I reluctantly sat back in my seat.

"Honey, I realize I've been doing most of the talking but now I'd like to know what you think. Is this something you'd want?" Grayson said.

I took a sip of my cider before I spoke. "I love you, sweetheart." I stretched my hand across the table, tangling my fingers with his. "And it continues to grow more and more each day. I'll be honest and say I'll be a little bit nervous because I would be moving away from my family and friends; everything I've always known." His brows crossed with worry, but I continued. "But at the same time, I can't not see you every day, not touch you every night. You're an important part of my life that I'm not willing to let live across the damn country from me. I'm not saying no but I am asking you to give me time to think about it—talk to my parents and Tanya about it. Can you do that for me?"

"By all means, please take all the time you need. This is a life-changing decision and I want you to think everything through." He grabbed my hand and gently rubbed the back of it. "Baby, I want you to know if you decide not to move, we will figure it out. I'll see if I can get transferred or something. I just don't want you to feel pressured."

He was one of the most considerate men I knew, next to my dad.

"I don't. I promise, Gray." I smiled, squeezing his hand.

"Good." He nodded, smiling back. "As long as I'm with you, wherever we decide to live, I'm good."

A/N: What do you think will be Bella's decision? Will she move to Virginia or will Grayson transfer his job to Chicago?

Thank you for all of the love and support for my story!

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