grayson astor

"I'm leaving for the weekend. Can I count on you to be professional while I'm gone?" I kept my eyes on my phone while Matthew and I waited for the elevator.

"You're leaving? Where?" Matthew curiously asked. If I didn't need him, I wouldn't have told him. But I needed him to fill in my spot while I was gone for the weekend. I wouldn't be having service or internet and I refused to get behind on my schedule.

"I'm going on a trip with Kalani. Her birthday is tomorrow so we are leaving tonight," I informed him before we stepped into the elevator for it to go down.

I didn't need to ask him what was going through his mind. Kalani and I coincidentally happen to have birthdays three days apart. The way things turn out, this will be the first time in all my life I've left work for my birthday. But it really wasn't for me. It was for Kalani.

"I don't want to hear it, Matthew. Your vexatious words are the last thing I need right now," I put my phone away with a sigh.

This trip is a surprise and despite how thoroughly planned I've made it, I know there's still room for her to say no. Amelia and her have an attachment and she would be hesitant about being away from her. I can't force her to come with me because she doesn't want to leave our child.

"Trisha will help you out this weekend, I'll send you her number later," I walked out of the elevator but he was stuck standing there like a deer in headlights.

"Who is Trisha?" He finally left the elevator after being deep in thought.

"My assistant," I answered with a duh tone.

"You're such a fucking dickwad. You work with her everyday and you don't even know her name is Tracey. What is wrong with you?" Matthew spoke the words everyone seems to enjoy saying to me—apparently, it's not okay to call people rude names unless it's to Grayson Astor. But learning her name is the least of my worries. Despite having her for a few months, I still expect she'll leave just like every other assistant. I'll learn her name after a year.

"Don't fuck up my work, Matthew. I'm trusting you." I don't ever trust anyone to do my work for me and that's partially because I never take time to myself. But I want to make Kalani's birthday special. It's the first birthday we'll be spending together. And I'm still in the works of earning her trust back.

"Yes, Mr. Astor," he teased while we split ways. My car arrived and I tipped the valet before getting inside. Kalani made me get rid of the tracker on her phone, so I unfortunately didn't know her every move. But she was getting better at giving me updates and she told me she went for a run with Amelia early in the morning but they are back home now.

My palms wouldn't stop sweating and I hated the nerves this was causing me. This is out of my realm. I don't do romantic gestures and plan spontaneous romantic trips. But this stuff is important to Kalani and I want to make her happy. I need to show her this is what our marriage will look like. Considering how she has yet to sign the prenup, she's clearly deep in thought about what it is she wants. I want to make her want me.

I parked my car in the driveway, going into the house through the front door. The further I walked into the house, I began hearing her conversation on the phone.

"That's sweet, Toby. Yeah, I don't think Gray has anything planned so I should be free for brunch," she stated and I wanted to rip her phone from her hands and throw it against the wall. I couldn't believe she'd think I wouldn't have anything planned for her birthday. I entered the kitchen seeing her seated on a barstool as she fed Amelia with the bottle. "Okay perfect. Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow," she set her phone down and smiled at me.

Her smile made me realize my discomfort in her friendship with Toby is irrational. Kalani is loyal and she's done everything possible to prove it to me. Now it's my turn to do the same for her. I love everything about her and I don't care who she's friends with because no matter what, she comes home to my bed every night. I'm the one who gets to wake up to her gorgeous face every morning. And despite knowing I'm unworthy of her unconditional love, I will work everyday to make sure I give her everything she deserves and more.

"You should call him back and let him know you won't be seeing him tomorrow," I crossed my arms while leaning against the counter behind me. My mind was running wild for all the things I wanted to do to her this weekend.

"I won't? Why is that?"

"Because we're leaving tonight for Tofino, Canada," I said and watched a glow appear on her face. She tried to contain her excitement but it was bright and shining throughout this house.

"We are?" She quietly asked when Amelia had fallen asleep. "But you don't take time off work."

"Which is why we need to get out of here before I change my mind. Everything is planned. I spoke with your mother and she agreed to care for Amelia this weekend. I had clothes packed for you and they're waiting at the jet," I approached her to carefully take Amelia away. I will definitely miss this angel, even if it is just for three nights. Being apart from her isn't something I'll enjoy.

"Grayson, this is insane," she jumped up and down before running away and up the stairs. I would've preferred for everything to be prepared and packed. My housekeeper packed her clothes, but when it comes to Kalani's hair and skin, she's very particular with her routine.

She was quick with packing the skin and hair products she wanted. We left the house and I set Amelia in her seat with a prepared baby bag.

Dropping her off at Kalani's parents house wasn't easy because Kalani made it a very long goodbye. But once we were on the road to the airport, her mood had changed. Her eyes were planted outside the entire time we pulled up to my private jet. It was her first time in a private jet and I was happy to provide the experience for her.

"This is insane," she whispered as I held her hand, leading her up the stairs with me.

"You've been saying that the entire drive here. And we haven't even gotten there yet," I sat down in my seat, allowing her to be closest to the window. She was like a little kid in a candy shop and could not sit still.

"That's because this is all insane. I can't believe you did this for me," she held my arm, leaning to kiss my cheek. I slid my hand into hers to hold. "What's in Tofino? Where is Tofino?" She laughed. I hadn't known where Tofino was prior to telling my assistant what I wanted. I said I wanted quiet, intimate and relaxing, potentially away from civilization. She gave me several options and this place felt like it was perfect for Kalani and I. Despite living in the city, Kalani and I both have a liking for the outdoors.

"If I tell you now, it'll ruin the surprise."

-

kalani depradine

It was a geometric tent and the front was clear and had this amazing view of the ocean and the moon touching the water. There was a bed, a small table with two chairs and a mini kitchen area, all in this one dome. We were in the middle of nowhere. We were camping but not camping. It was glamping. It was cozy and the bed had rose petals all over it with candles being put around.

I turned to look at Grayson, then back at our space then back at him. "You planned this?" I asked in complete shock. Grayson might be the least romantic person ever. He hates to admit he loves cuddles.

"Why do we have to act so surprised? It's your birthday weekend. Of course I was going to plan something," he shrugged, placing our bags by the dresser. We're out in the wilderness but I don't have to sacrifice my bed or warmth or shower. There was even a hot tub outside at our disposal.

"We don't have service. You won't be able to work," I played with the petals on the bed. Our plane ride took almost eight hours and it was almost midnight.

"Don't remind me. I have my brother filling in for me while I'm gone," he said and I looked up at him as he stepped closer to me. I couldn't stop smiling because I couldn't believe he had done this all for me. Not only is this is so out of his element, but he left his work to his brother who he can't go ten minutes without growing angry with.

I held his shirt, pulling him closer to me as he leaned down. "This is really sweet, Grayson. Thank you," I let his lips meet mine and it felt like my whole world was becoming complete. Like all the void I didn't even know I had was being filled by this one man.

My hands slid up, removing his shirt before he did the same with mine. He unclipped my bra then laid me down on the bed. A trail of kisses went down my body with his hands working on my jeans that he pulled off. My head went back at his lips making contact with my inner thighs. I held onto his hair, taking in the sensations going through my body. This was my new favourite thing—having Grayson use his tongue to pleasure me. He's been doing it nonstop and I don't think I can ever get tired of it.

"Gray," I moaned out, bringing his head closer in when I started to reach my climax. There was all this tension in my body finally released when I came and this look of satisfaction appeared on his face. I sat up, removing the belt for his pants then pulled them down. He stepped out of them and leaned down to kiss my lips again. I was desperate to have him inside of me and take whatever he was willing to give me.

I pulled away from the kiss, turning around to go on my hands and knees. Grayson brought an arm around my waist, leaning in to whisper in my ear when he said, "I want to look at your eyes when I'm fucking you."

Something went off in my stomach. It must've been excitement because he turned me around the lay on my back and this stupid smile remained on my face.

He leaned down, resting on his elbows while looking at my eyes. My hand went down, bringing him into my hands. He was hot and hard and his tip was pressing against my entrance, just waiting to be let in. I kept my hand there, feeling him slowly enter my walls and the entire time his beautiful green eyes stayed on me with no intentions of leaving. I could see the pleasure in his eyes. The shift in his face the moment he entered me. Like he had never felt something so good and it's been the look I've been wanting to see from him this entire time.

My heartbeat was getting lost in my ears and it was the only thing I could hear when he thrusted into me. Slow and deep. Then he kissed me softly with this feather like touch that distracted me from the pain and pleasure of him being inside of me.

"I love being able to call you mine," he whispered into the kiss and my hands went to his back, making small indents with my nails. "I want to see my cock get lost in you everyday. I want to see you stretch and make room for me."

I brought my hips up, feeling him sink deeper into me with every thrust. His hands cradled the top of my head, making sure my head didn't hit the headboard. "You feel so good, Gray," I spoke against his skin on his shoulder. My arms and legs wrapped around him when he picked up his speed. I felt myself sink further and further into the mattress before I reached my orgasm again. Then I got to listen to groans when his body froze and he started filling me up. I think I could listen to him groan forever if I knew it was because of me.

I kissed along his cheek, making my way to his lips waiting for me. He slid his hands into mine, pinning them over top of my head.

"Let's go in the hot tub," he muttered and I quickly protested.

"Do I even have a swimsuit?" I have yet to look in the bags where my clothes are packed.

"You don't need one," he got off the bed and picked me up with him. I held onto him as he opened the door and stepped onto the wooden patio. In the patio was a hot tub which looked like it was built into the ground. Beside it was champagne, two champagne flutes and Grayson's favourite scotch.

He slowly got into water and it was much hotter than what I'm used to. I sat beside him then reached for the champagne bottle. It's my favourite champagne and I didn't bother asking him how he knew this because I know how observant he is.

"Another present? You're definitely going to have to stop spoiling me because it's going to get to my head," I opened the bottle then poured a glass for each of us. We cheered and took sips. He pulled me onto his lap which was beginning to feel like the only correct place to sit. I ran my fingers through his hair, resting my head on his shoulder. "This is the best birthday ever. Thank you," I shut my eyes, being over powered by all these emotions. My heart felt like it was on fire in the best way possible.

His fingers ran up and down my back, creating the best back scratch. We stayed like this for a while, just enjoying each other's company and he would occasionally place a few kisses on my shoulder. The trees had these twinkling lights lighting up the area. I had gone through four glasses of champagne and had finally called quits. Thankfully Grayson made me eat on the jet so I wasn't yet drunk, but instead had a nice tipsy.

"Can I ask you something?" I set my glass down then played with his ear.

"Okay," he answered.

"Why do you let your father treat you the way he does?" I wondered if now was a terrible time to ask the question. But I've always wondered how a strong man like Grayson can tolerate his father's attitude and behaviour.

His eyes aimlessly went behind me for him to think. "Growing up it was always supposed to be Matthew who inherited everything. He's the oldest and he's the heir. My father never even treated me like a back up plan incase Matthew didn't want it. He treated me like a burden because he didn't need me. Matthew made it clear from a young age he didn't want to move into my father's footsteps and I did my best to prove to him I was worthy, regardless of his harmful words. He always tried to mold Matthew meanwhile I was here fully capable and ready. I excelled at everything just because I wanted him to at least look at me," he explained and there were hints of embarrassment in his voice. He hadn't told me much about his childhood and this certainly wasn't the story I expected to hear. "I've always just wanted to feel good enough."

"You are good enough. You are more than enough. More than what he deserves." The fact that his father would neglect him as a child simply because he was born second makes me sick to my stomach. If I ever have another child, I can't imagine loving them any less than I love Amelia.

"I know. I've just never felt that way. My father has always been someone to look up to. In my mind, until he accepted me and told me he was proud of me, I would never be enough," he took a sip of his champagne. "I devoted my entire life to him and he knows that. He's the reason work is my passion which is why he gave me that stupid ultimatum. Get married and have an heir or the CEO position is going to someone else. He didn't give it to me because he wants me to find love and have the perfect family he never had. He did it knowing I would fail. He did it because he knew it would be near to impossible for me to ever put myself in the position to fall in love. I'm not necessarily the most tolerable person."

I chuckled. "You don't say? Here I was thinking you were the most easy going guy out there," I joked, seeing him bite his lip to stop him from smiling. "Stop it. I like your smile," I used my thumb to pull his lip from his teeth.

"You better, because you're the only person who gets to see it," he commented before I leaned to place a peck on his lips.

"You are the most hardworking, goal-oriented, passionate person I know and he would be lucky to have you as CEO. If your father can't see what an amazing man you are, then he doesn't deserve you, Gray," I stroked his cheek while his eyes met mine. He held onto me tighter, bringing me into an unexpected hug. "You'll always be good enough for me," I spoke under my breath, so quiet I wasn't sure he even heard it.

"I don't know where you've been all my life, but I didn't know I needed you until I had you. And I hope you know I have no intentions of ever letting you go," he muttered as he hid his head in my neck.