Page 60 of The Virgin Playboy

“Well, now we have to go. Maybe before the end of our trip.”

“Well, don't let me keep you. It's getting late, and if Graham's going to be of any use at the farm, he's going to need rest.”

We wished my dad good night, disappearing into our room before Jaq would bring it up.

“You sure your dad's okay, right? Because he didn't look…okay.”

“Jaq, I told you he's fine. He's just tired. It's been a bad week. Sooner than later, he'll be back to his old self,” I deluded.

Not wanting to press any further, she slipped into her pajamas. “So, what was he talking about with the farm?”

“I said I'd help around. Figured I was due, given my sister has been overextending herself. I assumed you could just drop me off and explore some things on your own, so I wouldn't bore you.”

“I'd join you on the farm. See my baby putting in that hard work,” she teased. “Your girl ain't participated in hard work since college,” she strained. “But you promised me not to leave me by myself.”

“You're right. I'm sorry,” as I sat on the bed, kissing her on the cheek before collapsing next to her. “Thank you for coming with me⁠—”

“Graham. If you thank me one more time.”

“I know. But this…this feels…perfect.” I laid my head on her chest, her fingers massaging my scalp, fingering through my hair. After a day like today, I didn't see anything ruining such a good feeling, not even the reality that I was about to lose my dad.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Jaq

Sleeping in his old bed had been kind of nice. Don't ask me why, but I worried myself wondering what it would be like to step outside our regular routine. I feared I'd wake up in a crappy mood, but it was evident that Graham’s presence was calming, no matter where we slept. But still, it didn't stop me from questioning if my being here was helping or hurting. Having spent hours with his mom and sisters, I couldn't help but recognize there was this high emphasis on women having kids.

Sure, I knew his sister was a new time mom and everything, but with his two other sisters being so young, there was this expectation put on Wilhelmina, and I knew that everyone was being polite and discreet for my sake. But Graham was their first born and only son. I knew if I got them talking long enough that they'd admit they expected that of him too. His mom was, dare I say, desperate for grandkids.

In a way, I got it. They were such a big family, and coming from what I learned was an even bigger one. While I, too, had come from a huge extended family, being an only child had its pros and cons. I had no doubt in my mind that I grew up spoiled, and because it was only me, I got all the love and attention. But seeing Graham with his sisters, especially his older one, I sort of envied growing up without those built-in best friends. Even after a long separation, I could tell they were close.

As a whole, they were sweet, welcoming, and oddly accommodating. I feared being the only boy that Graham would reveal he was a mama's boy. Even though I could tell that his mom had strong opinions on how things should be done, he was really clear on boundaries, so it was none of that weird boy-mom shit, where their son was practically their husband. Spending more time around them, I did question whether I fit seamlessly into Graham's life and future though. While Graham was just enjoying himself being back home with his family, I tried not to focus on the negative.

Waking up to a fully dressed Graham, I glanced over to my cell to learn it was only 6:30 in the morning. Wherever he was off to, he was depriving me of morning cuddles.

“Hey, babe,” I yawned. “Where are you off to so early?”

He turned to face me, caressing my neck before leaning in for a small kiss.

“Sorry, I wasn't trying to wake you. It's just raining out. Couldn't resist.” He reached in for another kiss. “I'll be back.”

“Wait,” I whined, sitting up in the bed. “If you give me a few minutes, I can come with you.”

“I don't want to be the reason you mess up your hair.”

“Okay? And that's what I brought styling products and a hair dryer for,” I countered.

“Fine, Jaq. I'll wait for you to get dressed. Just meet me downstairs.” He kissed me once more before excusing himself into the hallway. Can't say I'd ever intentionally run in the rain before. Battling indecisiveness on what to wear, I went with a small, a simple A-line dress that fit well enough to not need a bra, and some Oxford Doc Martens, meeting Graham at one of the house exits.

“Ready?” Graham flashed me a blinding smile, distracting me from the damp weather outside. Nodding, he took my hand, guiding me through the mix of insanity and peace from the rain.

Small cold droplets hugged my skin, my dress nearly clinging to my body. Nothing woke you up more than the warmth of the heat, but the cold bite from the rain. I fear I would have dreaded an experience like this back home, being a city girl, but being here with him, it was humbling. Letting myself get swept up by wild yet calm nature. Like the stress of your day was being washed away, and your soul returning purified. I saw now why he did this so often.

His dark eyes beamed and sparkled in a way I'd never seen before, and it suddenly dawned on me that this was his home, his ancestral land. It was hard not to be a different person in the place that shaped you. I loved seeing this side of Graham. It sucked knowing that when we went back to New York, he’d locked this version up of himself. Like there was this energy he reserved only for New Zealand.

Sensing I was cold, he took me in his arms, his strong embrace bathing me in a decadent warmth. Fixing my chin to meet his stare, he gazed at me longingly, the look in his eyes as intimate as the kiss he reached in for. We stood like that for an unreasonable amount of time before he pulled away and looked at the sky.

“The rain's gonna pour harder in a few minutes. Ready to go back?”