My smile grew wider as I examined the luxurious bedroom. It was huge, almost like a small apartment, with its own bathroom and its own shower. It was furnished with expensive looking pieces: a massive bed, a stately dresser, twin nightstands, a chair for lounging, a giant TV bolted to the wall, and a freaking chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It was a little lavish for my taste, but it was quiet, and it was private. This place would be perfect for Kiera and me. Now, I just needed to get her here.

Chapter 35

FEAR AND HOPE

A few weeks later, we were all back in Seattle for Kiera’s graduation. She was getting ready for the ceremony, and I was droning on about how recording the album was going, but my mind was a million miles away. I’d been avoiding even thinking about it, but now that the moment was here—now that it was today—it was all I could think about.

Gavin would be at Kiera’s party. I was going to finally meet him. I was also going to be sick. Would Kiera understand if I bailed on the party and went home instead? Probably. But knowing her, she’d just try again. Maybe she’d cuff me to the bed and then invite him over while I was stuck; she’d need much sturdier cuffs for that to work.

Damn it. She wanted me to be brave, she wanted me to face this. I might as well get this shit over with so I could move forward…with her. And besides, Hailey was going to be there, and I’d finally get to meet Riley. That made it…almost worth it.

Kiera was debating her outfit, holding up a very sensible choice: black slacks and a gray button-up. Anna instantly voiced her opinion from the doorway. “No, not that one.” Stepping inside our bedroom, she handed Kiera something. “Here, wear this. Lord knows I won’t be wearing it for a while.”

Her words made my gaze drift to her protruding stomach. The outfit she was wearing was somehow still clingy and provocative, showing off her chest just as much as her growing baby. It was still shocking to see Anna pregnant; every time I saw her, I felt like doing a double take. But knowing she was still getting used to the idea, I only gave her encouraging smiles. She could do this. I was sure she could. Griffin, on the other hand…