Page 40 of Gravity

“With a little encouragement he’s soon let go and accepted he needs to do it in order to become stronger at home. He’s doing a lot better with it now.”

“I’ve certainly seen an improvement in him. That’s great to see. And it’s clear that he’s happy you’re home.”

“I know.”

The cool water laps at my feet as we reach the pier, soothing them like I knew it would. Finishing my ice cream, I turn and rest my back against one of the pillars, placing my hands behind me as I look out across the ocean. Grayson mirrors my position on the opposite side and faces me, still enjoying his own ice cream.

My thoughts go back to the way things have been at home. The way they all behaved when I announced I’d got the job at Hot Tuna hadn’t been like any of them. Even Dad. But no matter how hard I try and rack my brain as to why, I get no answers.

Looking up, I find Grayson watching me from the other side of the pier. “What’s on your mind, Shortcake?”

I shake my head and look back down, trailing my foot from side to side in the water as the soft waves break around my ankles. “Nothing. I’m just overthinking.”

“Tell me anyway.”

I let out an exhale and look back at him, knowing that what I’m about to say will sound crazy. “Ever feel like you’ve done something wrong when in your heart you know you’ve done nothing at all?”

“You’re going to have to elaborate on that.”

“Like the other day when I said I’d got the job. Asher’s reaction was like I’d done wrong.”

He sighs. “Yeah. I noticed that myself, too, but I can’t say I’m surprised when it comes to Asher. You know how he can be.”

“I guess. I mean, I know I came home to spend time with Dad—and I will do; I am doing—but is it wrong that I want to do something else with part of my time at home?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why have I been made to feel like it is?”

Pushing himself off the pillar, he steps over to me. Holding his ice cream, he rests his arm above my head and he leans in closer. My breath halts with his proximity, and when he tucks the hair behind my ear and cups my cheek, I have to keep myself grounded. Just the simplest of touches has my body a hot mess.

“Whatever you’re thinking, stop. You’ve done nothing wrong. I promise you.”

“It doesn’t feel that way,” I whisper.

“You’ve come home to spend time with your dad, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside the whole time. Ignore them. Don’t let their reactions make you feel guilty.”

I nod. I nod because it’s the only response I have as hot tingles cascade down my spine when he brushes his thumb over my cheek. One touch. With one touch, this man has the ability to turn my body into flames.

I hold his gaze, and the soft sound of the waves breaking around us becomes nothing but white noise as I long to have him closer. His solid body is a fraction from mine, and I wish my hands weren’t pinned behind my back because I’m desperate to touch him. And he knows it. That’s the thing with Grayson and I: even in silence, our hearts have always spoken to each other, and when the tip of my tongue wets my lips and his eyes fall to my mouth, he clears his throat and steps away, drawing a line at what’s just played out between us.

“We should be heading back. Ryan finishes soon, and I need to be there when he does.”

Desire. That’s what it was.

I may be inexperienced with men, but I’m not blind. He wants this as much as I do.

Like he knows the tension between us needs to ease, he looks at me and grins.

“What?”

“Last one to my truck buys Duck donuts for a month?”

I roll my eyes knowing I’ve lost already. “Oh, come on.”

“Scared you’re going to lose?”

“No. I’m just too tired to race you.”