‘Why?’
‘I longed for straight, blonde hair like Becca’s.’ She gave a wry smile. ‘It was another thing to hate her for. Cornwall’s not the most diverse place on the planet, so I stood out. I’d get teased unmercifully, especially at school.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘That’s when I started keeping it cut short.’
Griff started to open his mouth, but closed it again immediately.
‘Go on. Say what’s on your mind.’
‘Don’t take this the wrong way, because you’re always incredibly smart and pulled together, but is this why you only ever wear white, black and gray?’
Her heart plummeted. She could blow him off by saying it made life easier, because then everything matched without having to think about it, but she refused to be dishonest with him.
‘Theo called us both cuckoos in the nest, you know, and he’s right. I was sure if I played down my Caribbean side I’d fit in better.’ Lyndsey exhaled a tired sigh. ‘It didn’t work. Becca was still the lovable, blonde princess and I . . . wasn’t.’
‘But you’ve hashed that out with her now — right?’ Griff asked.
She shook her head. ‘I stuck with all the other stuff. The whole looks thing wasn’t her fault, was it?’
‘No, but you still might consider telling her. I’m guessing the more you understand each other, the closer you’ll get. Isn’t that what you want?’
‘Yes, it is, but don’t push me. We’ve taken big steps already. I don’t hear you stepping up to mend bridges withyourbrother.’
Griff looked awkward. ‘You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll tell you about Jase another day. I promise.’
Now seemed the wrong time to push. They’d already put a dent in their wonderful night together, and she’d hate to ruin it completely.
‘I suppose we ought to get you on home?’ A trace of his sexy smile returned. ‘I’d rather keep you here in my bed all day, but I guess it’s not an option?’
‘I’m afraid not. Maybe we should make a shortcut through the bushes for when we’re desperate?’ Lyndsey hoped he’d play along with her desire to push away the harder conversation they’d drifted into.
‘Good plan. I’ll get right on it when I can wield a chainsaw again.’
Reluctantly she threw on her clothes and sneaked longing glances at Griff as he did the same. They left the house and walked silently, hand in hand, until they reached Becca’s front door.
‘You can remind Theo that he promised to cut my grass later. It needs to dry up some first, so I reckon about eleven o’clock?’
‘Was he really helpful yesterday or were you just saying that?’
‘I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it, Lyndsey.’ He held her gaze. ‘I’m not simply talking about things I’ve said about Theo, either, in case you had any doubts.’
‘Good.’
Griff wrapped his strong, wiry arms around her and drew them into a lingering kiss. ‘I suppose I’d better let you go. Tonight?’
‘Oh, yes.’
‘I thought I heard squirrels on the porch.’ Becca flung open the door. ‘Long work call, was it?’ Her eyes danced with mischief.
‘I . . . um . . . didn’t want to disturb you creeping back in . . .’
‘I’m glad you two have finally seen sense.’ A wailing sound drifted from her phone. ‘We don’t need an alarm clock or a rooster with Nora around.’
‘I’ll get her up.’ Lyndsey threw a regretful look at Griff. ‘See you later.’
‘You sure will.’
