A soft grin curls my lips. “I thought we were past that?”
His head jerks with a sharp denial. “I was lying.”
I drag in a shaky breath. “That’s not very comforting.”
“Tell me, Sutt.” He gives my leg a slight pinch.
I tip my face to the ceiling, picturing the warm sun beaming down. “Sitting under a large oak on the hottest summer days.”
Grady groans, and I imagine he’s picturing it with me. “I’m gonna build you a swing in the backyard.” That’s my breaking point. I turn away before a sob breaks free. He reaches for my hand, threading our fingers together. “Please don’t go, Sutt.”
I glance at him from over my shoulder. “What happens next, Gray?”
“We’ll figure it out. Trust me.” There’s still an unusual shine to his gaze. Will he truly remember this conversation? Maybe it’d be better for both of us if he doesn’t. Now I’m the liar.
I stare at him silently, so much traveling between us without another word. This moment is blistering with intimacy. I fear it will pop and everything will return to our strained normal. I can’t let that happen. But Grady beats me to it.
“C’mere, beautiful. Be my girl.” He lifts his arm and offers me access to that heavenly nook.
I want to weep at the possibility. Do I dare? It’ll ruin me if he wakes up tomorrow with regrets. But I always choose to live in the moment. Following my intuition has never steered me wrong. That pesky voice has been rooting for Grady since I was seven. Why would I start refusing now?
Easy—I don’t.
When Grady beckons to me again, I don’t hesitate. Lowering myself into that divine gap fit for me is a decision I’ve always wanted to make.
11
Grady
Happy something #17: The comfort of knowing dreams aren’t always nightmares.
Ipry my eyelids open with a muffled groan. The room is bathed in darkness, further altering my sense of clarity. Bright light sneaks through the shaded window. That’s the only clue I get. Probably doesn’t help that my brain is sluggish, the gears dipped in sticky tar.
Taking stock of my situation requires more effort than usual. There’s a bone-dry desert in my throat. Sweat dots my forehead. My shirt is drenched and plastered to me. The air is musty, but hints of strawberry and coconut linger. Damn, she smells better than a fantasy. At least there’s one advantage to this shit-storm.
I glance down and catch the massive tent propping up my blanket. Morning wood strikes again. But this is stronger than the typical erection I wake up with. The desire coursing through me is laced with feverish need. Reckless lust pools in my blood, traveling south at dizzying speed.
I reach down to palm my cock and white-hot agony lashes up my arm. Shit, that’s one way to receive a reminder. I glare at the offending wound. Any sign of injury is concealed by several layers of gauze. But I’m well aware of the damage thanks to the sizzling embers still crackling off my skin. I’d usually forego heavy-hitting medications, but this pain is quickly escalating into unbearable territory.
My forearm is blazing. My dick begs for relief. Everything fucking hurts. Except for the delicate weight plastered to my right side.
Sutton.
Her slim body clings to mine, as if she’s keeping me glued in one piece. A humorless laugh bounces off my chest. I don’t fucking cuddle. Being touched has never been my favorite. There are countless other reasons. None of them matter. Sutton’s hands on me are the purest form of pleasure. This woman can snuggle against me all she wants. I’ll never utter a complaint. Closing my eyes and soaking in the warmth is tempting as fuck.
My body is demanding too many damn things at once.
A glass of water and something for the torture to my limb are a great place to start. I attempt to inch out from under Sutton’s embrace. She whines and nuzzles into the groove of my throat. I’m not going anywhere without her knowing. Not that it was really a choice with the pathetic state I’m in.
I feel the moment Sutton rouses. She stiffens against me, as if immediately realizing our position is more of a predicament. My cock twitches, giddy that she’s alert and ready to play. I almost snort.
Nice try, buddy.
There’s no disguising my physical response to having her beside me. If she hasn’t noticed yet, it’ll only be a matter of moments. Sutton will assume all I want is sex. She’ll scramble away before I can utter a proper greeting. Not that I’d blame her. I’m rotten. She’s pristine. Decent intentions aside, this won’t end well between us. We can never last long term. But I’m not going to puss out and try erasing my confessions.
Before I can gather some semblance of an explanation, Sutton lifts her head to face me. Her baby blues are already shining with hurt. Dammit.
I tuck some hair behind her ear. “Morning, beautiful.”
