Sutton
Happy something #57: Making wishes on weeds.
The rumble from a motorcycle breaks apart my thoughts and skewers the idle chatter around the cafe. That low roar rockets from the tips of my toes straight up. A streak of heat follows in its wake, goosebumps prickling my arms. I shiver and lift my gaze to the large bay window. There’s a single headlight beaming at me, growing brighter as he approaches.
I nearly jumped from my seat when his text came through. Hasty might as well be my middle name. Grady messaged me fifteen minutes ago, but I wasn’t sure how long he meant by soon. The idea of him showing up shoved an unpredictable twist in my smooth routine. I’d been semi-productive until that point. Most of that was due to my phone remaining silent. I’d been secretly waiting to hear from him since we parted this morning. But I refuse to be that clinging girl.
I’m no longer the lovesick teenager who would’ve done anything to be with Grady Bowen. A part of her still lives and breathes inside of me, but the woman I’ve become rallies louder. She demands stability and some perception of commitment before spilling her guts. There has to be a happy medium. This has happened so suddenly that a teeny tiny piece of me still needs confirmation. Silly as that seems considering this is Grady I’m referring to. He wouldn’t deceive me.
We’ve reconciled, but there’s plenty left unsaid. Maybe tonight will solve some of that. I’m comfortable letting things play out as they’re meant to be. Confidence infuses my bones while Grady zooms closer to Steeped. Our potential is strong and bright. Being in a romantic relationship with him feels like a long time coming. It’s difficult to remain calm and go slow. I want everything he’s willing to offer, and that need burns through every part of me.
Grady will have the same from me in return. I’ll be his rock. A pure source of happy somethings. His most reliable and loyal confidante. I’ll always stick by his side. He’ll want to let me in, completely and irrevocably. Gaining that level of trust seems like a feat, but his walls are already crumbling.
We bowed and bent toward each other without much fight. It’s always been that way. Try as I might, which I really didn’t, there was no resisting. That’s why I couldn’t handle being around before. Witnessing him avoid me on purpose was a shot of poison, infecting me with bitterness and toxicity. We’re moving well beyond the opposite of that, I think.
I shake off the uncertainty, that flicker of insecurity tipping the scale. This is for real. He’s pretty much admitted we’re forever. But I should wait until we’re officially settled to reveal any of this. That stops me short. There I go again, running off with wild ideas. This man stirs up a level of crazy I didn’t believe lived inside of me. I lay a hand over my forehead.
Stay calm. Slow down.
That’s probably the best place to start. But too many lost opportunities have slipped through my fingers. I won’t waste more. Being with him—in any capacity—is all I truly need. Happiness is us blending together. Moving home to Silo Springs reignited our bond. And here we are.
I watch as Grady eases the bike to a stop along the curb in front of the main entrance. Is he coming in? Should I go out? Grady yanks off his helmet and turns those green eyes toward me. I blink at him. Can he see me? Does it matter? I collect my things in a rush and meet him on the sidewalk.
He’s wearing a thin white tee that showcases his muscular build. His dark blond hair is mussed and messy. A thick dusting of stubble coats his jaw. Those seductive emerald pools beg me to dive in.
Mine.I clack my teeth and hope he doesn’t notice.
Grady offers me a half smile. “Hi, Sutt.”
“Hey, Gray.” I’m a tad breathless, and not from dashing across a few feet of space.
All of those needs and desires from moments ago resurface. I stare at him, into those honest green eyes, and the words threaten to spill out. Somehow I manage to gulp them down. Well, most of them. Containment is essential for my pride.
“I’m extremely attracted to you,” I blurt. “Like a magnet.” I bump my fists together for visual emphasis.
That’s what I choose to say? Out of everything? I almost smack my forehead.
Grady’s laughter shatters my humiliation. “Fuck, you’re sexy.”
A scorching blaze wafts against my cheeks. I tuck my chin, but don’t break our connection. Should I kiss him? Hold his hand? Grady makes a decision, tugging me into him by the belt loop. Two strong arms band around my waist and erase any bit of space between us. The answer was a hug, the best one ever. I purr against his chest.
My skin is still tingling from Grady’s masterful ministrations earlier. Being this close to him again heightens the sensation tenfold. It’s almost surprising my legs aren’t trembling in anticipation.
“Don’t get shy on me now.” His lips tickle the shell of my ear. “I missed you.”
“Missed you so much.” I ease back a smidge to catch his stare. “How was work?”
Grady lifts a shoulder and I shift with the slight movement. “Decent. Didn’t get shit done.”
“No?”
“Had a lot on my mind.” He rotates his injured arm, then winks at me.
I bite my lip. “Are you okay?”
“Much better now.”
My stomach does a little flip that has me grinning. “So, where are you taking me?”
