Grady rolls off of me, dragging my spent body into his. I’m warm and comfortable, satisfied in a way romance novels preen about. The afterglow is no joke. Within moments, I find myself drifting in some half-conscious state.
“Want to help me with something?” He slips his fingers through mine.
I snap into awareness with a slight shake. “Anything.”
“I’ve always wondered if my shower is big enough for two.”
I press my lips to his throat. “Thought you’d never ask.”
19
Grady
Happy something #6: A sense of belonging. What is that, anyway? Maybe I’ll get the chance to find out.
Iwrench off my helmet and grab the hat stashed under the rear cushion. After tugging it on, I swing my leg over the bike and stay put. The possibilities of what awaits beyond those walls is daunting. Avoidance is my faithful sidekick. I keep my ass glued to the leather seat as different scenarios pound into me.
There’s a rampant fever raging through me on a constant basis. It’s been a week since I stole Sutton’s cherry. The shock hasn’t worn off. A tremor rattles my hands just thinking about her beneath me, or in the dozen positions we’ve tried since. I swore to myself she was destined for better. She seems to think we’re fated. That girl hasn’t quit believing in me, no matter how hard I’ve tried to convince her otherwise. It’s about damn time I truly get on board. I’ve been spending the past month, or more like fifteen years, thanking whatever greater power is watching out for me. Being graced with the privilege of calling her mine isn’t a happy something I’ll ever take for granted.
But my boots remain glued to the concrete. Why am I being such a pansy?
This beige house with red shutters is one of the few comforts I have in this world. I’ve been invited inside on countless occasions. There’s no reason to be nervous, other than the explicit fact that our dynamic has shifted in a major way. Barry made mention of Sutton and me as a couple. Does he still feel the same? Will they truly accept me? Once I cross that threshold, questions will need answering.
The development of our relationship hangs heavy in the balance. I can almost feel the scale tipping against my favor. Blaming the delay on getting swamped at work or being a chicken shit coward is the easy way out. But I’m man enough to admit my fear of rejection. Not only from the family who raised me, but the girl who owns my heart and every happy something. I refuse to trap Sutton with me if Alice and Barry deem me unworthy.
I’ve tried convincing myself to not give a shit. It’s easy enough to do—to the point of habit—with every other aspect in my life. That’s not possible where these people are concerned. They’re the only ones I care about. Their opinion and approval means everything to me. I’ve been good enough to be Jace’s friend and a loyal farm hand around their property. That’s a far cry from dating their daughter.
Our love has to be strong enough. I’m twenty feet tall when it’s just the two of us. My girl has a way of boosting me up when others try knocking me over. She’s always been great at that. After seven days of keeping her to myself, it was time to be a respectable man and face the folks. She finally convinced me to come over for family dinner, like the old days. This is how I find myself lingering outside of her parents’ house.
The front door opens, revealing Sutton with a beaming smile aimed at me. Her dark hair glitters under the fluorescent lamp. Damn, she’s beautiful. “Thought I heard you pull up. What’re you doing out here?”
I straighten off my bike. “Just thinking.”
She shuffles forward and leans against the railing. “About?”
“Being here.” I wipe off my clammy palms and release a long breath.
Sutton’s sigh can be heard from across the yard. “Gray, give me a hug.”
My feet are moving before she’s done talking. I’ll never refuse her. Five quick strides and she’s tucked in my arms. I press my face into her hair, feasting on coconut and strawberries. “Missed you, Sutt.”
“I missed you so much.” She clutches the front of my shirt in a tight fist, bringing the fabric to her nose. “How do you always smell delicious?”
“You’re biased, but I approve.”
“Nope.” She takes another long whiff. “Any red-blooded woman with a pulse would agree.”
I kiss her forehead. “There’s only one I want to impress.”
“Mission accomplished.” Hooded baby blues peek up at me. “Tell me what has you hovering on the stoop.”
I haul her tighter against me. “Just worried things are too good.”
Sutton rests her chin on my sternum, forcing me to stare. “Do you doubt me?”
I almost flinch. “Never.”
“Do you doubt my parents?”
