Sutton bumps her hip into mine. “Harlyn lives nearby. I guess it’s her new stomping ground.”
“This isn’t one of the many bars you frequented?”
She rolls her eyes. “Very funny. No, all of those clubs are by campus. This is the first summer Bottom Up has been open.”
“Maybe you’ll show me a favorite haunt one day.”
“Other than Bronco Buck?” She flutters her lashes at me.
“Smart ass. I want to fill in the gaps. There are four years worth of memories I’m missing.” I raise my voice above the growing chatter enveloping us.
The mid-afternoon crowd is gathering, with more pulling in. There’s a taco truck boxed in along one side. Fried cheese and spiced meat pepper the air. An array of picnic benches, iron tables, and lone standing stools decorate the concrete patio. Most of the seating is already taken. We manage to snag an open space with four chairs and a small slice of shade.
“Popular area,” I say.
She nods. “It’s close to downtown. Being on the outskirts has benefits.”
I glance up and around, taking in the view. “I can see the appeal. This industrial style awning is a nice touch.” I motion to the slatted wood structure above us.
Sutton follows my line of sight. “You’re such a carpenter.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you want me to set up a website for you?”
I kiss her red-stained lips. “Sweet of you to offer, but I don’t need all that. Simple and easy works for me.”
She swipes a thumb over my mouth. “You’re the furthest thing from either of those, Gray.”
“For you, Sutt. Most barely give me a second glance or assume the worst. You’re the only one who sees me as anything more.”
Her sigh is long. “Sucks for all them. I’m living the best life with you.”
“And that’s all I care about,” I add. She nibbles on her bottom lip. I tug on the plump flesh being held hostage. “What’s on your mind, Sutt?”
She peeks over at me. “Did your mom come home yet?”
Sutton is well aware of my mother’s disappearing act. She’s a saint for letting me vent about all the problems that woman causes. I bob my head. “Her neighbor called me this morning. She stumbled in at the ass crack of dawn. I guess she looks even worse than usual. It would probably be best if I check on her tomorrow.”
“Want me to come with you?”
“You’d do that?”
She reaches for my hand. “Of course, Gray. I’ll always support you with everything.”
I suck in a choppy breath and glance off into the distance. “Are you sure?”
Her fingers squeeze mine. “Positive.”
My swallow is rough. “Okay. I’ll warn you, the sight isn’t pretty. She’s harsh reality in the cruelest form.”.
She offers a timid smile. “I can handle that. Don’t worry about me. I love you, Gray. Let me be there for you.”
I ghost my mouth over hers. “I love you so damn much, Sutt. Having you with me will make all the difference. I want to share all my truths. No more hiding.”
She closes the remaining distance between our lips for a quick kiss. “Glad we settled that.”
“Me too, baby. You amaze me.”
