Sutton giggles. “I did. And she is.”
“What in the world did she say to you?”
“Nothing outrageous. I think that little conversation was her version of sniffing me out. Making sure I have honorable intentions where you’re concerned.”
I can’t stop the burst of laughter that booms out of me. “That’s hilarious, Sutt. I doubt my mother gives a single shit about me or my life.”
She strokes a finger down my cheek. “She told me to take care of you.”
“That’s comforting considering she never did.”
Sutton hums. “She wasn’t shy about pointing out her list of faults.”
“Only took her several decades.” My tone is bitter, a sour taste on my tongue.
“I think she wants the best for you, in her own twisted way.”
“Why couldn’t she tell me herself?”
She looks out the window at the passing fields. “That’s on her. Maybe she’s ashamed. Years of neglect and abuse. Sometimes it’s easier to share all that with a stranger.”
I release another heavy breath. “Whatever. I just hope it wasn’t too much on you.”
Sutton grabs my free hand. “I’m happy we went. This was a good thing.”
“Maybe you need a refresher of what that word means.” I lift our connected palms, kissing her wrist.
“What’re you suggesting?”
I wink at her. “A new happy something. Anything you want.”
Her hips wiggle in a sexy shimmy. “The possibilities are endless. Let’s start with swimming.”
That gets a low chuckle out of me. “Out of everything, that’s what you want?”
She walks her fingers up my arm. “Diving off your dock.”
My chest warms at the memory of a talk we had so very long ago. We never got to jump in the lake together. Turns out her suggestion is the greatest one.
Sutton leans across the space separating us. “Oh, and by the way? I lost my bikini. Hopefully skinny dipping isn’t a deal breaker.”
23
Grady
Happy something #37: Having the power to be numb.
The Monday morning sun is threatening to blister my skin and it’s barely nine o’clock. I almost miss the stuffy confines of working indoors. A quick glance along the outer wall promises a large shaded area thanks to the huge oak nearby. I should hit that patch of relief after a few more sections. What I wouldn’t give to be neck-deep in the lake with Sutton again. Having her slippery body gliding over mine was the most satisfying happy something my dirty mind could ever conjure up. I palm my junk, cursing the persistent desire sizzling through me. It’s hot enough without adding more flames.
After adjusting myself, I grab another piece of flimsy plastic. I’m finishing up the siding this week. Lighting and appliances after that. I have to stain and install the trim. Finishing touches in the bathroom. That should wrap up the restoration. The end of this project is finally in sight.
I’m about to nail another portion in place when my phone begins vibrating. An unknown number flashes on the screen. I stare at my cell for a slow beat. The decision to answer wobbles my hand. With a resigned sigh, I swipe across the green line.
“Hello?”
“Is this Grady Bowen?”
“Yeah.” I’m already preparing to hang up.
