I nibble my bottom lip. “You’re excused. Pretty sure you have a pass for just about anything.”
His emerald gaze latches onto my mouth. Grady bends lower and groans in my ear. “Then it’s time to collect.”
I tug on his shirt. “Let’s go home.”
His eyes flash with molten fire. There’s my Grady. “My girl knows just what I want to hear.”
I almost yelp when my father suddenly appears in front of us. His chuckle suggests that he’s been spying on us. I try not to wither while my stomach turns. Dammit.
My dad claps Grady on the back. “You hanging in there, son?”
His nod is delayed. “Doing my best. Sutton helps.”
“I can see that.”
The temperature spikes one-hundred degrees and my face goes up in flames. “Dad,” I complain.
He winks at me. “You kids need each other. I’m not trying to intrude. You’re adults. Be grown and live happy.”
The corners of Grady’s lips curl ever so slightly. “Thanks, Barry.”
Jace nudges his friend. “I’m gonna get piss-ass drunk. Interested?”
Grady strokes his stubbled chin. “That’s tempting, but nah. I need lowkey. We’ll paint the town a different night.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” My brother takes a step backward.
“Are you two interested in dinner at our house?” The question comes from my mother. She’s still wrapped in my father’s arms. They’re the epitome of a blissful marriage, even after thirty years.
One look at Grady’s somber expression and I have my answer. “We’re going to spend the evening alone.”
Her smile is soft and kind. “I think that’s best.”
We part ways after a round of hugs. My palm is safely nestled inside of Grady’s much bigger one. We took my car here, but I very willingly let him drive. Handing over the reins to Grady is strictly for my visual benefit. Giving him complete control is drool-worthy. He reclines low in the seat with his left arm hanging loose on top of the steering wheel. Swagger oozes from his massive frame. My inner muscles clench on nothingness. The missing piece is sitting a foot away. I want to straddle his lap and show him how hot he makes me. Not sure that would fly with traffic laws. I tamp down the wanton fantasy and stay planted on my side of the vehicle.
The trip home is quiet, but we find comfort in the silence. There’s been too much suffering. I can sense a change in the cool evening air. Flakes of rust and rot chip away, fluttering out the open windows. We’re releasing the toxins and leaving the pain behind us. All that’s left is good and happy. The sparking electricity between us has me buzzing on a high voltage wire. Our heated stares don’t quit. When we pull into the driveway, I’m rejuvenated and ready to combust.
Grady guides me inside with a searing palm at the small of my back. I lean into him, preparing to claw his clothes off.
“I’m depleted, Sutt.”
His raspy tone is ice across my steaming skin. I release him and glance up. Those bottomless green eyes are shining. “I know, Gray. What can I do?”
His lips dust my forehead. “I need a dozen happy somethings to refill my stock.”
I nod into his touch. “Should we take a bath? I bought more bubble bombs.”
“We can do that after.”
That last word hangs between us. “What comes first?”
“Hopefully both of us.”
There’s no hiding the quiver that ripples through me from top to bottom. I lift a shaky brow. “Oh?”
“Give yourself to me.”
He says that as if I haven’t already handed over my heart, along with everything else. “Always,” I purr.
