"Mmm?"
"You falling asleep on me?"
"Maybe." Her voice was drowsy, content. "Your shoulder's comfortable."
Grant's heart raced. He could stay here all night—would stay here all night if that's what she wanted. But the fire was dyingdown and the house was getting colder, and his bed upstairs would be warmer.
"Come on," he said gently. "Let's get you to bed."
"I’m fine here."
"You'll be more comfortable upstairs."
Riley made a soft sound of protest but let Grant help her up. He banked the fire, grabbed the candles, and guided her up the stairs, his hand on her lower back.
His room was dark and cold, but Grant lit a candle on the nightstand and pulled back the covers. Riley climbed in, still wearing her jeans and sweater, and Grant followed, pulling her close.
"Better?" he asked.
"Much better." Riley's hand found his chest, her fingers playing with the fabric of his shirt. "Grant?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For today. For the grilled cheese. For sharing your mom's secret with me." She paused. "For making me feel like I belong here."
Grant's throat went tight. "You do belong here."
Riley lifted her head to look at him, and in the candlelight, her eyes were dark and serious and full of something that made Grant's heart race.
"Do I?" she whispered.
Instead of answering, Grant kissed her.
It started soft, gentle, just a brush of lips. But then Riley's hand slid into his hair and she pulled him closer, and the kiss deepened into something hungrier.
Grant rolled them so Riley was beneath him, his weight braced on his forearms. She made a soft sound against his mouth, her legs parting to let him settle between them.
"Grant," she breathed.
"Yeah?"
"I want you."
"You have me."
This time felt different from the start. Slower. More intentional. Grant took his time undressing Riley, kissing each new inch of exposed skin. Her shoulder, her collarbone, the soft curve of her breast. She shivered beneath his touch, her hands roaming his back, his shoulders, touching him like she was memorizing him.
When Grant finally settled between her thighs, Riley's hands framed his face, pulling him down for a kiss that felt like a promise.
"I want you," she whispered again.
Grant entered her slowly, carefully, watching her face in the dim candlelight. Her eyes fluttered closed, her mouth falling open on a soft gasp.
"Is this okay?" Grant managed.
