To choose home.
The bracelet felt heavy on her wrist—a reminder of what she stood to lose if she drove back into the city.
But also a reminder of what she'd be giving up if she stayed.
Riley closed her eyes and let Grant hold her and tried not to think about the fact that no matter what she chose, someone was going to get hurt.
Maybe even her.
TWENTY
Grant
TWENTY-ONE
Grant
The day after Christmas dawned cold and clear.
Grant lay in bed watching Riley sleep, her dark hair spread across his pillow, one arm thrown across his chest. He'd been awake for the better part of an hour, just observing the rise and fall of her breathing, memorizing the curve of her cheek and the way her lashes cast shadows in the pale morning light.
This was what he wanted. Every morning. For the rest of his life.
The thought didn't scare him the way it might have a month ago. It felt inevitable. Right.
Riley stirred, making a small sound of protest as she burrowed closer. "What time is it?"
"Early. Go back to sleep."
"Can't. Awake now." But she didn't move, just pressed her face into his shoulder. "What's the plan for today?"
"Whatever you want."
"Dangerous offer."
"I'm feeling reckless."
Riley laughed, the sound muffled against his skin. "How about we stay in bed until noon, then eat everything in your fridge?"
"Tempting." Grant's hand traced lazy patterns on her back.
He should tell her. Today. He should tell her this wasn't fake anymore, that he wanted her to stay. Not just through New Year's, but permanently. That he was in love with her and wanted to figure out how to make this work—her life here, or him finding a way to be part of her life there. Whatever it took.
The words sat on the tip of his tongue, but something held him back. Timing. He needed the right moment. Not right now, barely awake in bed. But today. He'd tell her today.
Riley lifted her head to look at him, her hair a mess, her eyes still soft with sleep. She was the most beautiful thing Grant had ever seen.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"You."
"Good answer." She kissed him, soft and quick, then rolled out of bed, stealing his shirt off the floor and pulling it on. It hung to mid-thigh on her, and Grant had to physically restrain himself from pulling her back into bed.
"I'm showering," Riley announced. "Don't eat all the breakfast without me."
Grant listened to the water turn on in the bathroom and let himself smile at nothing. Yesterday had been perfect. Christmas Day with their families, the easy way she'd fit into his life, the warmth of her beside him all night.
Today would be the same. Just the two of them, lazy and domestic, building something that felt permanent.
