“I have surgeries tomorrow. I’ll need to get to the hospital.”
“I’ll drive you.” Somehow, I knew that would be his answer. Gray takes chivalry to a whole different level, and that only makes my panties wetter.
“Don’t you have things to do?”
“I can handle the both of us. Get your stuff.”
It’s been a while since I’ve been out to eat in Carruthersville. It’s far enough away that I’m too tired to come out here, and if I’m already cooking for Gran, there’s no point. Plus, I’m the queen of online ordering. It’s easier than going to any store.
“I don’t have an umbrella, but my flannel has a hood,” Gray smiles sheepishly.
“A little rain won’t make me melt,” I snort.
He only stares out the window. The fat droplets are still falling in a steady stream, but considerably slower. The sheet that made it difficult to see on our drive here is just calm enough that we won’t look like soaked rats after the quick sprint to the restaurant door.
“Ready?”
“Let’s go, cowboy.”
Gray dives out of the driver’s seat, jogging around the side to help me out. With his hand wrapped around mine, we walk as quickly as we can along the sidewalk. The restaurant door is mere feet away when the sound of my name stops us.
“River. Is that you?”
“Beckett. Hi.”
My ex pulls me into a tight hug, ignoring my fingers laced with the man beside me. The tug on my arm from Gray forcing the clearing of my throat as I wiggle out of Beckett’s hold. A hold that was a little too tight for a little too long.
“I heard you were back, but you never called.” His eyes blink, filled with something like hurt and hope mingling.
“Yeah, I’ve been busy working and with Gran. You know how it goes.”
Beckett runs his hands through his sandy brown hair, his gaze finally drifting to Gray at my side. “Aren’t you that rodeo guy?”
My eyes grow wide, wondering if this is going to become one of those movie showdowns. Squeezing Gray’s hand, he only extends his free one toward Beckett. “Grayson Garrison.”
“I hear you and your brother are the best of the best. Beckett Hughes.”
“I know your folks. Good people,” Gray gives a closed-lipped smile.
Beckett’s finger moves between Gray and me in question. “And how do you know each other?”
“Gray is…” I start.
“Her boyfriend.” His hand releases mine, a heavy arm draping across my shoulders, our bodies now close enough that we’re both under the awning of the flower shop.
“Boyfriend?” Beckett chokes, clearing his throat.
There’s no ignoring the butterflies in my stomach or my racing pulse at Gray calling me his girlfriend. I feel like some lovesick teenager who just had her crush look at her for more than five seconds for the first time.
Choosing to lean into the one man who has never made me feel like I had to fight to be seen, I wrap my arm around his back, my fingers squeezing his side. The gesture clearly makes him happy enough to bend low and kiss me on the temple. “Yeah. Gray was the best kind of surprise.”
“Uh, well… That’s great. I’m excited for you.”
“Thanks, B.”
“Hopefully, you can still find some time in your busy schedule to catch up over dinner—” A deep growl rumbles through Gray’s chest.Geez, he just fucking growled like a possessive animal. Every muscle down below clenches, my walls fluttering as if attempting to fan out the heat from the inside. My core is just begging to skip this date so we can go home. “—or coffee,” Beckett adds with a visible wince.
“Sure. Betty should come too.”
