Once the flames danced around the logs, I stood up, ignoring the cracking sound my knees made, and looked at Grace. She was hovering by the door, with her arms folded across her chest looking unsure.
“I should go,” she suggested, and I’d never heard anything I wanted less.
“Or …”
“Or?”
“Or you could stay?” I tossed out knowing the last thing in the world I wanted her to do was leave.
“I could. But wouldn’t I be in your way?”
“Not at all.”
“Come on, Cole. I’m sure you had plans for tonight that didn’t involve drying a strange girl's tears,” Grace scoffed.
“Sweetheart,” I started as I moved toward her. “My plans tonight included finishing my beer, washing the dishes, and then lying on the couch watching a movie.”
“Really?”
“Look around you. This isn’t exactly entertainment central,” I replied, hating that I sounded bitter.
“Oh.”
“That came out wrong. Sorry. Don’t get me wrong, there’s not much to do out here, but that’s what I like about it. The slower pace. The quiet. The peace. I’ve lived through enough drama and fireworks to last a lifetime. This is perfect for me,” I tried to explain.
“Are you sure you want me to stay?” Grace asked, and I knew she wasn’t going anywhere.
“One hundred percent.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“On one condition.”
“Done.”
“You don’t even know what it is!” Grace laughed, and I knew my decision was final. I was never letting her go.
“Doesn’t matter. Anything you want, it’s yours,” I promised, knowing I’d never be like jackass Ben and let her down. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.
Grace’s eyes went dark, and I would’ve given everything I had to know what just went through her mind. “I’m washing.”
What? Huh? “Washing?”
“I hate drying. I’ll wash, you’re drying. Which way is the kitchen?” Grace asked, resting her hand on her hip and popping it out to the side.
I couldn’t believe this was happening. Grace was washing my dishes, wiping my counters, and chatting away the whole time. Gone was the sad, teary version of the woman who fell apartin my arms, replaced by an overly bubbly woman who asked a million and one questions about life on the ranch.
I hung the damp towel on the hook and turned to face Grace. “Coffee?” I offered, grabbing a mug from the cupboard.
“No thanks. If I have one I’ll be awake all night,” Grace replied as she jumped onto the stool at the kitchen counter.
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop me from saying something dumb. I quickly made myself a cup before we headed back into the living area.
“I really should get going,” Grace repeated half-heartedly. We both knew she didn’t want to go, and I didn’t want her to go anywhere, but social graces had us saying all the right things.
“Sit your sexy ass down and choose a movie,” I replied as I dropped into the couch and handed her the remote.
