This reminds me that now I have another problem. I practically cried myself to sleep in Grey’s suite, in his arms. Which are still wrapped around me. Not going to lie, they’re kind of heavy, but it’s a pleasant weight, like one of those soothing blankets I saw advertised on an infomercial during the many nights I couldn’t so much as get five winks when I was staying at Heidi’s.
I’m pretty sure this breaks Marriage of Convenience Club rules, along with Blancbourg rules.
But I can inhale fully, deeply, dreamily. Grey loosened the tightness that’s usually present in my chest. He stood up for me when no one else has. I don’t know what Todd has planned, but I have someone on my team. A big someone.
I study his hands, palms calloused, nails trimmed, but one looks like it was torn. Though I don’t see any evidence that he bites them. His knuckles are huge. Wrists too. With my face pressed against his chest, I hear the steadythrum, thrumof his heart. I can only imagine how big and strong it is. His lungs, too, as they slowly expand and contract.
In college, I visited the forests in the northwest of the United States and couldn’t wrap my head around how the sequoia trees grew so big—I also couldn’t wrap my arms around the trunks. Though I do have a photo of me trying to hug the tree.
Grey is like that, too. I don’t know what made him so grumpy and grouchy, but I think he needs a hug. I don’t dare move, though, because I might burst this little happiness bubble. Instead, in my mind’s eye, I sketch the two of us hugging. I’ll put pencil to paper later.
What I’d rather he not see is how puffy my eyes are sure to be from crying last night. I’m also jittery like I’ve had too much caffeine, even though I haven’t so much as said good morning to a cup of coffee.
Grey grunts...yes, even in his sleep. Or maybe that’s a signal that he’s awake. I crane my head up slightly, taking a peek.
His lashes rest on his cheeks and his expression is serene, not stony. But then his grip on me changes and he shifts slightly before blinking a few times as if bringing me into focus.
I tuck my head and keep my arm around him.
“Good morning.” I’m as perky as ever—my college roommates never understood how I could go from a sound sleep to being perfectly awake while they were groggy until they met their daily requirements for caffeine, pancakes, and showers.
“Morning.” Grey’s voice is rough.
He picks his hands up as though trying to figure out how we got into this tangle with him, halfway reclined on the sofa and me tucked in under his arm with his other wrapped around me. Mine lace underneath, but just like with those huge trees, I can’t clasp my fingers.
“I like it here,” I whisper before getting up and running toward the door.
“Everly,” Grey calls.
I pause, afraid for him to see my smile.
“Good morning,” he says as if correcting himself.
Maybe it will be a good morning.
I traveled a bit as a child,but usually in the company of a nanny and never in first class. That was reserved for my father—if he flew commercial. In recent years, that’s rarer for the man who his enemies and friends alike call the Ice King. Hungry for wealth and success, he’s grown richer and richer. Apparently, Todd wants a few chips off that block and will do anything, including marry me, to get it.
All I have to offer is cookie dough, folks, so unless you want a scoop, move right along!
During our short time together, the only trips Todd and I took were by car and never fun—it was all hoity-toity sites and events for business deals. If the hosts saw me in my most recent outfits, I would’ve been denied entry. Then again, I could’ve explored someplace off the beaten path, which, let’s face it, is more my speed.
My father once said he and my mother were opposites. He also commented that I’m a lot like her. I take that to mean I get my carefree, winsome personality from Mrs. Ice King, aka the hockey fan sweetheart, who swept my father off his feet—supposedly, she scored a goal on him during a charity event and the rest was history.
Seated beside Grey in the spacious leather seat with ample foot room, and the VIP service with warm towels to freshen up, drinks, and snacks makes me understand the lure. It’s a far cry from my last flight, wedged between the window and the Manimal.
Still, I can’t help but feel slightly guilty. “I could’ve just sat back there with the rest of the villagers,” I say, thumbing over my shoulder.
Grey pockets his phone and stretches out his legs. “If you haven’t noticed, I won’t exactly fit comfortably back there.”
“No, I meant me. I could sit in economy to save money.” Because I’m all about the budget these days and Cate purchased regular tickets for all of us coaches. Grey got me the upgrade.
He blinks slowly at me as though I don’t understand something obvious. “Life is short. Enjoy comfort when you can.”
“Wise words coming from someone who takes his life entirely too seriously.”
“You do realize you’re talking to one-quarter of the #BruiserButt scandal.”
My eyes bulge. “So you’re admitting that you have a playful side?”
