“And you do that?” I ask as a warm feeling of pride settles in my chest at the thought that he earned a record at such a young age.
His head dips a little as he scrapes the last bit of food from his plate and brings it to his mouth. “I used to, not a big deal.”
“I’ll bet Holly would like to see you pull,” Theo pipes in, and his grandpa leans forward in his chair with excitement glistening in his eyes.
“Gosh, Gray, it’d be really nice to see my grandson pull one more time.”
Grayson looks at Theo, then to his grandpa, before turning to look down at me.
Our eyes meet, our faces only a few inches apart, and I smile up at him. “I’ll check my schedule. That’s about the time I return to the ER, but if I’m free, I’ll definitely make the trip out for it. I’d love to see you…” I trail off, trying to remember the words they used. “I’d love to see you pull?”
His family chuckles, and Grayson gives a content smile, nodding along with a shrugged shoulder. “Guess I’ll see if there’s still time to enter.”
His grandpa pushes back from the table. “I’ll call my buddy George; he’s still the announcer and modifier for the races.” He gives his wife a gentle squeeze on her shoulder as he passes, and she raises a hand to cover his, squeezing back.
Grayson’s hand moves under the table to rest again on my knee. I rest mine over his, and we continue eating without any major awkward conversations. Grayson and his dad and grandpa talk about the farm and how the corn and hay are doing, while Theo and Lukas argue about some baseball stats I could care less to know about.
His mom and grandma work hard to make me feel included, and I appreciate the hell out of that. It’s when his mom is setting down a plate of warmed apple pie with vanilla ice cream in front of me that Pops asks the awkward question.
“So, what's your plan tonight? Are you planning on staying the night with Grayson, Holly?”
“Jesus, Pops,” Grayson says, dropping his fork onto his plate. “Can we ask something maybe a little less personal?”
“It’s a long drive back to the city.” He shrugs innocently. “Was wondering if she would stay with you, or she could stay at the main house, of course.”
“How about you ask Holly why she was wearing a big fat engagement ring when she and Grayson first met?” Lukas’s comment has the room falling silent as almost everyone stares down at their food.
“Lukas,” Grayson grits out, his voice dangerously low. “How about you and I go outside and I’ll remind you what it’s like to have your ass whooped.”
“No, it's okay,” I tell Grayson, reaching my hand up to rest on his forearm. I curl my fingers around the corded muscle, using it to ground me as I inhale a slow, steady breath through my nose. Shame has me wanting to hang my head, to hide from embarrassment because looking back, it was really freaking stupid of me to cling to a life that didn’t fit me—to a life I wasn’t even happy in. My feet slide forward as if on instinct, or maybe an old habit, wanting me to run out of the room and drive far away from this house. But I’m sick of running, and I am sick of letting my anxiety rule me.
I steady my shoulders, leaving my hand on Grayson’s arm but leaning forward so I can lock eyes with Lukas across the table. “Yes, Lukas, I was engaged at one point. That engagement ended a while ago. I don't know why I kept my ring on for so long, and I’m not proud that I did, but as you can see, I'm not wearing it anymore. The relationship is very much over, which makes me happy, and I’m moving forward with my life.” I let that sink in before adding, “Do you have any other incredibly rude questions you'd like to ask, or should we get on with our dinner?”
Theo howls with laughter, raising his hands to do a slow clap above the table. “Well, Lukas,” he prods, staring over at his little brother. “Any more rude questions for the lady?”
***
“I'm sorry about Lukas,” Grayson says when we step out of the farmhouse and onto the front porch. The screen door slams behind us, its echo rolls across the driveway and into the cool evening air.
“I’m sorry if I caused a scene back there, but I couldn’t take his attitude anymore.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I don't know what I did to piss him off so much.”
“You didn't do anything,” Grayson says heavily. “He hasn’t been himself since he’s been back. We're all giving him time because we're sure that what he went through is more than any of us could ever imagine, but his attitude…” he trails off, shaking his head in disappointment.
I can see the concern wearing on Grayson. Every time Lukas made an off-handed comment today, Grayson’s body would tense. He shoves his hands into the front of his jeans with his gaze fixated over my shoulder at the fields behind the barn.
I lower my arms, using one to snag his wrist, pulling one hand out of his pocket and lacing his fingers with mine. “Let’s not let his attitude ruin the night. I had an incredible day.”
We take the first step in tandem, and Grayson’s face lightens at my comment. “I hope you loved it here.”
It’s my turn to look at the fields that lead behind the barn. I can hear the cows calling out as their low moo carries across the grass. Grayson walks me to my car as I look around, and I find myself disappointed that I need to go home.
Leaning against my door, I slide my keys from one hand to the other with my eyes focused on the fields. “Loved it so much I don’t want to leave.”
A calloused finger curls under my chin, forcing my face toward his. Grayson is close, so close I can smell his earthy cologne. Sandalwood, if I remember right. I inhale a sharp breath and my breasts brush against his chest in the process.
“I’d love nothing more than for you to stay—whether that’s with me or at the house.” He gestures with his head to the main house. “But there’s no rush with this. I won’t ask you to stay tonight, but…” he trails off, biting his cheek to temper a smirk. “Maybe next time I could convince you to stay a little longer.”
I nod as relief washes over me that we’re on the same page. “Would that be appropriate?” I prod. “Given that we’re friends and all.”
