"You okay?" Grant’s deep voice rings from behind me, making me startle.
I blink rapidly in an attempt to help the now-forming tears evaporate faster. I’m not sure how it works, but it does. "Oh, yeah. Stuff like this makes me emotional," I admit. "I'll get over it."
"Ah, stuff... Presents?" He's trying to make me feel better and it's kind of working.
"Yes, presents,” I laugh, thankful for the distraction.
Grant leans against the tree behind me so close that my skin prickles with awareness. "But seriously, are you okay?" His voice is soft and warm making me want to close my eyes and listen to him speak all day.
"Yeah." I wave him off. "I just got to thinking how big he's getting, and boom, waterworks.”
Crying isn’t something I do often, or at all, really. Every once in a while, a dog video or stress overload has me blubbering, but on the day-to-day, nothing tends to phase me.
Mason opens another present, the same shock and joy painted on his face, and for a moment, Grant and I stand side by side in contented silence watching the show before us.
"Hazel," Grant's deep voice is soft, drawing my gaze to him. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Go for it." Butterflies erupt in my belly at his closeness. There's something behind his gaze that is making me shiver in anticipation.
He sucks in a large breath, setting me even more on edge with every second that passes. "I'd like to take you out sometime. Would you like to go on a date?”
Oh my gosh, it's happening.
It's not all in my imagination.
My face shows every thought and there's no stopping the cheek-splitting grin that takes over my face. "Of course." My heart is racing, and I feel breathless, but fireworks are going off right now.
Grant smiles back at me, and we're both grinning fools, but I don't care. This might be my chance to be the girl that gets picked.
Chapter Four
Hazel
“Do you come here often?” I walk to the edge of the platform peering down at the expanse of green below. “I’ve heard that people love it, but I’ve never done it myself.” The unmistakable sounds of clubs whishing through the air followed by the thwack of golf balls echo all around me.
This is our third date and each one gets better and better. On our first date, he took us to the park near the college campus complete with an expertly packed picnic basket. When he tried to get me to walk across a field in my wedges though, I had to remind him of how we met. The man simply turned around and gave me a piggyback ride. I don’t think I’ve ever been swept off my feet before.
Literally.
We watched the sunset enjoying each other’s company. With the tension between us, I thought I was going to combust. When he finally cupped my jaw, leaned in close, and asked to kiss me, I thought I was going to die right there and go to heaven. But then his lips met mine and brought me back to life.
After that first date, Grant followed up the very next day. I shouldn’t say I was shocked because he told me he would, but to have someone follow through for a second date was refreshing.
It took a while, but I convinced him it was my turn to sweep him off his feet. Unfortunately for me, Iron Drive is so much more fun than our trip to the aquarium. Although making out in the jellyfish room with the changing LED lights is something I’m not likely to forget anytime soon.
Or making out at my doorstep.
God, I sound like a horny high schooler.
“Oh yeah, I come here all the time.”
I bend over placing the golf ball on the rubber stand. “Really?” Satisfied that the ball won’t roll off after several failed attempts I adjust my feet and swivel my hips. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m pretty sure this is how the pros do it.
Grant chuckles. “No.”
My crazy hair whips in my face, my stance forgotten as I look over my shoulder at him. “Seriously?” I laugh.
Grant looks impeccable under the dull glow of the overhead lights. The sleeves of his black button-up are rolled up to his elbows showing off tanned forearms that have me drooling. He’s left the top two buttons undone showing a tempting sliver of his chest. A dazzling smile shows off the sharp angle of his clean-shaven jaw helping to bring out the crinkle of his blue eyes.
