"Haven't what?"
"I haven't had many serious relationships.I'm an all-in kind of guy, and that's made it hard because I haven't found many women who wanted the same.So, I've been a bit of a single guy, not jumping into things, and I don't walk away.What we're starting here, I don't know.I want to see where it goes because I could live here.I already know that, and I've only been here a few weeks."He pulled her to his chest, whispering into her hair, "I want to keep doing my research here, with you."As Gray said this, he made a note in his brain to think about later.This could be the first moment of us.
"Here's what I know."He moved her back slightly to look into her eyes again."I want to keep kissing you, and other stuff.But I'll also understand if you want to wait and see if I can stay.I applied for an extension of an extra two months.I've saved so much money on accommodation that the funding committee said they'd consider it.Maybe we propose the Lagoon as a satellite research station and run it?Honestly, I don't know, but--"
"You applied to stay longer?"She gaped at him, not knowing when he'd done that, but it meant the world to her, and if he got it, then she'd have more time with him.Once again, it was Riley who started the kiss.As it deepened, Gray thought he was definitely falling for her and knew he needed to stay.He realized there was no way she would leave; her life was here.
When she finally pulled back, panting slightly, she smiled at him."I know you can't say for sure that you'll stay, but that you'll try is enough for now.How about we take things slow?We've got to keep working together, and my meddling coworkers will know we're up to something if we're making googly eyes at each other all day.So, you're going to have to play it cool.I'm already cool, so all I need to do is be myself," she added with a playful peck on his lips before pulling away and grabbing his hand.
"Now, I'm starving, and I think an early dinner would be perfect.Bear needs to get out for a bit, so how about we go get him fed and then wander to the Conch Shack for something to eat?"she suggested as she started walking back to her jeep, with Gray right beside her, still a bit dazed from being able to kiss her and the anticipation of what might come next.
"It's a plan.I'm definitely hungry, and this place is giving me the creeps.But I'm glad we came."Gray looked back at the hotel and noticed something unusual.Pointing to the building about two-thirds of the way up on the far side, he saw something moving."Riley, what's that?"
Following his gaze, Riley noticed the same moving object and smiled."Oh, that's Roland Sr.He's training to climb Everest, and since there's nothing tall on this island and we're barely above sea level, he comes out here and climbs the building over and over for practice.He walks here with all his gear.His training regime is insane!"
"You're joking, right?"It seemed unreal; a man living on a flat island climbing a building to train for Everest?
"I'm totally serious.Haven't you seen him yet, walking in the ocean around the island?He straps weights to his body and walks in the water for resistance training.He's climbed many of the highest peaks already.I think he leaves for Everest next year."They both watched the figure moving at a speed that seemed almost superhuman.
"I'm impressed!You've shown me more new things in one day than I've experienced in years.Thank you, Riley, for bringing me here."She smiled, knowing that while she had wanted to see more of him after their first meeting, it was Cam's hard work that had brought Gray to the island.She wasn't upset about it, though.If anything, she wanted to sneak in a few more kisses, but she'd wait.Having her heart broken would be too much to bear, and there was a possibility this could work out.She needed to make that happen.
Chapter 32
Sunburnt
AsRileyandGraywalked into the Conch Shack, they immediately gravitated towards the giant booth where Daniel, Marta, and Declan were already halfway through their dinner.
"Hey, Gray, you're looking a little red on those shoulders!"Marta teased as Gray sat down.Gray saw that his shoulders were indeed sunburnt.Marta poked him, and he sucked in a breath."That's gonna hurt tomorrow!You better get some aloe on that before your skin falls off!"The group chuckled, each recalling their own sunburn mishaps.
"I have a better idea; you should have Riley help you out.I bet those big muscles stop you from reaching the back of your shoulders, and she's our resident healer.She told you that, right?"Daniel laughed at his own joke, but Riley was mortified, her eyes glued to the table.Gray, meanwhile, was redder than his sunburn, and the room seemed to heat around them.
"Seriously though, Gray, our Riley has an iron stomach.Last year, I had a splinter go straight through my foot, and while everyone else freaked out, she calmly got the tweezers and started pulling it out.She was gentle, but I still squealed like a baby," Declan recalled with a pained expression.
"Remember when that fish spine jabbed me under my fingernail?I thought I was going to faint!But Riley, cool as a cucumber, sat me down and got it out.Daniel's trying to embarrass you two, but she's your best helper," Marta gave Daniel a pointed look.
"Good to know," Gray tried to lighten the mood."I'll book an appointment with Dr.Riley.Do you accept evening patients?"He covered his mouth, realizing too late that his joke had made the whole table pause, including Riley, who looked at him with a mix of amusement and something contemplative.
"Oh snap, did you really just say that?"Declan burst out laughing as the waitress, Cheryl, approached their table.
"Hey Riley, hey Dr.Gray, what can I get you?"Cheryl greeted them warmly, knowing all the regulars by name.
"I'm starving!Can I get a full order of conch fritters, fries, and a Caesar salad, please?Plus, a cranberry and soda," Riley stuck to her usual order.
"That sounds perfect.I'll have the same, but with some hot sauce on the side.And a ginger beer for me, please."Gray knew the conch fritters here were the best on the island.
"No problem!You want those salads first or with your meal?"
"First, please!"Riley and Gray answered in unison, then laughed, surprised it had happened twice in one day.
"On it!I'll be back with your drinks."Cheryl scanned the table to make sure everyone was happy with their meals.
"So how did you get that sunburn?Where were you two today?"Marta nibbled on the last of her fries, always saving the small crispy pieces.
"Gray and I went rollerblading, and then we went to the old Arawak Hotel," Riley said, taking the drink Cheryl gave her.
"Sweet!That place is wild!Did you check for manatees?"Declan loved digging around at that wrecked building.
Riley and Gray exchanged a glance, both blushing as they remembered what they had done after checking for manatees.
