"Busted," she blushed."What can I say?The food is good, and I guess my chair needs to know."
"I think it's adorable.Now I'll know if you say you like my cooking but you're not wiggling, you're lying."
"Your cooking?"Riley raised an eyebrow.
Gray leaned back, all confidence."Oh yeah.My spaghetti carbonara and tiramisu will ruin you for all others.You'll never want it from anyone else again."
Her face flushed.Were they still talking about food?She stared at her napkin, trying to regain composure.
"We'll see," her voice quieter than she intended.She could hardly think about anything else but Gray cooking for her now.
Maybe, just maybe, Gray was the danger she could handle.
Chapter 36
First month
POP!
As Cam popped the cork on the bottle of sparkling cider, Declan leapt up and caught it mid-air.
"Nice one, boss!"Declan said, hoisting the cork in triumph.
Today, the team was celebrating Gray's first month at the Lagoon and the announcement of his contract extension.
"Thanks, everyone!"Gray said, grabbing a glass of bubbly."Honestly, when I got here, I knew this place would be amazing.But what you've all trained the dolphins to do, and now this extension.It's beyond anything I could've imagined.I don't have the words, except thank you!Cheers to you all!"
The team gathered around, glasses raised high, clinking them together in a chorus of celebration.
Gray sneaked a glance at Riley, who was trying to hide her smile behind her glass.But it was no use; her happiness shone through, and it wasn't because they'd completed a major research project.Over the past week, Gray and Riley had grown closer.They hadn't spent a single evening apart, whether it was going out with the team or exploring the island on their own.Riley wasn't sure what to make of it all yet, but she was glad that Gray seemed comfortable taking things slow.Of course, there was still plenty of smooching to keep things exciting.
Once everyone finished their drinks, Cam stood up to address the team.
"I know I don't say this enough, but all of you went above and beyond to help Gray with this project.From the early morning recording sessions to the incredible work Cici and Declan put into adding the underwater data.This is going to put us on the research map.So, thank you, everyone."Cam's pride in his team was clear as he beamed at them.
"With that, I'm giving each of you a little bonus: an extra day off this month, anytime you'd like.We'll pitch in to cover for one another, but I think it's important for everyone to recharge before we dive into Gray's next round of data collection.How does that sound?"
He didn't need to ask.The team erupted in cheers and nods of approval.Extra time off was a rare treat in their line of work, and no one would turn it down.
"Alright, alright," Cam said, grinning."I think I've made you all happy.Now, Gray, you already have the flexibility to take time off, so let's start with Riley.Any day you'd like?"
Riley's cheeks flushed as everyone turned to her.Everyone understood Cam's playful reminder that Gray could already take time off.And neither was the fact that they'd likely spend their day off together.
"Wellll," Riley said, drawing out the word dramatically."I planned an adventure for Bear and me.But, if you're asking, I'd love it if Daniel could take the same day off as me!"She threw a wink toward Gray.
Daniel grinned and clapped Gray on the back."Riley, you're great, but I think my man Gray is the better choice."
Riley laughed."Okay, fine.Cam, could I take tomorrow off, and Gray too, please?I have a secret spot I want to show him."
Declan groaned loudly, backing up a step."Good gawd, Riley, keep it in your pants!My poor, innocent ears can't handle your dirty talk!"
Before Marta and Cici could swat him, Declan raised his hands in mock surrender."Kidding, kidding!Riley, I love your dirty talk and your secret spots.Please never stop."
Cam chuckled, shaking his head."Tomorrow it is.You two enjoy.Now, let's sort out the rest of the days.Marta, you're up."
Cam handed the marker to Marta, and the team gathered around the calendar to organize their schedules.
Riley felt a thrill of excitement as she thought about tomorrow.Cam's decision to give them extra time off couldn't have come at a better time.She smiled at Gray, and when he caught her eye, he nodded subtly.He'd shown her repeatedly over the past month that whatever she planned, he was ready for it.
