Shelley nodded absently, her mind already elsewhere.What is Gray doing gallivanting around the mangroves instead of focusing on his research?He was supposed to be working, not playing tourist.
Her jaw clenched.Getting him back on track means making that research disappear.The sooner I solve that problem, the better.
The waitress returned with her drink, but Shelley barely noticed, her thoughts spiralling around the puzzle in front of her and the clock ticking down on her plan.
Chapter 41
Demons
AsRileyandGraypacked up the Jeep after their day exploring the mangroves, Gray noticed Riley wasn't moving.She was just standing there, her shoulders slightly slumped.
"Hey, are you okay?"he asked, stepping toward her.Gently, he turned her around to face him.
But Riley wouldn't meet his eyes; she was staring down at her feet.Concerned, Gray tilted her chin up, his touch soft but firm.
"Riley, today was amazing.I had so much fun.But you seem off now.Did I do something wrong?"
Gray's mind raced to piece together the day.They'd been laughing and talking, Bowen had picked up the kayaks, Bear had been busy hunting for gross things to roll in, and everything was perfect, until now.
Riley sighed and leaned into his chest, her forehead resting against him, pressing her hands against his firm pecs.He could feel her murmuring something, but her words were too quiet to understand.
"You're gonna have to speak up," he teased, his voice light to coax her out of her mood."I can't tell if you're summoning demons or talking to me."
Riley let out a surprised laugh, finally looking up at him.
"Oh, you'd know if I was summoning demons," she shot back with a small grin.Then, her expression softened."But I think...I feel like I'm letting go of some demons."
Before Gray could respond, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Maybe..."she began, her voice tentative, "instead of me taking you back to your place tonight, we could grab dinner and stay at my place?"
Her wide eyes told him this wasn't a casual suggestion.It took him a beat to understand she wasn't just asking to spend the evening together.She was asking for more.
"Riley," he said, his voice steady but warm, "I'd love to.But only if you're sure."
He hugged her tightly, giving her the time to answer without feeling the weight of his hopeful gaze.
She leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What did you say?"Gray leaned back just enough to see her face, his tone cautious but playful.
Riley smiled, her cheeks flushing."I said Bear takes up most of the bed, so you'd better be okay with that."
Gray chuckled, relief washing over him.He leaned down to steal a quick kiss, which she returned with enthusiasm.The day had been perfect, and now, it didn't have to end.
"I can deal with that hound.But maybe tonight, he could sleep in his actual dog bed for once?"
Riley laughed and playfully smacked his arm."We'll see," though secretly, she agreed.Tonight, she wanted it to be just the two of them.
"Come on," ushering Bear into the backseat."Let's grab something at the Conch Shack and head home."
Home.
The word lingered in Gray's mind as he slid into the passenger seat.He glanced at Riley, who was now scratching Bear behind the ears.Home,he thought again, and for the first time in a long while, the word felt like more than just a place.
Chapter 42
Back roads
