"This show runs often, right?"Shelley continued, smiling."I can come back another night.You all look exhausted.Let's go!Lead the way, Gray!"
She picked up her bag and tried to loop her arm through his, but Gray pulled back.He was trying to process how she thought it was okay to show up without booking a hotel.
"Wait, Shelley," Cam interjected."I mean, I saw your stuff at Gray's place, but you didn't think you should have a hotel room?That's...unexpected.Didn't the university make a reservation?Seems strange they'd assume you would stay with Gray and a long way to send someone without booking something."
"Well, they were in a rush to get me here, and with all these tourists, I guess they couldn't book anything.But Gray's using university funding, so I don't see the issue.We're such good colleagues, aren't we, Gray?"Shelley smiled sweetly, somehow making her smile even wider.
What she wouldn't tell any of them was that she had a room but when she was leaving the lobby that morning and saw all the people stranded with no available rooms, she'd been happy to check out early and pass it along to someone else.Mark had made the reservation, and he wouldn't care if she left the hotel early.
Cam sighed."Unfortunately, with the crowds, I'll have to take your word that there's no vacancy.Gray, I hate to do this, but it looks like you're going to have to host her tonight."
Gray's shoulders slumped in defeat.He couldn't believe this was happening.Riley was going to be upset, and he didn't want Shelley anywhere near him.There was nothing he could do tonight.Tomorrow, he'd find her a hotel.He could manage one night.
Cam shook his head."We'll sort this out tomorrow, Gray.And we'll work on the project we started today.No rush."With that, he headed to his own car.
Gray hung his head.How had this day gone so wrong?He had woken up beside Riley, holding her, wrapping her blond streak around his fingers.They'd talked about their plan for the day; the new cuff for Phoenix, and how Bear definitely needed to be weaned off the rawhides.Now, he was stuck with Shelley and desperately hoped that Riley wasn't doubting their relationship.He was totally in, but had he said it out loud to Riley or had he hoped she'd guess?
"Well, this is perfect!"Shelley chirped."Just you and me!"
"Let's go," Gray muttered."Obviously, you know my place is walking distance."
"Oh, don't be so mopey!"Shelley teased."I'm here to help you!We'll get the data faster with two of us, and then we can head home; the university misses you.Won't that be great?"
Gray bit his tongue.No, that wouldn't be great.He wanted more time on the island with Riley.He couldn't let Shelley get even a hint of that.She'd ruin everything.
"Not far now," he mumbled as they walked down the quiet street.
"Oh, I can't wait!"Shelley beamed, and this time, she was quicker than Gray, looping her arm through his before he could pull away.She smiled to herself, pleased that everything was falling into place.
Chapter 70
One bed
AsGraysteppedasideto let Shelley into his place, he felt his patience fray further.Inwardly, he groaned.How do I get away from her?If Riley were still here, he could have escaped to her place.
The sight of Shelley's belongings strewn about already had him feeling boxed in.Letting out a long sigh, he resigned himself.One night.I just have to get through one night.
"Well, it looks like you've made yourself at home," he said, his voice clipped."I'm exhausted, so I'm heading to bed.I'm setting my alarm for 7:30.We'll leave at 8, grab breakfast at the harbour, and take the boat in."
He turned toward the bathroom, ready to end this interaction, but Shelley stepped in his way, her grin wide and her hands planted on her hips.
"That sounds fine, but there are just a couple of teensy things to sort out first," she said sweetly."One, I left some equipment at the dive booth, so we'll need to swing by there.And two,"--her smile turned coy--"where am I sleeping?"
Gray's jaw clenched.The look on her face said it all, but he wasn't playing this game.
"You're sleeping on the couch," he said firmly.His tone left no room for argument.
Shelley laughed as if he'd just told the world's funniest joke."Oh, no, no.That couch looks like torture.Now, I promise I won't touch you, but there's no way I'm sleeping there.I'd never get a wink!So, how about you stop being shy and let me share the bed?"
As she leaned toward him, Gray took a step back, his patience officially gone.
"Shelley, it's not happening," he said flatly."You've got two options: the couch, or I can grab a sleeping mat and bag, and you can sleep on the floor.Your choice.But let me make one thing clear: you should've booked a hotel instead of assuming you could stay here."
And with that, he spun on his heel and locked himself in the bathroom.
Inside, Gray splashed cold water on his face, staring at his reflection in the mirror.He took a deep breath, repeating his new mantra out loud.
"Stay calm.It's one night.Stay calm.It's one night."
