Page 169 of The Lumberjack and the City Slicker

“What for?”

I hesitate for half a heartbeat.

Then I step toward her.

“The Lumberjack Artist has a show,” I say. “At a gallery. It’s a very important thing apparently, announcing a new theme. A new charity.”

Her lips part slightly.

“I thought your agent handled those,” she says softly.

“She does. But this one’s different.”

I step closer.

Close enough to feel the warmth coming off her.

“See, I want to go,” I admit. “And I want you there with me.”

Her breath catches.

“Need you by my side, Trouble,” I finish.

Silence stretches between us.

Not awkward.

Just heavy.

“You want to take me to Manhattan?” she asks carefully.

“I want to take you everywhere I go,” I correct quietly. “I’m done hiding. Done pretending GCM and Greyson Cole are two different people. And I am done living in a world that doesn’t know you’re mine or that I’m yours.”

“What are you saying?” she whispers.

I lift my hand and tuck a loose curl behind her ear.

“I want them to see me,” I say. “And I want them to see you with me.”

Her eyes shine in a way that makes my chest tighten.

“That’s a pretty big deal,” she says, voice still low.

“Yeah,” I say. “It is.”

I swallow, nerves finally catching up to me.

“So. Will you come with me?”

For a man who can face down a bear, I’ve never felt more exposed.

But I don’t look away.

Not this time.

Chapter 35

Greyson