With a deep breath, Gracie finished with, “Three, I wasn’t thinking anything because Nate and I are just friends. But, even if we weren’t, I’m twenty-six years old and can decide whom I date, should I so choose. Did I miss anything?”
Sarah took a couple seconds to process what she’d been told. “Nothing really happened between you two?”
Gracie rolled her eyes. It was way too early for drama. “No. Nothing happened. Nate was a complete gentleman the entire night. He even walked me to my car and everything.”And almost kissed me.“Do you want to see my stained shirt? Will that make you believe me?”
She started toward her bedroom where her dirty clothes hamper was, but her sister’s words stopped her.
“Don’t get the damn shirt.” Sighing loudly, Sarah apologized, “I believe you. And, I’m sorry.”
Gracie turned back to her. With her hands on her hips, she didn’t even bother to hide her smugness. “Well, thank you.”
“Look, I know it’s none of my business, sis. It’s just that…I want to see you happy, but I also want you to do well with this job. I like the idea of my baby sister only being a short elevator ride away from me, and I don’t want to see you get hurt. Either personally or professionally.”
Her heart warmed. “I know. And I appreciate that, but I need you to remember I’m not a little kid anymore. I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself out in Maryland without anyone’s help or advice.” With their little tiff over, she gave her sister a smile. “Now, if you’re done interrogating me, I really do need that coffee.”
As she rushed to get dressed and do her hair, Gracie felt a twinge of guilt. It wasn’t like she’d lied to Sarah. Not really.
Okay, somaybeshe could have put her own pajamas on as easily as Nate’s shirt. And she probably enjoyed the fact that it smelled like him more than she should have.
And, yeah, it was possible the reason she’d overslept was because when Gracie had laid down last night, she couldn’t stop thinking about Nate’s eyes and that damn sexy smile.
Or how his shirt stretched over his broad, taught chest and arms, and the way his ass fit perfectly in those jeans.
Mostly, Gracie blamed her insomnia on thinking about the way Nate had looked at her just before he’d almost kissed her, and then wondering why he hadn’t.
He’d been so close, too. The heat was there, staring right back at her. Then, all of a sudden it was like something had spooked him and he’d pulled back. For the life of her, Gracie didn’t know why.
Put it all together and a good night’s sleep simply wasn’t in the cards. She just hoped things wouldn’t be awkward the next time they saw each other.
Dressed and ready to go, Gracie grabbed her cosmetic bag and Nate’s shirt from the bathroom counter and headed back to her sister.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
Sarah’s eyes dropped to the infamous shirt. “What are you planning to do with that?”
“I’m taking it with me so I can give it back to Nate.”
“Why don’t you let me take it? I can give it to Kole, and he can give to Nate. Might look a bit odd if you bring a member of Bravo Team’s shirt back to him at the office, don’t you think?”
Sighing at the ridiculousness of it all, Gracie said, “You’re probably right. I swear, nothing happened, but I can see how some people might take it the wrong way.”
“See? I knew I didn’t get all the smart genes.”
Gracie rolled her eyes. “Let’s go, before I change my mind and decide to walk into work wearing the damn thing.”
* * *
“We’ve got a new job.”
Nate and the rest of Bravo looked at Gabe.
“McQueen’s on his way in now and will explain everything once he gets here.”
The men all sat around the long, oval table, shooting the breeze while waiting for Jake McQueen to come in and get started.
They’d been called in for this meeting, though they hadn’t been told why. Nate was just glad it wasn’t an early one, because he didn’t sleep for shit last night.
All night long, he’d dreamt about Gracie. His sleep-induced mind had been filled with those enchanting eyes and that long, flowing hair. He imagined himself running his fingers through it before gathering it in his fist while he tilted her head back and took what he wanted.
