He snickered. “Yep, he’s jealous.”
With a wagging finger in his face, I warned, “Behave.”
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want to hurt your precious Carter.” He finished his beer.
“It’s not like that. He knows you’re my first, and it’s got him crazy.”
Grey’s forehead suddenly furrowed. “Thought you weren’t going to tell him?”
“I wasn’t, but he asked. He still doesn’t know when.”
Grey whistled. “Nope. Don’t tell him that. It might be over for real.”
I smiled triumphantly. “See, I told him you were rooting for us. He didn’t believe me.”
He placed his empty bottle against my forearm. “He’s right not to believe you. Why would I want you and him to work out? I don’t trust him, but I respect your decision.”
“He doesn’t trust you either, so I guess you’re even,” I retorted childishly. “You’re not even giving Carter a chance. He’s been good to me. The only issue we have is you.”
He frowned. “Issue?”
I averted my gaze. “Nothing.”
He dipped his head to see my face and said quietly, “Truth.”
I turned to face him and admitted, “Carter thinks I’ll leave him for you if you get your shit together.”
Grey studied my face longer before carefully asking, “He doesn’t know you already chose him?”
“Exactly. Now he wants me to move in with him because our living together makes him uncomfortable. I told him I wouldbecause I get it. I wouldn’t like it if he lived with a woman he’d slept with. Friend or no friend.”
“Do you want to move in with him?” Grey quickly added, as if he didn’t want to know my answer, “You want me to talk to him? Let him know that we’re never getting together.” He swallowed hard. “I can also tell him that you know I’m in love with you, but you would rather be with him. Is that what you want me to tell him?”
“Grey...” I locked eyes with him, wanting to reassure him that I would always love him. Hated that he had such strong feelings for me when I’d made another choice. Hated that a part of me still wanted him, too.
“No need to say anything. We’re good.” He opened the sliding door and walked back inside.
I glumly kicked the bottom of the railing, wishing somehow I could be with both.
“Hey.” I looked up at my sister standing at the door. “Dinner is almost ready. Is Carter on the way?”
“Yeah.”
She looked at me and stepped outside. “What’s up? Grey walked past me like the world is over, and you’re out here moping.”
I beckoned her to close the door. “Can I tell you something that Mama can’t ever, ever know?”
Danielle shut the door and moved closer. “What?”
“I’m serious. You and Mama tell each other everything. This is my secret, and I’m telling you.”
She looked behind her through the doors. “What? I won’t tell.”
I whispered, “Grey is in love with me. He told me that right before I got with Carter.”
Danielle grinned. “I knew it. He’s too involved with you to just be friends. Why didn’t you give him a chance...wait, nevermind. Carter is one fine ass man. And I’ve only seen pictures. You lucked up with him.”
I strongly defended, “Grey is fine too.
