Page 59 of Deadly Waves

“About what?”

“Loving a woman.”

Sophie’s heart fluttered at the simple answer. “You don’t need advice, Grady,” she chided. “I’ve never felt more loved.”

Grady gripped Sophie’s hips and pressed his forehead to her flat stomach. He loved her body and the way it seemed to fit his. It was as if they were made for one another. He knew that was a schmaltzy notion, but he didn’t really care.

“I’m going to love you forever,” Grady said. “I’m going to make all of your dreams come true.”

Sophie ran her fingers through his hair as she stared at the back of his head. Her heart hurt for him. She didn’t mean to upset him when with her actions the previous evening. “Is this about last night? I’m so sorry … .”

Grady cut her off by raising his head and shaking it. “Don’t finish that sentence, sugar,” he admonished. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“That’s not how you made it sound last night.”

“Yes, well, we both know I’m prone to dramatic fits,” Grady said. “I like to stroke my own ego as much as the next person, but I’m not blind to my faults. You caught me off guard and I panicked.”

“Really? I didn’t notice.”

“No one needs the sarcasm,” Grady said, gripping her rear end and pulling her closer. “I’m going to do things right, Sophie. I promise. You just need to give me a little more time. I have a plan.”

Sophie bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. He was so serious. His expression made his already handsome face almost painful to look at because he was so beautiful. “You have a plan?”

“I do.”

“Well, that’s something,” Sophie said. “Are you going to let me in on this plan?”

“Well, for starters, I got you a gift,” Grady said, reaching for the small bag on the table next to him. “This is not a big gift. It’s a … stopgap gift.”

“Wow, that sounds romantic,” Sophie deadpanned, widening her eyes to comical proportions as Grady pulled out a small jewelry box. “What is it?”

“It’s a necklace,” Grady answered. He saw no reason to lie. “I know you’re not big on things. You don’t collect items or get your self worth through shopping. I still want to be able to buy you things when the mood strikes.”

“I … okay.”

“James brought up a good point today,” Grady explained. “He said that I would never be able to have a merry Christmas if you didn’t open yourself up to receiving gifts. He’s right. I want to buy you things. I want to take joy in doing it.

“We went to a shop today so I could buy you something as a means to make up after I freaked out and James left with like ten things for Mandy,” he continued. “He loves shopping for her. He’s delighted to be able to do it. I want to be the same way.”

“Things don’t signify love, though,” Sophie said. “Love is the most important thing out there.”

“I agree,” Grady said. “I still want to be able to pick out things for you. None of the stuff James bought today was extravagant … or important … or even classy. He bought so many pairs of shark panties I lost count.”

Sophie barked out a coarse laugh. “That sounds just like him.”

“Yes, he’s nothing if not predictable,” Grady agreed. “I still want to be able to shower you with gifts because I enjoy it.”

“Okay.” Sophie nodded. “Can I see my new present? I’m kind of getting worked up listening to you talk about it.”

Grady nodded. “Remember, this isn’t your big gift. You still have to wait a bit for that.”

“You have a plan,” Sophie said, flipping open the top of the jewelry box. Her heart caught in her throat when she saw the simple necklace. It was beautiful. The turtle reminded her of their relationship. It was always dependable … and beautiful in its simplicity. “Oh, I love it.”

“Good,” Grady said, kissing her stomach. “I’ll put it on you later. I want to make up for last night first.”

Sophie arched a playful eyebrow. “How?”

“Well, I have a plan,” Grady said, mock chewing on her stomach as he squeezed her butt. “I think you’re going to enjoy it.”