Page 30 of Kayak Girl

I smiled, letting my guard down just a bit. “It’s a long story,” I began, appreciating her genuine curiosity. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jim and Gray placing dish after dish onto the table.

Chatting with Mandy felt unexpectedly comfortable, almost like reconnecting with a long-lost friend. However, as the conversation continued, a gnawing sensation grew inside me. The way she engaged, the glint in her eye—could she possibly think I was more than just a friend to Gray? The mere thought sent a ripple of panic through me.

This family didn’t tolerate liars. My secret started to suffocate me. A secret that, if revealed, might change everything. My hands started to get clammy, and my breathing felt tight. I needed to talk to Gray.

In the midst of this internal turmoil, Jim announced with a satisfied nod, “I think that’s everything.” He settled into his chair, sliding it smoothly under the table. Gray mirrored his actions.

“Oh, I think you forgot the salt, honey,” Mandy said sweetly.

I shot up from my chair. “I’ll get it.” The words tumbled out of my mouth. I had no idea what my next steps would be, but I couldn’t just sit there with Mandy looking at me like I was her future daughter-in-law.

Mandy’s chuckle was light, laced with amusement. “Thanks, Elle. But do you even know where it is?”

Smiling, I masked my nervousness and replied, “Gray can show me.” I noticed a brief flicker of confusion on Gray’s face before he nodded, standing up to guide me. Perfect, I would speak to him in the kitchen.

Gray’s hand rested lightly on the small of my back as he led me indoors. His touch ignited an inferno of tingles that cascaded down my spine. The warmth of his palm seeped through the fabric of my shirt, branding his touch into my skin.

Once inside, he seemed intent on guiding me towards the kitchen, presumably to continue the charade of fetching the salt, but I found myself reaching out to him. My fingers curled around his cotton shirt, gently, yet with purpose, coaxing him to turn and face me.

“Gray,” my voice was barely above a whisper, laced with an urgency that caused my heart to beat at a frenzied pace. “I think your mom has the wrong idea about us.”

His eyebrows arched, a playful curiosity lighting up his eyes, and a soft, affectionate smile danced on his lips. “And what idea might that be?” he whispered back, the warmth of his breath fanning over my face, drawing me into the depths of his gaze.

I fidgeted under the intensity of his stare, the air between us charged with an electric tension. “You know... about us. Does she know about your ‘no dating tourists’ rule?”

The playfulness in Gray’s expression gave way to something softer, more contemplative. He had an almost tender glint as he shrugged nonchalantly, his casual demeanor at odds with the gravity of his next words. “About that rule... I may have recently decided I don’t need it anymore,” he confessed, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“You didn’t change your mind... because of me, did you?” The question hung between us, my voice a fragile blend of hope and vulnerability.

“Um, would it be bad if I said yes?” His words were like a key, unlocking a door to possibilities I hadn’t allowed myself to consider.

I shook my head, a nervous laugh escaping my lips, betraying the storm of doubts and fears swirling inside me. “Gray,” I sighed. “You need to know, I’m not perfect. I’ve got my share of issues.”

His hands reached out, their warmth enveloping my shoulders in a gesture so gentle, so reassuring, it felt like an anchor. “Who said anything about being perfect?” His voice instantly smoothed the edges of my insecurities.

“I have to tell you something—” My confession was on the tip of my tongue, I couldn’t bear holding this information in any longer.

“Did you find it okay?” Mandy’s singsong voice sliced through our bubble of intimacy, her presence a jarring reminder of the world waiting just beyond our cocoon.

“Yeah, Mom, we’ll be right out,” Gray responded, a hint of frustration lacing his words.

As Mandy retreated, Gray moved with a casual yet deliberate grace to retrieve the saltshaker. When he came back, his hand found mine, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. “Elle, would you consider breaking your rule... for me?” His voice was low, earnest.

I nodded, my heart leaping to answer before my mind could formulate the words.

His smile widened, a wave of relief washing over his features. “That’s all I need to know. Let’s just enjoy lunch for now,” he said, his voice gentle, bringing a semblance of calm to my spirit.

“Okay,” I managed to reply, my voice steadier than I felt. Deep breaths. I could do this. Gray had said it himself; he wasn’t expecting perfection. Perhaps, just perhaps, this could all turn out far better than I ever dared to dream.

During the meal, each shared glance with Gray felt like a delicate dance, our eyes locking in a momentary embrace that spoke more than words ever could. Jim and Mandy, ever the gracious hosts, filled the afternoon with laughter and stories, I loved getting to know them better.

After lunch I found myself in the kitchen helping Mandy. The boys were outside setting the patio to rights. My heart and mind were still catching up with the events of the day when Mandy interrupted my thoughts. “I prayed for you, you know?”

“Excuse me?” I said, not understanding her statement.

“I prayed for you. For years, I’ve been praying for someone to shake Gray’s world up.”

I blushed and stumbled over my next words. “Er… Thank you. I think.”

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