Page 11 of Only for Love

CHAPTER FIVE

Emma

Today, we killed the juniors in the powder-puff game. Football’s no joke, and even though it was all fun and games, I’m sore. I swallow a couple of Tylenol before Grayson picks me up because nothing’s slowing me down for tonight’s Sadie Hawkins, not sore muscles or nervous stomach twinges or the excited anticipation of walking in on his arm, knowing there’s more than a good chance his lips will be on mine sometime tonight.

The doorbell rings, and my stomach jumps.

“Gray’s here.” Mom made such a fuss when Ryan’s date picked him up that maybe she’s not having the same holy shit moment I am. Grayson used the doorbell? In what world does that happen? He just walks in. He may even have a key because I know he’s been here when we haven’t.

One last twirl before my mirror, and the blue dress seems smaller and tighter than anything I’m used to wearing. I can’t explain how much I love it. My heart pounds, wondering what his reaction will be.

I fumble for my purse. Again, one more time, just in case, I spin in front of the mirror. Maybe this dress is too much? It’s just a stupid Sadie Hawkins—

“Emma?” Mom’s heels come closer.

Right. I can do this. He likes me. I love him. No pressure. Shit, shoot, shit… Okay.

I head to the stairs, each step closer to my big reveal, and I can’t fight the giddy smile on my face. He’s bringing out a part of me that I’ve always had but kept hidden.

As I stand at the top of the stairs, Mom stops mid-conversation with an unseen Grayson and gapes. “William,” she calls to my dad. “Honey, come see Emma.”

Dad’s in the background, futzing with whatever he’s doing. Neither Mom nor Dad would have expected this. It’s just a dance with Gray. But it’s so much more, and this dress announces it. At least in my mind it does.

As I descend the stairs, my eyes track to Grayson, and the desire on his face makes my chest feel tight. A nervous grin I can’t hide crosses my face, and he steps forward. He’s wearing a suit that makes him look like a movie star ready for the red carpet. His broad shoulders in the dark jacket are large but lean. The stark white shirt unbuttoned at the collar epitomizes sexy. Everything about him screams out of my league. He’s just so… Grayson.

His lips part as he walks to me. “Wow.”

One word. But the effect he has on me is nothing short of epic. Under his scrutiny, I’m red-carpet worthy alongside him. Words like pretty or beautiful, even sexy, don’t begin to cover how he makes me feel. A dangerously chaste kiss lands on my cheek, and he breathes deep. “Hell of a dress.”

Holy. Shit.And three days of non-stop shopping is now totally worth it. One of his hands grazes across my bare shoulder, and the need to throw myself against his hard body is unbearable.

Dad meanders into the room and glances me up and down. “Gorgeous, sweetie pie.” Then he turns to Grayson and claps him on the back. “Keep an eye on her for me.”

Dad chuckles and pulls Mom under his arm. They have no idea. I think they think that Grayson’s my pity date and that I asked him because there’s no one else I could-would-should ask. Dad’s subtle warning isn’t for Gray. It’s for Gray to keep others away. Mom and Dad always said I didn’t know how the world saw me. Maybe they were right. But it doesn’t matter. Gray’s the only one I care about.

When we leave my house, his large hand spans the small of my back. He has me close, and my stomach is on rotation, flip after flop. This feels like one of those chick flicks where I just know everything will come together in the end.

“I like you in a suit, Gray.”

He tucks me into the passenger seat, crouches down, and catches my hand as I reach for my seatbelt. His hand is strong and confident. “I like you any way you come.”

Then he pulls back to shut the door. I don’t even know this guy anymore, but I can’t get enough. Ten minutes later, we’re at school and heading inside, his hand holding mine. Strings of lights sparkle overhead, glittering like stars and transforming the gym into something worth remembering.

When Gray told Kelly I’m his date, it never occurred to me that I’m actually going tobehis date. Four years of high school, countless dances, and he’s always been my dream guy. Probably everybody else’s too.

I catch a glance of Ryan talking with his date, some floozy that surely gave him a BJ before they got here. That’s what happens. People hook up. They hang out.

My stomach flutters. Dating doesn’t really exist. People can be fuck buddies. Then after a couple of weeks, they’re heartbroken or they’re not, but they move on. At least that’s how it seems to me. No one reallydates. It’s old and awkward. But Gray and me? It’s been two weeks of nervous moments, hot kisses, and awesomeness. So whatever it’s called, I love it.

Shifting in heels that I should never have worn, I scan right to left. It’s a sea of dresses and suits. Couples who have been watching the dance floor are now looking at me. Atus. The stares are like a chokehold.

“Gray…” I lean against him.

The whole gym sees me on his arm, hand in hand, when I realize that evenGrayis looking at me. Blood rushes in my neck, screams in my ears. My lungs go tight, and that has nothing to do with the dress I poured myself into. He leans over and presses his lips to my temple. “Let them talk.”

Ryan sees us, studies our handhold, and I can see him processing the Gray-me couple. After a few long seconds, my brother gives Grayson a chin lift and me a smile. It’s the Ryan Kingsley stamp of approval.

Gray’s lips drag across my forehead, and I sway into him. The whispers start as we walk farther in. Their eyes follow the football star-art nerd combo. They’re used to seeing us likeusover the years, not like this, arms connected, bodies touching. This is different. His fingers are intertwined with mine. He’s so close and smells like clean, soapy heaven.

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