Page 39 of Instant Heat
The warmth of his hand on mine when he gave it a small squeeze pulled me from my thoughts. He gave me a quick glance and one of those smiles that saidlook,I'm pretending to be just fine.
I wanted to tell him again that everything was going to be all right when he tapped his indicator and we turned left into a long driveway. The truck slowly rolled to a stop, the engine going silent a few seconds later.
Silence filled the cab as Griffin stared at the little porch dotted with colorful flowerpots. In that moment, I would've given anything to take whatever bad feeling he was feeling. I'd keep it, carry it, if it meant he didn't have to.
His eyes shot to mine. "I can't do this."
"Yes, you can." I reached for his hand on the steering wheel. After prying it loose, I took it in mine. "You can do this because it's what you need."
A deep line formed on his forehead. "I don't want to see how much I disappointed them."
Squeezing his fingers, I promised, "Whatever happens, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
Griffin's hand shot out, fingers hooking around the back of my neck, pulling my face to his. He kissed me hard, verging on the edge of being painful. But if that was what he needed to get through today, I'd give it ten times over.
When we pulled apart, he leaned his forehead against mine. "Thank you." The kiss he gave me after that was so sweet, so achingly sweet I felt it in the deepest, darkest corners of my soul.
We got out of the truck, Griffin immediately wrapping his fingers around mine as we took the steps and approached the front door. He gave me a long meaningful glance before lifting his hand to tap his knuckles against the wood.
I swear, I could feel the pulse of his nervous energy seep into my pores and I hated it for him. I held on tighter to his hand and even though we were standing next to each other, I snuggled closer still.
I was about to reassure him one last time when the door suddenly flew open and a body came flying toward us. "Griffin," the lady cooed. Her voice wistful and cheery as if her long lost son had finally returned.
"Hello, Mildred."
The words were barely out of his mouth when she squeezed his cheeks between her palms and pressed loud smacking kisses wherever she found a spot. Griffin screwed his eyes shut and scrunched up his nose.
He looked so freaking adorable that a small laugh bubbled over my lips before I could check it. The little lady's assault on my boyfriend stopped, her eyes zeroing in on me. "And who is this?"
Her smile was so big and wide, it made me feel warm all over. "Rae." I pulled my hand from Griffin's and held it out to her. "So nice to meet you, Mrs. Carlisle."
Her gaze flicked to my hand, studying it for a long second before she swatted it away and crushed me to her chest. Pretty sure I looked like a deer caught in headlights for the few moments it took me to recover and hug her back.
"Come in, come in."
Mrs. Carlisle shuffled us inside where I found out her husband's hugs were even more fierce than his wife's. But I didn't mind. Especially not when I spotted the relief so evident on Griffin's face.
Once we were settled with a glass of homemade lemonade, Mrs. Carlisle balanced on the edge of the couch. Knees tightly pressed together, hands resting in her lap, she looked at the man beside me with so much wonder it just about melted my heart.
"Tell me everything," she begged. "Do you like the new town? And the station?"
Griffin's gaze shot to me, his lips lifting in one corner. "I love it." The butterflies in my tummy went freaking loopy as his focus returned to Mrs. Carlisle. "As for the station… it's been hard, as you can imagine. Change is never easy, but I'm confident we'll catch our stride soon."
His tongue glided over his lips, his Adam's apple slowly bobbing up and down. "How's Adam holding up?" Mrs. Carlisle hung her head, her husband immediately reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry," Griffin said quickly.
Her gray head moved side to side as she shook it tentatively. "Don't apologize." She pinned him with a stare so serious I felt the effect of it. "It's not your fault."
Beside me, Griffin heaved out a shaky breath. "I know, but—"
"No buts, Griffin." Her voice was sharp. Determined. "What happened breaks my heart every day. It's not right. It's not fair. But it sure as hell isn't your fault either." She was on her feet and in front of him within the space of a breath. Pulling him to her, she pleaded, "Stop doing this to yourself."
His entire body shuddered, arms going around Mrs. Carlisle. "Aye."
My eyes burned a little as the enormity of the moment settled around us. This was what he needed. For someone—no, not just someone, forthem—to assure him he'd done nothing wrong.
When they finally pulled apart, Griffin slung his arm over my shoulder and tugged me close to him. Everything after that was just wonderful. They caught up while I learned more about the man who'd stolen my heart.
We laughed until we cried.
