Page 126 of Eight Count Heat
As Gray disappears toward a side entrance to the house, Harrison and I walk back through the garden paths in comfortable silence. The older man seems lost in thought, occasionally shaking his head with what might be amusement.
"That boy," he finally says as we reach the terrace. "Never could do anything the easy way."
"The railing really was loose," I offer diplomatically.
"I'm sure it was." Harrison pauses at the French doors, studying my face in the soft light from the house. "You know, I've known the Kincaids for fifteen years. Katherine is a lovely girl from an excellent family."
"She seems very... accomplished," I reply carefully.
"She is. But in the little time I've spent watching Gray with you tonight, I've seen more genuine emotion from my son than I have in years." He opens the door for me. "Something to consider."
Before I can respond, we're back in the dining room where Katherine immediately rises from her seat with theatrical concern.
"Oh my goodness, what happened? We heard shouting."
"Gray took an unexpected swim," Harrison explains dryly. "The koi pond railing finally gave way."
"Is he hurt?" Helena asks, though her tone suggests this isn't entirely unexpected.
"Just his pride and his suit," I assure her. "He's changing clothes now."
Victoria looks like she's trying not to laugh. "The railing he's been complaining about for three years?"
"The very one," Harrison confirms, returning to his seat.
"Well," Katherine says, settling back into her chair with obvious disappointment that the drama wasn't more serious. "At least you weren't both hurt. Though I suppose these things happen when one gets... carried away in romantic moments."
"Actually," Victoria cuts in smoothly, "I think it's sweet. When was the last time any of us saw Gray relaxed enough to be spontaneous about anything?"
"Spontaneous is one word for it," Helena murmurs, but there's less disapproval in her voice than I expected.
Gray reappears fifteen minutes later in khakis and a button-down, his hair still damp but combed back. He looks younger somehow, less formal without the suit armor.
"Crisis averted," he announces, taking his seat. "Sorry for the disruption."
"No harm done," Harrison says. "Though we'll need to have that railing properly repaired before someone actually gets hurt."
"I'll call the contractor tomorrow," Helena promises.
Gray catches my eye with a sly smile as he takes a drink of water.
The rest of dinner proceeds more smoothly. Katherine makes several more attempts to needle me, but Victoria's presence seems to have shifted the dynamic. Even Harrison and Helena appear more relaxed, asking genuine questions about my studies and rowing rather than probing for social weaknesses.
By the time dessert arrives, I realize something has changed. Whether it was my sparring match with Katherine, Gray'sdramatic pond dive, or simply the passage of time, the Lockwood family has accepted my presence in a way I hadn't expected.
"So," Victoria says as we finish our chocolate soufflé, "when do we get to come watch one of your races?"
"We have duals next weekend at Concordia," Gray says.
"Perfect," Victoria declares. "I'll drive up Saturday morning."
Katherine's smile grows strained. "How lovely. A family outing."
"You're welcome to join us," Helena offers politely, though without much enthusiasm.
"Thank you, but I have prior commitments," Katherine replies smoothly.
I catch Gray's look of relief and have to hide my own smile. Whatever game Katherine was playing tonight, she's clearly lost this round.
