Page 81 of Crash
“Oh. Well, it makes you look like a real grumpy bear.”
The air in the room changed. She sensed his mood shift but ignored the threat.
“What did you call me?” His low voice deepened.
“I said,” she continued, “you look like a real grumpy bear with that scowl on your face.” I chuckled at his expression.
“That’s it.”
She squealed in shock as he flipped her over and began tickling her. Her peals of laughter echoed throughout the apartment.
“Oh my god, stop!” She begged between laughing breaths. “Please!”
After another moment of agonizingly sweet torture, Griffin finally relented, a sigh escaping his lips. He stared down at her as the sounds of the television filtered back into her awareness. She forgot it was even on, so engrossed she was with Griffin.
A warm smile bloomed on her face as she looked up at him. A weight lifted from her chest. Happiness bloomed inside her like a flower in spring. Her heartmelted as she saw her own emotions reflected in his gentle gaze.
The intensity of her emotions overwhelmed her. She desperately wanted to confess her feelings. The words burned on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them down as a knot tightened in her throat. She wasn’t sure if the time was right. The weight of her confession pressed down on her.
She loved him—so much it hurt. She could almost taste the regret, bittersweet on her tongue, as she thought of what she almost lost.
“Can I ask you something?” she said instead of what she really wanted to say.
“Yeah?” Griffin tilted his head as he studied her.
“What…I mean…Why are you here?” She avoided his gaze and picked at the imaginary lint on his shirt.
“I missed you.” His voice rang with conviction. Their eyes met, and a strange, dizzying sensation washed over her like she was falling from a great height. Only this time, fear did not grip her. She let herself soak it in while lying securely in his arms. It was terrifying just as much as it was exhilarating.
Griffin leaned down until they were nose to nose, their breaths mingling. His hips nestled between her thighs as she cradled him. He didn’t apply any pressure as their bodies met. A palpable tension crackled in the air between them.
“I came here for you.” His words hovered above her lips.
“How did you know where to go?”
“Sean reminded me I had your address from the invoice when you first came in.”
“Oh. That’s smart.” Quynh licked her lips and swallowed. “Are you still mad at me?”
He paused, thinking over his answer.
“Yes.”
Her face fell, and she attempted to look away. His hand gripped her chin and turned her head so they were face to face. Griffin rested his forehead against hers, taking in a deep breath.
“I am mad that you left without talking to me. I wish you had let me explain. I’ve been worried about you for weeks.” His admission made her stomach flutter.
He was worried about me?
“Why were you worried about me?”
“I always worry about you.” He gestured with his head toward the kitchen. “You don’t even have food in your kitchen. I didn’t even know if you made it to your destination. You didn’t call or text?—”
“You didn’t either…”
“I know. I should have, but I’m not good at this…relationship thing.”
“Relationship?” Her heart skipped a beat.
