Page 13 of A Mistletoe Mix Up
I can hear the sincerity in his voice, which reflects in his eyes. Grayson isn’t just saying this to make me feel better or take me on as a charity case. He really does care for me. And that truly scares me.
Chapter Seven
Grayson
“Just nod once for yes.” I smile to help lessen the tension.
She’s still for a moment, then nods. I nod back once. I’m afraid that if I say anything else, she’ll run. To be honest, I’m always afraid that one day she’ll just leave. Without a word.Without a call or text. And I’ll just be here and have to learn how to move on without her. How to live without my best friend.
“I’ll come by after work to help you get your stuff, okay?” Her hand feels so small in mine. I gently squeeze, letting her know that I’m here.
She wraps her fingers around mine, and her lips curl upward in the faintest of smiles. “Thanks, Gray.”
I get up from the footstool and start to walk toward the door when I see Jane nearby. I give a small wave and exit the bookstore. Great, now I’ll hear even more from Andrew.
As I step out into the cool afternoon, my mind is buzzing. It’s not like Tandy to accept help, especially not so easily. She’s fiercely independent. But living in her van for a few days, during winter, wasn’t something I could let her do.
The rest of my shift passes in a blur, and I meet Tandy at her house. She’s removed most of her belongings from the house already, but a few more boxes are sitting outside her door.
I’m about to knock when she opens her door, flashing me a grin. “Ready to help a damsel in distress?”
“Tandy, I know one thing for sure. You’re never the damsel needing rescuing. You’re too independent for that.” I laugh, shaking my head.
“You’re right. I’m just allowing you to feel like you’re a knight in shining armor.”
I chuckle then bow. “Thank you for the honor.”
She nudges my arm and laughs.
“Are these the last of them?”
“Yep, they’re all yours!”
I pick one up, and it’s heavier than I expected. “What’s in here? Bricks?”
She grins at me. “Just a few books and art supplies.”
“You sure you didn’t put a few dumbbells in here too?” I ask as I lug the box to my truck.
Tandy giggles. “No, I don’t own any of those.”
“From all the running you do, I thought you would have some.” I give her a teasing smile.
“I only work out when it’s absolutely necessary.”
“Like for hot chocolate.”
“Yes. Or from a spider.” She folds her arms across her chest as she watches me struggle.
“Are you enjoying this?” I grunt as I hoist the box into the bed of my truck.
“Immensely.” She looks pleased with the situation. “This is better than watching TV.”
I shake my head and grab the second box, this one significantly lighter. I put it in my truck, and we drive to my house to unload.
“Gramps, we’re here!” I shout as we walk through the front door.
“In here!” he shouts from the kitchen. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”
