Page 108 of Really Truly Yours

The space above Gray’s nose grooves briefly with questions. He slides his hands into his pockets. “Do you have a coat? That sweater might not be enough. A front’s supposed to blow through at some point.”

“I’ll be fine with the sweater.” If I have to wear it, it will kill the outfit, but less so than either of the two ugly jackets I own.

He rests his palm on my back until we reach his dust-free SUV, which must have been through a car wash today. He opens my door, closing it gently once I’ve pulled myself inside. An exclusive brand of cologne permeates the air.

The screen on his phone lights as he circles around the front of the vehicle. Chelsea.

Who is Chelsea?

The man has a life outside of miserable Mineral Springs. Sticky note that to your forehead, girl.

We’re quiet weaving our way through town. As we approach the highway that will take us to the freeway, I ask what I’ve been wondering all day. “How was Tripp this morning?”

His mouth pulls like he’s pondering. “Sour.”

“Sour?”

“Well, I asked him what he thought about last night, and his answers made me pucker.”

I try not to smile at the mental image forming.

Hitting the left signal and turning, Gray huffs. “It’s going to take a while, I get it. It’s just …okay, I guess I don’t entirely get it. I feel like there’s more to his issues with Donny than he’s saying.”

I nod. “I got that feeling, too.”

He turns hard in my direction. “That’s right. You guys talked for a while. Did he say something?”

It was more Tripp’s reaction to what I said that was telling. “Nothing, really. Just a feeling.” If something more needs to be shared between the brothers, they’ll figure it out.

Super helpful of you, Sydnee.

He taps the wheel and sets the cruise control, hopefully too distracted to notice what I didn’t say. “You know what. Let’s not talk about that mess.” He grins two rows of pearly white teeth. “That’s not what tonight is about.”

The butterflies, which have been in perpetual motion in my stomach all day, stop cold and take note. Then, they start up again, and I’m no longer sure they’re on my side. I fear they’re as taken with Gray Smith as I am.

“Do you like Mediterranean food?”

“Um, I guess I don’t know if I do.” Not much besides fried chicken and hamburgers in my town.

“Are you up for trying it? It’s one of my favorites, and Avery told me about a great place downtown.”

I’m guessing he means downtown Fort Worth. That will be another thirty minutes in the car.

He and I.

And his cologne.

How did I ever arrive at the conclusion I was immune to Gray?

“I’d like that.”

Once downtown, Gray winds through the network of one-way city streets and parks on the third floor of a parking garage. He frowns when I meet him at the side of the car. “I wanted to get your door, Sydnee.”

I’m not sure why his chivalry makes me nervous. “Better move faster next time, speedy.”

A sound of humor spurts from his throat. He takes my hand as we walk to the elevator. It’s a stinky little box, and three young guys ready to begin a night on the town step on with us. Gray’s arm keeps me unnecessarily close. He smells sooo good.

Okay, I’ll allow it. Tomorrow may be a different story, but tonight is nice, and I’m going to soak all of it in.

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