Page 124 of Really Truly Yours

“Hmm. Full name again.” He strokes his lip. “That’s sure not what you called me last night, darlin’.” He winks smoothly, insinuating things that did not happen.

“Don’t say that sort of stuff!” My anger is foot-stomping hot.

It’s also kind of whopper-jawed, tilting off in odd directions.

He throws his head back and laughs, the jerk.

“You’re not funny, you know?”

He sobers. “I’ll tell you what’s not funny, Sydnee Lou. It’s not funny that a guy can’t help someone he cares about. You tell me. How would you feel if I were the one in trouble and you had the power to help but I wouldn’t let you? You had to just watch me suffer?”

“I…that’s not the point.”

“Isn’t it? You would’ve done the same exact thing I did.”

The cold concrete seeps into my bare feet.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t shelled out your own money to help Donny. Why? Because you care about him. Don’t I deserve the same opportunity?”

I am going to let Grayson have it—the moment I figure out the flaw in his logic.

“Try this on for size. I respect you, Sydnee. You’re strong and smart and independent and don’t need any man. I get it.” He comes off the post. “But hear this. Me giving up a few hundred bucks I won’t feel has zero to do with the regard I hold you in.” He hangs his hands along the sides of his leather belt, fingers tan against the crisp white dress shirt. “What do you think about them apples?”

Maybe, if I wasn’t drowning in his amazing cologne, I could come up with the right answer, the one that’s swimming around along with all my female senses.

I feel absurd the way I wag my finger in his face. “You know, I should…should…”

His fingers wrap midair around my scolding one. “But you’re not going to, are ya?” Our eyes lock.

I’ve already messed up with one of the men in my life today. Long before today, I’ve learned. And why? Because I failed to see the heart and stomped good acts under my feet. Colored another’s trespasses black and mine with rainbows.

I mean, there kind of are worse things Gray could have done.

He half-steps backwards. His face makes the most adorable puppy-dog plea. His arms open, hands spread.

I launch myself at him.

“Whoa, there, girl!” He teeters. I hold on for dear life, and the rotten post rises to the occasion and catches us both.

With arms thrown around his neck, I cling until we’re both steady. He laughs.

I press my palms to his smooth cheeks. “That was incredibly sweet, Gray. Thank you.”

He bundles me up in his muscled arms, cradling me against his hard chest. His big, strong hand strokes my hair. “You’re very welcome, Sydnee Lou.”

His lips seek mine and take full advantage of the opportunity I happily present.

Gray’s chest, solid as a rock, somehow makes the best pillow.

A while ago, I threw my legs onto a bench where we found a spot to gaze at a handful of swimming ducks. I snuggled into his side, hanging onto his arm across my chest. I’ve been living in a teensy corner of heaven since.

The park is peaceful this afternoon. The autumn chill doesn’t matter, not with Gray’s arms circling me, his cheek resting on my hair. We visited Donny, who for some reason couldn’t stop grinning. We walked. We talked.

And here we are. I’m on cloud nine, all these fluffy white feelings muddling my mind. How did I get here? I never swore I wouldn’t have a man in my life. I simply assumed it. Solitude seemed the safest route.

And Grayson Smith? I’d be laughing my head off at the notion, except…it’s more than an idea. Here I am.

I draw a long breath of crisp air and close my eyes.

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