Page 146 of Really Truly Yours

“I know.”

As we watch the waves build and collapse, Tripp turns solemn. “I want to say one more thing. We’re all glad you’re here. I mean that. And Gray is over the moon.”

Another peek. “We’re having brunch with his parents later.”

Tripp nods. “Tom and Joy are great people. You won’t have any problems with them.”

Tell it to my bunched and twisted stomach. I can’t eat brunch like this.

“Look, I know this thing with my brother is new, and I don’t know what the future holds, but…” He waits until he has my full attention. “You’re welcome here, Sydnee. You’re good enough, and you belong—if you want to.”

Grayson

Sydnee is so beautiful.

I watch her across the breakfast table. Mama B made a full breakfast for the crew. Since Sydnee and I are meeting Mom and Dad for brunch at ten, we’re both going easy on food.

Taking a sip of coffee, I watch her run her finger along the side of her juice glass. Every time she laughs at one of Marco’s or Tripp’s tales of some dumb-criminal mishap from the job, I’m mesmerized by the sparkle in her eyes. She should laugh more often.

And then the conversation takes a serious bend and the subject of Marco’s arrest for shooting and killing a college student, who it subsequently was revealed was gunning for him, arises. She clasps her hand over her mouth.

A great kissing mouth, with gorgeous red lips and—

Man, I can’t think straight.

“That was you? The story was all over the news!” She inclines forward and injects rare words into the group conversation.

“That was yours truly. Fun times.” Marco shrugs it off, even though we all know it was a horrible experience.

Mama B clears her throat, drawing all eyes. “I want to say how happy Jim and I are to have every member of this family around the table.” She briefly includes Sydnee in the sweep of her smile, making my heart trip. “I know everyone has various plans for the morning, but I have a treat for you ladies. I’ve scheduled appointments for the three of you, on me, to have mani-pedis at two o’clock. Is that alright with everyone?”

Sydnee glances at me. I don’t want her away from me, but I smile encouragement.

She nods and says thanks along with the others.

Was I supposed to rescue her? Man, I hope I did the right thing.

When breakfast breaks up and we have a moment alone, she assures me she’s fine with the plan and even looking forward to it.

Whew.

Both of us need showers and to ready ourselves for brunch. I told Mom and Dad I had a surprise someone I wanted them to meet. With my history, that signals it’s serious.

That I’m serious. Feelings are moving fast. I’m ready to get on with my future, and Sydnee is the one I want to do that with.

Dressed and ready, my hair still damp, I return to the main house and climb the stairs, the gift bag Avery helped me prepare in hand. I hope Sydnee likes what I have for her.

I knock, unable to help the smile I feel merely in anticipation of her opening a stupid door, not to mention the memory of the kiss that happened right in this spot last night. I can still hear the sizzle.

Her long hair is styled into simple waves I’d like to bury my face in. I appreciate the light touch she has with makeup. Too much face paint would only hinder her natural beauty. I love how her eyes, bluer than the ocean when it’s calm, shimmer with life.

I cup her face and lay one on her. The way she melts into me drives me wild.

A throat clears. Gonzalez slips out of the neighboring room, chuckling on his pass toward the stairs.

I give her some space, and her color brightens. Wow, she’s great. I’m so sick of women like the one last night. They want to worm their way into my sphere, and all the better if the world sees them do it. Not Sydnee. She’s real, and she wants me for me.

“Brought you something.” I dangle the gift bag between two fingers. Her eyes dim a hair. What? Everyone loves presents.

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