Page 99 of Getting Down to Business

Normally, his confession would have had her reminding him of the rules, but not this time. She didn’t want the night to end either. For this moment, she allowed herself to trust Gray. With her mind focused on that task, she was too distracted to notice the usual guilt that came from being happy with a man.

“I’m so glad you’re here with me instead of living in that house with eggs all over it,” she admitted.

“Me too.”

He held her tightly when he released into her, filling her with fire and something else. Something emotional that she tried to keep away.

Despite their wishes that the night wouldn’t end, it did.

The hard boards of the dock were not very comfortable and the chilly night air on their wet skin caused goose bumps. Not to mention the fear of falling asleep and being caught there by some early riser.

“Let’s get back,” he said, kissing her neck but not moving.

Eventually they moved. Slowly they dressed and folded up the blankets. He held her hand as they walked to the car, stealing glances at each other like it was their first time.

She wasn’t sure why they were suddenly being so awkward, but there was something there.

Gray pulled her against him when they crawled into his bed. They lay there in silence for a long time. He trailed his fingers up and down her back, and kissed her hair while she played with his fingers and nuzzled closer.

Despite the signs of affection, neither of them spoke.

She awoke alone.

* * * *

Gray’s things were gone. She didn’t even worry that he’d run off. She knew he would have packed right away.

She smiled as she thought of all the little things she knew about him. From his preferences in bed, to what he ate, to how to get him to relax.

She showered and packed her own things before heading downstairs. She stopped on each step, studying the photos and portraits as she made her descent.

Toward the bottom, she could hear Grayson in the kitchen, his voice low but full of stress. Her feet moved quicker, wanting to help.

He was in the kitchen with his sister, apparently, they were fighting, but they stopped the second Gray spotted Alyssa at the doorway. She hadn’t caught much of their words, just Izabelle telling him that he was setting himself up for disaster.

“Morning,” Gray said with a big, genuine smile. He came closer and kissed her, and then took her bag and set it next to his by the door. “Hungry?”

“Yes. Starved.”

He winked at her.

“Did you want…eggs?” he asked with a grin. Yes, her vandal therapy had done wonders for Grayson.

“Eggs would be great,” she told him as his mother and father came downstairs.

“You’re all packed to go?” his mother said with a pout.

“We have a ten o’clock train. Sorry,” Gray said as she gave him a little hug.

“I hope you had a nice stay,” Mrs. Hollinger said to Alyssa while patting her shoulder.

“It was great. Thank you for having me.”

“You are welcome anytime, sweetheart. You are my favorite.”

“Mom,” Gray gave her a warning tone.

She just waved, dismissing him.