The Unexpected First (The Unexpected Series Book 2)

Chapter Five

That sneaky bitch. I love her. I open the bag to find my favorite muffin, peppermint mocha. It’s like having Christmas all year long. I place my coffee on the step next to me so I can pull out a muffin and hand the bag back to Grey.

“Thank you.”

I smile up at him through dark lashes as I take a small bite of the muffin. I can’t help the moan that leaves me when the flavors first hit my tongue. It’s a perfect medley of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint. I really don’t know how she manages to do this every single time. I look up at Grey, his face scrunched up like he’s in pain.

“Sure, Ry.” His voice is strained.

“Everything ok?” I ask after I’ve finished chewing.

“Uh,” he clears his throat, shaking his head. “Yeah, sorry. Let”s go inside. It’s cooler.”

He holds out his hand to help me stand. I raise my brow at him as I accept the gesture.“Thanks.”

Grey walks in front of me to unlock and open the door. As he passes, I take in his toned, ink-covered legs, encased in red basketball shorts, and the black t-shirt he’s wearing that’s so tight I”m not sure how it hasn’t ripped over his broad chest and thick arms. He steps aside, allowing me to enter ahead of him.

“Wow, your dad really never changed a thing, did he?” I ask, shock in my voice.

“Not a thing,” he chuckles. The deep, familiar sound reverberates through me.

I’ve missed him too much.

I make myself at home, walking in the kitchen to sit down and finish my muffin before we get started for the day. Grey doesn’t sit with me. I notice him out of the corner of my eye, leaning against the door frame, arms crossed over his broad chest.

Has he been reading Hadley’s romance books?

“How have you been?” The loaded question he drops is like a grenade ready to explode.

“You mean, since you left and didn’t bother checking in with any of us?” I don’t bother hiding the bitterness.

“Ry, don’t be like that. You know why I left.” He groans. “I’ve always just been a phone call or text away. You know that. My number hasn’t changed.”

“Mine hasn’t either,” I deadpan.

“Fuck, Ry, really? I told Jack to have you call me when I finally got settled. I hated that I left so quickly.” He growls at me.

“You what?” I cut him off before he could continue.

“Nevermind. Let”s just get this started.” He runs his hand through his hair, something he always did when he was done with a conversation he didn’t want to have.

I take a big gulp of my coffee, flinching as it burns my tongue–coffee’s hot, dumbass– before standing and leaving it on the table. Following him to his dad’s room I notice there are boxes and packing supplies in every room we pass. My mind is whirling from the conversation over breakfast.

What did he mean that he asked Jack to have me call him? Jack never said anything to me about that and he knew how hurt I was when Grey left like he did. He wouldn’t want to see me enduring the emotional pain I was going through at the loss of him.

We spend the rest of the morning figuring out what needs to get tossed, kept, or donated. He acts like the conversation this morning never happened and I’m not sure if I’m ready to address what was said. I have a list of things on my phone to do, including getting donation items to the domestic violence shelter. While they may not need men”s clothes at the shelter we’ve been working with, they’ll be able to get them to the appropriate centers. Either way, there could be a need for beds bedding for anyone starting over. Any little bit helps.

Since Hadley’s survival from Andy, Pickle and I have been helping her support domestic violence survivors as much as we can through the programs we’ve found near us. I don’t know how much of Hadley’s story Grey knows, so I don’t disclose anything. It’s her story to tell, when and if she chooses. I start to take towels and bedding from the linen closet when I feel a hand on my hip as Grey walks up next to me.

“Let’s break for lunch. I’ll order from the Indian place we like.” He grins down at me.

“Uh, they closed a few years ago. There was a robbery that traumatized the owner.” I continue pulling out bedding into my arms. “He shot the guy who was attempting to rob them after the guy pointed a gun at his wife.”

“What the fuck happened to Central Falls while I was gone? Damn.” He pauses, his hand still on my hip. “Anything else you’re in the mood for?”

You.

“There’s a Thai place that we like to go to. It’s by Connor’s work.” He drops his hand and raises a brow at me. “Let me find the number.”

I place the bedding into a box and walk to the kitchen to grab my phone since I left it there when I was done with my muffin. I notice five unread messages I instantly ignore, knowing it’s the girls trying to pry. I bring up an internet browser on my screen and type in the restaurant. District Thai. I give him my phone so he can look at the menu.

“Sounds good. I can order, and we can have it delivered, or I can go get it.” His voice has an edge that wasn’t there a few minutes ago.

“We should probably go get it. Delivery usually takes for-ev-er.” I enunciate each syllable to get the point across.

“I can go.”

“Why can’t I go with you?” I ask, confused by his sudden brusque behavior.

“I mean, you can. Do you want me to take you to see Connor or something while I wait for the food?” His voice comes out tight, laced with frustration.

“Why the hell would I want to see Con? He’s a pain in my ass, I love him, but hell no. He’ll find something else to pick on me about.” I laugh.

“What? Why would he? Why would you be with someone you don’t like?” He raises his brow again as he fires question after question at me.

“Are you on crack?” I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles from my chest. “Oh my god, that’s rich. Connor is Hadley’s boyfriend. He may be a silver fox, but he’s become like an even older brother that I never wanted. I deal with enough from Jack.” I sigh.

“Oh,” he visibly relaxes.

“Why the hell would you think I was with Connor?” I playfully smack Grey’s chest.

“Nevermind. Come on. Let’s go.” He turns away from me and walks towards the front door.

I follow him out to his dad’s old Ranger, climbing into the passenger seat like I used to when Andy, Hadley, Jack, Grey, and I would sneak away during the summer for day trips to the city. Hadley and I would sit up front next to Grey, Jack and Andy sprawled out in the bed of the truck like the heathens they were. I chuckle to myself, lost in memories.

Before I know it, we’re pulling up to District Thai. We both exit the truck and meet at the front before heading inside. Ever the gentleman, Grey opens the door for me, allowing me to walk ahead of him.

Deciding to escape the house for a bit longer, we agree to eat here and follow the host to the last booth available, which is usually reserved for a much larger group. The host recognized Grey and immediately told us not to worry and that we could stay as long as we like.

“Just how big is your social media following?” I laugh as the host walks away.

“Eh, I don’t pay much attention to the overall number. I’m just concerned about sharing my art with the world.” His lips turn up in a lopsided grin that just melts my insides.

“Why don’t you tell me what’s been going on with you? The ink is a good look for you.” I say shyly.

Who am I kidding? You’ve always looked good.

“Thanks, Ry,” he chuckles. “You look pretty damn good too.”