18. Grayson
Chapter 18
Grayson
“Tell me about your childhood?” Carlee asks as we lie side by side on the daybed, sunning ourselves on my back deck. We’ve just finished breakfast. She got me up at the butt-crack of dawn this morning to do damn yoga on the beach as the sun rose on the horizon. She told me it’s something she and Reece have done together for years.
She even opened up, telling me about the relationship the two of them have. I’m grateful she had someone like him in her life, especially when she was younger. He sounds like a stand-up guy for taking in a thirteen-year-old and caring for her when she had nowhere else to go. Hopefully, I’ll get to meet him one day so I can personally thank him for looking out for her all these years.
I spent the majority of the yoga session staring at Carlee’s magnificent ass in those tight leggings and admiring her flexibility. My dirty mind went straight to the gutter, making mental notes of ways we could incorporate some of those positions in the bedroom.
When we were done, we hit the waves. Carlee’s still struggling to stay up on the board for any significant amount of time. But I love her fighting spirit and how she keeps on persisting, never giving up. There’s so much to admire about this woman, I only wish she could see herself the way I do.
“There’s not much to tell. My parents were close, the loves of each other’s lives. My mom took it hard when he died.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. “When my dad was alive, we did a lot together. Watched the games, played catch, and fished… we’d often go camping. He taught me everything I needed to know about surviving in the wilderness.”
Reaching for my hand, she entwines our fingers. “I’m sorry, I bet you missed all that when he was gone.”
“My uncle stepped in and tried his best to take his place, but my dad was one of a kind… irreplaceable. My uncle started taking me camping a few times a year until I hit puberty and discovered girls.”
“Your dad’s brother?”
“Yeah, my uncle Jason. He was a few years older than my dad. They weren’t close while he was alive… I guess my uncle tried to make it up to him, through me.”
“That’s nice.”
“He’s a good guy. I don’t know why they didn’t get on… we hardly saw him while my dad was alive.”
“What was camping like?” she asks. “When I was a little girl, still living at the trailer park with Roxy, I’d sometimes sneak into the neighboring campsite… it was down by the lake. I’d climb a tree, perch myself on a branch, and spy on the families vacationing there. They’d spend their days fishing, riding bikes, and playing board games. They were always smiling, laughing, and having so much fun. It made me envious. I used to wish my family was like that.” She lets out a small sigh before continuing. “At night they’d sing songs and make smores around the ca mpfire. Have you ever tried a smore? I’ve always wondered what they taste like.”
I can’t believe she’s never had a smore or gone camping. I need to rectify that.
“Babe,” I say, rolling over to face her. Reaching up, I use my free hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. “I’ve had plenty. I’ll get the ingredients and we can make some.”
“Really? I’d like that.”
“There’s a special art to making the perfect smore, you’re lucky I’m an expert at it.”
“Of course, you are,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“With your limited cooking skills, you’re probably going to suck, but rest assured you’ll have me to guide you with my awesomeness.”
“Ha-ha.” She pinches my side making me laugh. “I can’t help it if I didn’t have a positive role model when I was young.”
“I’m just messing with you, sunshine.” I pull our conjoined hands up to my face, planting a kiss on her knuckles. “I wish I was around when you were younger so I could’ve taken care of you. My heart bleeds for that little girl, I hate the life that you had.”
I can tell by the change in the expression on her face, that my words stir up a range of emotions inside her. “I don’t ever want you to feel obligated to stay because of the life I’ve had. I don’t need anyone’s pity, Gray.”
Why does my heart rate kick up a notch when she calls me Gray?
“I admire you, not pity you, Carlee. I keep you around for purely selfish reasons.” Her eyes move over my face, and the vulnerability I saw the night I first met her is reflected back at me. “Do you want to know why I’m still here?” She nods instead of answering. “Because I can no longer imagine a life without you in it. You’re it for me.”
The reality is, this woman doesn’t need me, she doesn’t need anyone, she’s the heroine of her own story.
“What can I do to help?” Carlee asks, coming up behind me and sliding her arms around my waist.
“The meat is marinating, all I need to do is make the salad and put the garlic bread in the oven.”
It’s Sunday, game day, so Ashton and Emma are coming over for a barbeque lunch before the football starts.
“I can do that.”
I glance at her over my shoulder. “You can make salads?”
“Ha-ha. It doesn’t involve cooking, smart-ass, so I’m sure I can manage.”
“Okay then.” Opening the fridge, I grab everything she’ll need, placing it on the countertop next to the chopping board. “Have at it.”
She gives me a dubious look as she opens the second drawer and retrieves a knife. “Do I need to wash all this stuff first?”
“Yeah, babe,” I say, reaching into the fridge for a beer. I crack the top and lean against the counter so I can observe her. This should be entertaining if nothing else.
My gaze sweeps over her sweet round ass, and down her bare legs to her hot-pink-painted toenails. She looks smoking in those tiny denim shorts and one of my 49ers jerseys that falls off one shoulder. She’s tied it in a knot on the side at her waist, bearing a hint of the creamy smooth skin on her stomach. I adjust my cock in my pants as I force my eyes back to the salad prep, or I’m going to need to fuck her again, and our guests will be arriving any minute.
Ashton’s finally gotten his shit together, so much so, he’s not only moved Emma into his place but he’s also proposed. I knew he would do the right thing by her and the baby, and I couldn’t be happier for them. He needs a good woman in his life, especially after everything he’s endured, and Em is the best. She’s sweet, kind, and most importantly sane .
I’m hoping the guy I grew up with, the one pre-Anastasia, returns full force because he hasn’t been himself in a very long time.
Carlee rinses a tomato first and gets to work. I internally wince with every slice, she’s decimating the fucking thing, but I don’t have the heart to say anything. There’s a combination of giant pieces and teeny-tiny ones. No uniform at all.
It all goes down the same way, right?
She scoops up the mess when she’s done, tossing it in the bowl. She looks over at me with a shit-eating grin on her face, and I can’t help but return it. She’s so dang proud of herself.
“You’ll make a chef out of me yet, Mr. Edwards.”
“You’re doing a great job, babe,” I lie.
When the doorbell chimes, I guzzle down the rest of my beer and toss the bottle in the recycling bin. I also grab a handful of Carlee’s luscious ass as I pass, giving it a firm squeeze.
I open the front door, and the first thing I notice is the massive smile on Ashton’s face. I can’t remember the last time I saw him look so genuinely happy, and fuck if that doesn’t do something to me. I feel like I’ve been fighting for this very moment for years.
His arm is slung over Emma’s shoulder, and he has a pie balancing in his other hand.
“Come in, Carlee’s in the kitchen attempting to make a salad.” I hug Emma first, then fist pump Ashton as he passes.
“Attempting?” Emma asks with amusement in her voice. They’re best friends, so I’m sure she’s well aware of my girl’s lack of skills in that department.
“She’s giving it her all,” I reply with a chuckle.
As we make our way across the main room, I hear Carlee say, “Ouch.”
“Are you okay, sunshine?” I ask.
“I cut my finger.”
I round the island and reach for her hand. It’s not bad, but I still don’t like seeing her injured. “Come rinse it under the tap and I’ll get you a Band-Aid.”
Opening the drawer where I keep my first aid kit, I remove what I need. Tearing off a piece of paper towel, I wipe her finger and squeeze a small amount of antiseptic cream onto the cut, covering it with the Band-Aid. When I’m done, I place a soft kiss on the tip of her finger.
“How about you sit your sexy little ass up here,” I say, grasping her hips and lifting her onto the breakfast bar. “It’s safer if you let me finish.”
She pouts, so I lean toward her, sucking her plump bottom lip into my mouth.
I look down at the chopping board and see the mess she’s made of the onion. There are still large patches of skin on the outer edge where she didn’t peel it properly.
Ashton places the pie on the counter right next to the salad. I don’t miss the amused look on his face as he leans in, observing Carlee’s not-so-handy work. His eyes then dart to the pie, and back to me. I know he’s making a comparison between the two. I raise an eyebrow, and he smirks like a smug prick. He doesn’t need to say a word, I can read his mind. If he insults my girl, it’s going to earn him an uppercut.
Thankfully, he doesn’t. And Carlee’s too busy oohing and aahing over the rock on Emma’s finger to notice our exchange. Soon my girl’s going to be sporting one of those rings too. I can’t wait for that day.
When the salad is done, I grab the tray of meat and two beers from the fridge and plant a kiss on Carlee’s lips as I pass. Ashton smacks Emma on the ass and follows me outside onto the back deck, taking the beers out of my hand and opening them. He places mine down beside the meat while I start the grill.
This is what the rest of our lives are going to look like. Him, me and the girls catching up on weekends, watching the game together.
“Who would’ve guessed we’d end up settling down with best friends?” I state.
“At least I got the one who can cook,” Ashton snickers.
I shrug, because I don’t care that Carlee’s culinary skills are lacking, she more than makes up for it in other ways.
“You’re always trying to one-up-me, but I know for a fact I got the better end of the deal.”
“How do you figure that? I just witnessed Carlee in the kitchen, she can’t even cut up a damn salad… did you see the pie Em made… from scratch ?”
“Pfft. I can buy an apple pie any day of the week. Does your girl have a zero gag reflex?” I puff out my chest all proud because Carlee’s BJ skills are definitely something to write home about. I glance in his direction, just in time to see his eyes slightly widen. Ha, take that, Black . “Carlee deepthroats like a porn star, you can’t get that off the shelf at the store, motherfucker.”
I’m not usually one to brag about my extracurricular activities, but he started it.
“Whatever,” he snipes. “At least I’ll be getting a home-cooked meal at the end of each day.”
“Yeah, and while you’re sitting over there…” I flick my head down the street in the direction of his house. “…getting fat as fuck, I’ll be here living the good life with my girl and her sweet mouth.”
“Talk it up all you want,” he says with a smirk as he brings his beer to his lips. “I’ve seen the size of your dick, Edwards… it wouldn’t be hard to deepthroat that little wiener.”
“It’s not a fucking wiener,” I snap. I know he said that just to goad me, but I can’t help but bite back. It’s what we do.
“Remember who won the measuring contest back in college?” he retorts smugly.
“Only by one-sixteenth of an inch, asshole, and you know I’d been swimming that day.”
He throws back his head and laughs, so I grab him in a headlock and mess up his pretty-boy hair.
Our relationship has always been like this, and that will never change, but it’s so good to see him happy again. I love this guy like a brother.
“Are you going to tell me where you’re taking me?” Carlee asks as I merge onto the I-110, heading north toward Los Angeles.
“Nope.”
I told her to pack a bag with some casual clothes because I’m taking her camping in a secluded area in the Angeles State Forest… where my father and Uncle Jason, took me when I was a boy. My grandfather has a cabin up there, which was eventually passed down to his sons. I’m not heading to the cabin though. We’re going to rough it in the wilderness. I want her to get the whole experience. At least for the first night or two anyway.
“You suck.”
“Not as good as you do, babe.”
She looks over at me, giving me a cheeky smile. “If I blow you while you’re driving, will you tell me where we’re going?”
Jesus Christ this woman is perfect. “That’ll be a negative, but have at it,” I say, reaching for the button of my jeans.
“Ugh.” Her eyes dart down to my crotch. “Don’t bother.”
She crosses her arms over her chest with a huff and turns her head to look out the passenger side window. I love her feisty side; it’s like an aphrodisiac for my cock.
We’re in the Range Rover today, and I’ve loaded it with everything we’ll need for the next four days. I’ve been planning this trip for over a month, slowly buying all the supplies and smuggling everything into the house so Carlee couldn’t find them. I even have my permit so we can light a campfire. Camping is not something I usually do with a female in tow, but in my heart, I know Carlee will take it in her stride. She’s kick-ass like that.
The trip takes just over an hour, and when we first enter the forest, Carlee’s eyes bug out of her head. “What are we doing here, are we going hiking?”
“Nope.”
Her large eyes narrow. “You’re not thinking about murdering me and dumping my body in the wilderness, are you?”
“No, babe,” I say, glancing her way with a smile. She’s so dramatic.
“Then why are we in a forest?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh sure, silly me. I only asked that question to make conversation.”
I bark out a laugh at her sarcasm. “We’re going camping, sunshine.”
“We are?” She twists in her seat so she’s facing me, and when her scowl disappears and the corners of her mouth tug up, I know she’s pleased.
“Tonight, we’re going to roast smores over the campfire.”
“Yes,” she squeals, punching the air. She’s so goddamn adorable.
We have to drive deeper into the forest to get to our spot. A secluded place where we’ll be surrounded by the mountains and a wall of large pine trees.
“What do you think?” I ask as I pull up close to the lake. “This is going to be our home away from home for the next few days.”
My eyes remain on her as she takes it all in. “It’s beautiful. Truly beautiful.”
It is, but not as beautiful as her.
Taking off her seat belt, she reaches for the door handle, and I do the same, meeting her at the front of the vehicle. Grabbing her hand, I lead her down to the water’s edge .
“We should set the tent up down here.”
“Definitely.” She inhales a large breath, filling her lungs with fresh mountain air. “Grayson, this place is perfect.”
“It’s pretty special. This area is where my dad used to bring me.”
“Really?” Her arms slide around my waist as she gazes up at me. “That makes it extra special. Thanks for sharing it.”
“There’s nobody else I’d rather share it with.” Leaning down, I brush my lips against hers. “Why don’t you explore the area while I unpack the car?”
“Let me help.”
“I’ve got it,” I say, slapping her ass. “Go look around.”
My eyes keep gravitating toward her as I set up our tent. I’m looking forward to having her all to myself for the next few days.
“Hey, Gray, where are the amenities?”
“There isn’t any.”
“What do you mean there isn’t any? Where do we shower?” I point to the lake, and her eyes widen. “What if I need to use the bathroom?”
I was wondering how long it would take before she noticed. Standing, I reach into the trunk of the Range Rover for the shovel and a roll of toilet paper, holding them up in the air.
“You’re shitting me?”
“Nope.”
She folds her arms over her chest, and I bite back a smile. This woman amuses me to no end. “I’m not doing my business in front of you, Grayson.”
“I’m not asking you to. I love you and all, but that’s a side of you I can do without seeing.” I point toward the trees that surround our campsite. “You can go over there. ”
“In the forest, by myself?”
“Uh-huh.”
“But isn’t there like wild animals around here? What if I come into contact with a coyote… or worse still, a bear?”
“Then my heart goes out to them, may they rest in peace.”
“Your heart goes out to them?” she screeches, making me laugh.
“Carlee, I’ve been on the receiving end of your ninja skills. These wild animals you speak of won’t stand a chance.”