10. Chapter 10
Chapter 10
River
I ’ve been standing in front of the mirror, just staring at my reflection.
A cold front whispered back through our area. The soft floral dresses I often wore in spring in summer abandoned for a thick sweater version instead. The knit camel forming to my figure, accentuating my waist and the curve of my breasts and ass, perfectly.
Gray will be here any minute, but I can’t seem to look away. It’s been ages since I’ve been on a proper date, and there’s no doubt tonight is just that. Not to mention, other than business attire and scrubs, I have no idea how to dress myself anymore.
We’ve been talking nonstop, the butterflies coursing through my belly with every passing minute. That giddy feeling taking root with even the simplest thought of the playful cowboy I have no business being interested in. The thought of getting involved with someone normally weighs me down with the countless expectations and “what ifs,” but with Gray, it’s so easy. There’s no weight at all. I’m as light as a feather.
A knock sounds at the door.
“You’ve got this,” I remind myself. A mantra often on repeat.
There’s nothing to be nervous about. Our first day together lasted over twenty-four hours. That’s something… I think.
“Coming!”
The heels of my boots clap against the floor before I open the door. Fuck me sideways. How does he look so good in those jeans, cowboy boots, and a fucking henley?
Peeking my head through the front doorway, the rain barrels down behind him. Spring here can be a real bitch. Dry one minute and a monsoon the next.
“Come in. I just need a minute.”
I’ve only just turned away when Gray grabs my wrist, pulling me back into his body. That familiar warmth and the scent of his body wash envelop me. A cocoon I would happily live inside for the rest of my days. As long as those whiskey-brown eyes never leave mine. “What?” My features scrunch, my body tilting away despite wanting to stay pressed against his solid muscle.
“I need to give you a proper hello.”
Those damn butterflies soar, the muscles of my core pulsing in anticipation of knowing I’m going to end up in bed with him again tonight. His lips brush mine before kissing me softly. Not the consuming ones we’ve shared so many times, but one filled with sultry passion and a crescendo of desire.
“I like that sort of hello.” Biting my bottom lip, his finger pries it free. “Give me a minute.”
“Take your time. And grab some work shoes.”
“For what?” I call behind me.
“You said you wanted to hang out with my cows. You’re not doing it in those, and mine are too big.”
Poking my head around the corner of my bedroom door, I’m surprised he’s right there. “Are you telling me to pack an overnight bag?”
My pulse races, wondering what that means if he is. I know I slept over last time, but it wasn’t really an expectation. I figure a little sex and a few farm animals, but not necessarily another full night in his bed.
“Nope. Just shoes. Unless you have to work tomorrow, then you’ll want to bring whatever you need for that. Otherwise, I want you in my clothes.”
Sweet baby Jesus . My pussy clenches, and I’m seconds from climbing this man like a fucking tree. Who the hell is this woman I’ve become in Gray’s company?
“Right.” Speeding around my room, I toss my work clothes in a bag. Fortunately, tomorrow is just a surgical day, but I don’t start until ten.
Then I stop. I’ll have to get to the hospital, which means I’ll need my car. “Can we just stop back here after dinner so I can get my car?”
“Why?”
“I have surgeries tomorrow. I’ll need to get to the hospital.”
“I’ll drive you.” Somehow, I knew that would be his answer. Gray takes chivalry to a whole different level, and that only makes my panties wetter.
“Don’t you have things to do?”
“I can handle the both of us. Get your stuff.”
It’s been a while since I’ve been out to eat in Carruthersville. It’s far enough away that I’m too tired to come out here, and if I’m already cooking for Gran, there’s no point. Plus, I’m the queen of online ordering. It’s easier than going to any store.
“I don’t have an umbrella, but my flannel has a hood,” Gray smiles sheepishly.
“A little rain won’t make me melt,” I snort.
He only stares out the window. The fat droplets are still falling in a steady stream, but considerably slower. The sheet that made it difficult to see on our drive here is just calm enough that we won’t look like soaked rats after the quick sprint to the restaurant door.
“Ready?”
“Let’s go, cowboy.”
Gray dives out of the driver’s seat, jogging around the side to help me out. With his hand wrapped around mine, we walk as quickly as we can along the sidewalk. The restaurant door is mere feet away when the sound of my name stops us.
“River. Is that you?”
“Beckett. Hi.”
My ex pulls me into a tight hug, ignoring my fingers laced with the man beside me. The tug on my arm from Gray forcing the clearing of my throat as I wiggle out of Beckett’s hold. A hold that was a little too tight for a little too long.
“I heard you were back, but you never called.” His eyes blink, filled with something like hurt and hope mingling.
“Yeah, I’ve been busy working and with Gran. You know how it goes.”
Beckett runs his hands through his sandy brown hair, his gaze finally drifting to Gray at my side. “Aren’t you that rodeo guy?”
My eyes grow wide, wondering if this is going to become one of those movie showdowns. Squeezing Gray’s hand, he only extends his free one toward Beckett. “Grayson Garrison.”
“I hear you and your brother are the best of the best. Beckett Hughes.”
“I know your folks. Good people,” Gray gives a closed-lipped smile.
Beckett’s finger moves between Gray and me in question. “And how do you know each other?”
“Gray is…” I start.
“Her boyfriend.” His hand releases mine, a heavy arm draping across my shoulders, our bodies now close enough that we’re both under the awning of the flower shop.
“Boyfriend?” Beckett chokes, clearing his throat.
There’s no ignoring the butterflies in my stomach or my racing pulse at Gray calling me his girlfriend. I feel like some lovesick teenager who just had her crush look at her for more than five seconds for the first time.
Choosing to lean into the one man who has never made me feel like I had to fight to be seen, I wrap my arm around his back, my fingers squeezing his side. The gesture clearly makes him happy enough to bend low and kiss me on the temple. “Yeah. Gray was the best kind of surprise.”
“Uh, well… That’s great. I’m excited for you.”
“Thanks, B.”
“Hopefully, you can still find some time in your busy schedule to catch up over dinner—” A deep growl rumbles through Gray’s chest. Geez , he just fucking growled like a possessive animal . Every muscle down below clenches, my walls fluttering as if attempting to fan out the heat from the inside. My core is just begging to skip this date so we can go home. “—or coffee,” Beckett adds with a visible wince.
“Sure. Betty should come too.”
“Yeah, of course. She always loved you.”
“It was nice meeting you, Beckett. We have a reservation, though, so we need to get going.” Then Gray leads me down the sidewalk, tipping his head in a curt nod to Beckett as if wearing his cowboy hat.
The swanky restaurant hums at a dull roar when we enter, Gray immediately giving his name to the hostess before she leads us to a booth for two.
“Is this okay?” He removes that fucking ball cap he always wears backward, placing it on the seat next to him.
It never occurred to me he might be as nervous about this as I am. We’d connected in the bedroom and even bonded over the both of us feeling like we constantly live in someone else’s shadow, but an actual date is different.
“Girlfriend, huh?”
That shit-eating grin spreads on his face, the pop of a dimple on the right side just deep enough to notice through his dark beard. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Gray…”
He leans forward slowly, his arms crossing on the table in front of him. “Baby, you wore my hat. That made you mine.”
My goodness , my insides are on fire. Why is that so hot? I’ve never had a man just take what he wants and actually want him to have it.
“And how many other girls have you made your girlfriend that way?”
Gray’s hands reach for mine, linking our fingers before those deep whiskey eyes focus on me. “I’ve had a few girls wear my rodeo hat, but not a single one has ever worn my ball cap. Just you.”
I don’t have a response to that. I’ve only known this man for four days, and I swear I’m already nosediving off the steepest cliff because of him. A freefall that’ll either leave me in pieces or encased in the safest arms I’ve ever known.
The moment is broken as our server stops at the edge of our table, fishing in her black apron for a pen. “Good evening, I’m Macie. What can I start y’all with?”
“Whiskey neat. Make it a double.” The words blurted so fast, Gray only quirks his brows at me.
“Same.” His eyes focus on me as he leans back in the booth, his legs just long enough his knees touch mine under the table. Contact I crave. But it’s not enough.
“I thought you were a beer drinker.”
“Oh, I am. But I’m hoping if I join you on the dark side tonight, you’ll take me for another ride.”
This dinner can’t be over fast enough.