Chapter 12 #2
“I’m sorry.” He held his hands up in playful surrender. “I was just going to ask if you wanted to grab some dinner or something? Drink a few beers. Watch a movie...”
“Are you being serious right now?” I snapped.
“Yeah, actually, I am.” Before I could tell him he was off his damn rocker, he added, “I know you are interested in dating. You made that point loud and clear, but I don’t see why we can’t be friends. You know, hang out and get to know each other a little better.”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“You are making this too fucking difficult.” His smile faded, and his eyes grew fierce as he growled, “Why can’t you just stop being so fucking hard-headed?”
“I’ve had enough of this, Drake.”
I turned, and without looking back, I rushed towards the door.
Once I was outside, I ran to my car, got inside, and sped off.
I checked my rearview mirror several times, making sure Drake wasn’t following me as I drove towards the Manor.
As soon as I pulled up the driveway, I parked and hurried inside to find Braylon.
When I walked into the office, I was surprised to find that Mia was there with him, and from the looks of it, they were in the midst of an in-depth conversation.
I had no idea what they were talking about, but they were sitting oddly close and Mia was blushing.
The second they noticed me standing there, Braylon immediately shifted in his seat, creating some distance between them.
“Hey, Kiersten. I didn’t hear you pull up.” He glanced over at Mia, then cleared his throat. “How did it go with Lynch’s sister?”
“Good.” To say I felt awkward standing there in front of them was an understatement.
It was clear I’d interrupted something. I thought back to what Lynch had said about Mia being interested in Braylon, and looking at them now, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was right.
I didn’t want to ruin their moment with stupid Drake nonsense, so I said, “I’m gonna head to the house and grab me a bite to eat. ”
“Oh, okay.” Braylon seemed relieved as he said, “I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Um-hmm.”
I quickly skirted out of the room and headed over to my house.
As I started across the lot, I got an eerie feeling and stopped to check my surroundings, making sure that no one was around.
I didn’t see a soul, so I decided it was just my head playing tricks on me.
I had no doubt that my encounter with Drake was to blame for my heightened state, which infuriated me.
Thinking of all the different ways I’d like to string the guy up, I stormed into my kitchen and grabbed a bottle of wine from my fridge.
I poured myself a glass and carried it into the living room.
As I sat down on the sofa, I looked around the room, and a sinking feeling washed over me when I realized how empty it felt without Grayson there—which only dampened my mood even more.
I took a few sips of wine, hoping it might ease the knot that was growing in the pit of my stomach, but it did little to help. There was only one thing that could lift my spirits, so I grabbed my phone and sent Grayson a text message.
Me:
Hey.
Grayson:
Hey. How’s it going?
Me:
Okay. Would be better if you were here.
Grayson:
Can’t disagree with you there.
How’d it go with Lynch’s sister?
Me:
Really good.
Hannah was really sweet, and Reece is a trouper.
Grayson:
Appreciate you doing that.
Me:
I was more than happy to.
I hope it helps.
Grayson:
I’m sure it will.
How was the rest of your day?
I was tempted to tell him about my encounter with Drake but decided against it. There was no point in worrying him, especially when he had the run to North Carolina coming up. Like it or not, I would have to find a way to handle Drake on my own.
Me:
It wasn’t too bad.
Yours?
Grayson:
Can’t complain.
Just been busy getting ready for the run.
Me:
When are you leaving?
Grayson:
First thing in the morning.
Me:
I didn’t realize you were going so soon.
Grayson:
The sooner we go, the sooner we’ll get back.
Me:
I’m all for that.
Grayson:
Be careful. I might think you actually miss me.
Me:
I might. Just a little.
Grayson:
Right back at ya.
I’ll be back before you know.
Me:
I can’t wait.
Goodnight, Grayson.
Grayson:
Night, babe.
I put the phone down on the table and was about to take another drink of my wine when I heard a tap at my door.
I usually didn’t have visitors after dark, so I was a little hesitant to answer.
But I forced myself up off the sofa and went to answer the door.
When I opened it, I was surprised to see that it was Mia. “Hey... You got a minute?”
“Sure, come on in.” Once she was inside, I closed the door behind her and asked, “Would you like some wine?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks.”
As we started into the living room, I asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No, I just wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay.” I sat back down on the sofa and waited as she sat down next to me. “What’s on your mind?”
“It’s about Braylon.” I could hear the concern in her voice as she continued, “I really like him, Kiersten, but I don’t want to step on any toes. I love my job here and don’t want to put it in jeopardy.”
“You don’t have to worry about that, Mia.
” Mia wasn’t only beautiful and sweet. She was a college graduate with a good head on her shoulders, and Braylon was an amazing guy.
He’d dedicated years of his life to the military, and even after he was severely wounded, he never gave up his drive to help others.
As far as I could tell, they were perfect for one another.
I truly meant it when I told her, “I think it’s great that you and Braylon have something going. ”
“You do?”
“Yes!” I reached over and placed my hand on her arm. “I’m very happy for you both.”
“We’re not really involved just yet. I’ve liked Bray for a long time, but I’ve been afraid to act on it. Partly because I wasn’t sure he felt the same, and partly because I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about.” She grimaced as she admitted, “I always thought you kind of had a thing for him.”
“What?”
“I don’t think it anymore. Now that I’ve seen you with Country, I realize just how wrong I was about that.”
“Yeah, Braylon and I are just friends. Good friends, but nothing more.”
“So, you’re really okay about all this?”
“I’m more than okay. I promise.”
“Thank you, Kiersten.” Mia reached over and gave me a quick hug. “I’m so glad I came and talked to you. I feel so much better about everything.”
“Well, I’m here any time you want to talk.”
“And I’m here for you anytime you wanna talk about your oh, so sexy biker guy.”
I giggled as I told her, “I’ll be sure and keep that in mind.”
“Great.” Mia stood as she said, “I’ll let you get back to your wine, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sounds good.”
Once she’d gone, I locked my door and carried my wine into the bedroom.
I changed into my pajamas and crawled into bed.
The second I curled up with my pillow, I thought about Grayson.
I thought about his handsome face, his laugh, and the tender touch of his hand.
While I missed not having him there in the bed with me, I found comfort in the fact that I had a man in my life worth missing—and that was something worth waiting for.