ELIZA #2
A smile splits my lips. Maybe it isn’t appropriate to smile when wisps of distress still cling to him.
But in the wake of everything he’s just poured from his heart, I can’t stop myself.
How could I, when I’m standing before the man who barged into my life, scattered all my well-laid plans, stripped away the cage and opened the goddamn door?
The man who sees me, knows me, makes me feel like I’m already flying?
“That interview—I was never going to take the job. I didn’t even know it was scheduled until this morning, after you were already gone. I only went to get my mother off my back. It didn’t matter.”
His lips part, and I twist my hands, wrapping them tightly around his wrists. “You were busy at work, and it was just a chore in my day. I was going to tell you at dinner. I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily.”
He stares at me, wide-eyed. His lips waver, until finally lifting on a disbelieving smile.
“Fuck, Eliza.” He pulls a hand away to rub his hair, his laugh hoarse, incredulous. “You did a hell of a lot worse than worry me. Jesus, woman.”
Without warning, he grabs my biceps, snaps me to him, and bear-hugs me. He’s in desperate need of a shower, but his arms, his solidness, his all-encompassing presence feel like home. The skiff bobs as a wake rolls in, and he easily adjusts his stance, keeping me steady and secure in his embrace.
“Fuck,” he swears again, squeezing me harder, even as the boat stabilizes. “You’re staying?” He asks like he doesn’t trust his ears.
“I start with your brother in September. It’s contract-official.” My voice is muffled by his chest.
“I…” he pulls back, cupping my face. Some of his worry returns. “I tried to understand. I didn’t think you’d flip things like that, but, the facts—I mean—”
I lift to my tip-toes and press my lips to his, stopping his explanation. His thumbs stroke my cheeks as he gently kisses me back.
I don’t want to pull away, but it’s important he understands. Still, his roughened fingers linger, feather-soft on my skin like they can’t bear to let me go.
“Grayson, I know how it looked. This is on me.” He opens his mouth to argue, but I don’t give him the space.
“I was never going to take that job. I shouldn’t have even entertained the idea.
But I felt like I owed my parents, and in the process, I forgot what I owe you.
Sorry isn’t a good enough word. I almost—” my lungs spasm with emotion— “I almost lost you in the stupidest, most idiotic way.”
He shakes his head. “Impossible,” he snorts. “Can’t lose me when I’m in love with you.”
My pulse stutters.
The way he says it, like it was obvious, just an offhand comment—
He’s in love with me.
It will replay in my head forever. That…he just…oh my gosh.
“I wasn’t going to say it so soon, but talking out of my ass earlier didn’t scare you away, so I figured this probably won’t, either.”
All at once, my pulse recovers, then goes into overdrive. My heart thunders in my chest, screaming its truth.
I listen.
“I love you, too.”
Just like that, the tears I’ve been fighting all evening flood my eyes, a few unruly traitors spilling over. I tilt my head away, but Grayson tightens his hands, bringing my face right back to his.
“Got salt water in my retinas again,” I sputter.
He laughs and kisses me, my tears salty against his lips. I breathe through it, and by the time he pulls away, I’ve reclaimed a sliver of composure.
Eyes shining, his palms coast down my shoulders to my hands. He glances at my soaked clothes. “You arrived in a kayak, but it looks like you swam,” he says with amusement.
A giggle bursts out. “It probably would’ve been faster if I did.
That thing is a tank.” I roll my aching shoulders, then peer around his body at the other boat’s open engine.
“Please tell me you fixed that engine before Kenny left. My arms are noodles. I might be able to hold a wrench for you, but otherwise, I’m useless. ”
“Don’t worry. Just need to screw something in place, and we’re good.” He winks. “Though I wouldn’t mind being stranded out here all night with you.” His gaze lifts above me. “Or at least until sunset.”
I tilt my head to see the orange cast bleeding over the sky as the sun tracks toward the horizon. There isn’t a cloud in sight.
This sunset’s going to be pristine.
Unmissable.
I don’t have to say a word. Grayson breaks away to pull two towels from a deck compartment, laying them down like picnic blankets. Then he takes my hand and tugs me down with him, situating me between his legs, my back to his front.
“I’m soaking wet and smell like seawater,” I warn, even as I tuck myself into him.
“Baby, I’m sweaty and smell like a workday.”
Neither of us cares. His arms fold around me, cocooning me in his heat, and my chest glows as warm as the sky.
This is what bliss feels like.
Wet fabric itches my skin, my arms ache, and I only have a few weeks to learn everything about the wine industry, but I’ve never felt more at peace. My brain—the engine that never quits—is quiet. All of my headspace has been filled by this man and his presence and the fact that he’s mine.
Well, there is one niggling thought.
“Can you text Amanda that I’m alive? I don’t want her to worry.” Or race out here on a boat thinking I’ve drowned, just to see us all cozied up.
“Of course.” One of his hands leaves to send the message, before wrapping around me again, even tighter than before. Sealing us together.
His torso vibrates against me as he says, “You know, I’m surprised you’re waiting until September to start with Anson. Your contract at the farm is done mid-August.”
Of all the revelations, that’s what’s sticking in his head?
Planting a cheeky grin on my face, I lean to the side and catch his gaze. “I’m not sure if you heard, but I’m a pro at giving tours now. I figured I should donate you two extra weeks of my time to show you how it’s done.”
His grin is stunning. “Alright, Boston. We’ll see what you got.”
Unable to help myself, I reach for his scruffy jaw, and urge his mouth toward mine. Just before I close the distance, I wink and add, “And I heard the grumpy, hot oyster farmer doesn’t want a social media girl, but I’m having far too much fun being a pain in his ass to leave him so soon.”