Page 16 of Holding Grace

Now I knew he was exaggerating. I’d done okay at the pub but “great” and “perfect” I was not; far from it.

“Michael...” What could I say? My brain was spinning. The thought of being back at the pub, of seeing Michael nearly every day and knowing I had at least him and Jamey watching out for me – it sounded like something close to a fairy tale.

Did I dare? I didn’t believe that Seth and Ellis had really known I was in Lark. Theoretically, it would be as safe to go there as it would anywhere else.

Did I dare do what I wanted, just this once, and move back?

My indecision must have been clear on my face. Either that, or my lack of an intelligent response telegraphed my confusion. Either way, Michael came to sit beside me again and gave me an out, at least for the moment.

“Just think about it, okay? You don’t have to give me an answer right now. There’s no time limit on the offer.”

I nodded wordlessly, certain I’d think about nothing else.

“Unfortunately, the guys and I have to head home tomorrow morning. We’d planned to stay another day, but something came up with my cousins’ business and they need to get back. That’s why I wanted to be sure to talk to you tonight. I need to get going, but is it okay if I call you tomorrow, just to check in? I promise it won’t be as early as today.”

It would take a stronger woman than I to say no when faced with that gorgeous smile.

“Sure, I...sure. I go in at three, so any time before that.”

“Before three. Got it.” Michael got to his feet, and I followed him to the door, then we stood where we were as if we were both reluctant to go any farther. I didn’t want him to leave, but I knew he had to.

“I’ve gotta go,” he said, echoing my thoughts. “Think about what I said. It’s a good plan. In the meantime, if you even think that you spot your ex or you hear from him or your brother, let me know, okay?”

“What can you do from nearly four hours away?” Not that I didn’t appreciate the thought, but realistically....

“Hit the road and probably make it here in three.” I felt my face heat a little at the implication that Michael would drop everything and rush to my side. I was being ridiculous; I was sure he didn’t mean it literally. “At the very least, if you have to leave, you can tell me which way you’re headed, and I can catch up to you at some point. Just don’t bail out and not tell me.”

“Okay, I won’t.” Why I was agreeing to this, I wasn’t sure, but I also had no ability to say no. If Michael needed to flex his protective streak for me, it seemed that I was going to let him, at least for the moment.

And if he felt the need to flex anything else for me...

My face flushed brighter pink and Michael looked at me curiously, no doubt wondering what on earth was making me blush the way I was. It was time to step away from that line of thought and quick before I embarrassed myself more than I already had.

Michael tore his gaze away from my flushed cheeks and opened the door, then paused right on the threshold.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

I wasn’t certain if he was reassuring me or himself.

“Tomorrow,” I agreed as his dark eyes snared mine.

“And if you need anything, anything at all,” Michael paused as if weighing his words before he went on... “You kept my number before; don’t lose it now.”

I ducked my head as his meaning hit me.

So, he’d caught that. He’d realized from what I’d told him about switching phones that I’d saved his number when I’d left Lark and had put it in the new phone I’d gotten.

And the one I’d gotten after that.

At the time, I’d told myself it was foolish, that there was no point in saving a number I’d never call. And yet, I hadn’t been able to make myself let go of it, to sever my final, tiny tie to the man who stood in front of me.

I forced myself to look up at him. There was no point denying it; it would just make it seem even more significant. So, I said simply, “I won’t” and left it at that.

If the small gleam of satisfaction in his eyes was anything to go by, Michael had expected me to deny it or at least not acknowledge what he’d said. The fact that I hadn’t, well, let’s just say I was glad I’d surprised him a little.

“I’m not going to say good-bye. I’ll just say good night and hopefully I’ll see you soon.”

“Good night,” I echoed. “Be careful driving tomorrow.”

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