Page 30 of Grayson

“So you think about what it would be like to kiss me?”

I let my head hang forward, staring at my feet.

“Can we please just forget the last five minutes even happened?” I should have stayed in bed.

“Not a chance.” Grayson places his thumb beneath my chin and tips my head upward. I close my eyes, because seeing the humor I’m sure is written on his face would be more humiliating than the knowledge that I’ve openly admitted I want to kiss him.

I’ll have to move now. And I’m putting my sister up for adoption, I’ve made up my mind.

“Open your eyes, Skye,” he whispers and I shake my head. “Open,” he says once more and even though I don’t want to, I do it anyway.

There is no humor, but instead an intense feeling I can’t explain. He cups my jaw, dragging the pad of his thumb over my lower lip, his eyes following the motion as his tongue moistens his own.

“You aren’t the only one that wants this kiss.” I shift my gaze to meet his. “You couldn’t be more wrong about me looking at a girl like you, because every single time I see you I can’t look away.” He inches closer, lightly skimming his lips over mine. His breath tickles my lips as he pulls back much too soon. “You aren’t the only one nervous.” His confession pulls me out of the haze his simple kiss caused.

“Why would I make you nervous?”

“Because I’ve spent years thinking one way and here you are after only three weeks and you’ve got me considering things I never thought I would."

“Things?” My voice is breathy.

“What it would be like to truly let someone in.” Grayson’s voice is low, like he’s wanted the words he offers only to be ours. “To give in to this connection I feel whenever I see you. To stop fighting this pull and let things happen.”

Was I being foolish to fall for his words?

Before I get the opportunity to question myself any more Gray closes the distance and this kiss is so much more. A slow tantalizing exploration of my mouth. His tongue dragging along the seam of my lips they part and he takes full advantage.

And just as I imagined, the man kisses with gusto. He is a master, conquering not only my every thought but my entire body as I sag into him. Quickly his arm encircles my waist like he knows I need him to hold me up or I’ll fall to the floor.

“And with one kiss you’ve destroyed every single reservation I’ve ever had.” His forehead rests against mine. His words sink in as we both simply breathe trying to slow our racing hearts. “You came out of nowhere, Skye,” he adds and I’m unsure of how to respond. So instead I nuzzle into him and enjoy the way it feels to be so close.

“I have to be at the station at seven tomorrow morning for my twenty-four hour shift.”

I nod.

“Wednesday night.” He leans back and I tilt my chin up, looking at him. He lifts his hand, combing his finger through my hair. “Dinner, even if it’s takeout here. No trying to make me disappear with alcohol.”

I try to look away and he laughs cupping my face in his hands. “I’m playing.” He kisses me softly then moves away again much too soon.

“We can watch a movie, whatever you want, but I’d like to see where this goes.”

I hold his stare.

“That feeling you’re talking about,” he takes my hand in his and places them together against his chest, “I feel it too.”

This is so far from how I thought tonight would turn out.

“I’ve felt it from the very second you walked into Ruby’s and every day since it’s only gotten stronger. Let’s give this a chance.”

My thoughts are screaming out telling me to retreat. Grayson Hawk isn’t a long-term guy, but I can’t seem to listen to them. So instead I nod, wondering if I am making a huge mistake with my heart.

21

Grayson Hawk

The flames are shooting out the windows of the second story apartment when we arrive on the scene. The residents of the building are all standing on the front lawn in their pajamas holding their loved ones looking up at the building they call home as we slow to a stop.

Quickly we jump into action as the Captain assigns us our tasks.

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