Page 36 of Wild Fires

I pulled her into my arms and held her.

“It's going to be okay,” I reassured her.

I had the feeling that Gracie didn't break down easily, but she cried softly in my arms as I stroked her hair. It didn't last long before she dried it up and cleared her throat uncomfortably.

“If you tell him or anyone else that I cried, I will deny it and then kick your ass.”

I chuckled. “I expect nothing less.”

“Also, I think we need some ground rules.”

“Like what?”

“First, no touching or kissing or anything else on work time.”

“I agree.” But I still couldn't help but wonder if her request had anything to do with Andrew.

“Any questions?”

“Are you seeing anyone?” I blurted out. I had to know.

“No. Are you?”

“No, and I prefer exclusivity.”

“Then I think we can agree this has to stay between you and me. Or if you prefer, it could just be a one-night stand and we both walk away from here.”

I scowled. “Is that what you really want?”

“No,” she admitted.

“And if I did, are you sure you could just walk away?”

She huffed. “I'd try my best.”

This time I grinned. “So you're saying you didn't get me out of your system yet?”

She rolled her eyes. “I think you made it worse.”

“Good. Because I'm not done with you yet either.”

“But this stays just between us.”

“For now.”

I didn't know what possessed me to say that. Of course I didn't want word getting out that I was seeing Gracie. I liked my private life to stay private, but something about this just felt different than any other relationship I'd ever had. I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to abide by all her rules, but I was going to try.

“Are you sure you're okay?”

“Yeah. Just hurry and get ready so we can head over to the clinic before going to the site, okay?”

“Sure, just give me a minute.”

As I left for the bedroom, she was openly checking out my apartment. This would normally irritate me. Mainly because I never brought people up to my apartment, at least not anyone I wasn't related to. But also because I didn't like to feel scrutinized. My siblings teased me enough about my cleaning obsession. I still didn't see why it was a bad thing, but they had certainly made me a bit self-conscious about it over the years.

It wasn't like any of them were slobs, well, maybe Dean at times. They just weren't quite up to my standards of cleanliness and order.

As I dressed for the day, I couldn't help but wonder what Gracie thought of my place. She hadn't even tried to hide her interest.

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