Page 24 of Born to Make You Smile

“Thanks for rescuing me, especially coming this far.” My voice ached with shame, feeling like a huge burden.

“I don’t want you toeverhesitate to call me if you need anything. Any time of the day or night. I mean it.”

His sweet protectiveness made my insides flutter.

My ears perked up to the smooth, sultry melody of Al Green's “Let's Stay Together” over the car speaker. The music was intense and vivid, the melody dancing in my brain like delicious bursts of sound. Plus, my ears appreciated a good classic tune. Something other than the popular tracks playing ad nauseam at the party.

“I love this track. Is this yourlate-nightplaylist?” I laughed, waggling my brows somewhat suggestively.

“I go easy on the funk and disco after hours.”

I giggled loudly, pushing the curls away from my face. My head felt light, airy, and peaceful.

I scanned his body, his black polo shirt, buttoned all the way up. My gaze landed on his leg outlined in denim. Stuffy with a splash of leisure.

“I like your jeans.”

“Thanks.” He pointed his nose at me. “I see you’re in jeans too.”

“I know, both of us, it’scrazy,” I said, drawing out the last word. It was a rarity for either of us to wear jeans. He was typically in khakis or slacks, and I wore my scrubs, dresses, or yoga pants. “There are some damn good jeans in this car right now!”

We both laughed at my corniness, then sat in silence. I glanced at the time and was hit with a twist of guilt as it was ten after one.

“I’m sorry if I woke you up,” I said, my voice quiet.

He waved his right hand about. “Not to worry. I wasn't asleep. Michelle and I were up watching a movie.”

My stomach churned when I imagined Gavin and Michelle cuddled up on the couch. “Which movie? I hope you didn't make her sit throughHoly Grail.”

“God no, we watchedThe Aviator,” he said. “Monty Pythonis definitely not Michelle’s cup of tea.”

“I’m the only one who had to endure the torture? On multiple occasions!” I exclaimed.

“Oh, come now. You found it funny. You laughed at the coconut banter. It even earned several snorts, if I recall correctly.”

I giggled, followed by an involuntary snort.

As Gavin drove on Yonge Street, the sign for The Bagel House caught my eye. “God, I could go for a bagel. Sesame seed with smoked salmon cream cheese. Or pumpernickel! I haven’t had one of those in ages.”

I licked my lips.

“I believe they’re still open. Are you hungry? Did you want me to turn around?”

“Nah. It’s okay. I’m just…” A stream of high-pitched giggles came out of my mouth without control. Oh boy. I was feeling that weed.

“Are you okay, Grace? How much did you drink tonight?” He cocked his right brow with concern.

I giggled again since it was adorable when he did that. “Not much. But…I did smoke weed for the very first time. You must think I'm so irresponsible.”

He shrugged. “As hard as it is to believe, I was young once and partook in my fair share of it back in the day.”

“Partooook,” I repeated quietly, followed by a closed-mouth chuckle. “I wish I could see you high.”

My lips were dry, so I reached into my purse for my peach-vanilla-parfait lip balm. I rolled the balm upward. The scent andtaste were one of my favorites, and of course the limited edition was almost impossible to find.

I sighed sadly as I put the lid on, but the roll slipped out of my hands and fell between the passenger seat and the center console.

“Shit!” I cried.

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