Page 18 of Please, Stay

“Word travels fast.”

“With Becky at the helm, gossip travels at supersonic speed.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from touching her more. “Dinner, Jules?” At her worried expression, he switched tactics. “Breakfast? The coffee shop tomorrow morning.” That worked for him. He wouldn’t have to wait as long to see her. He already anticipated a long, restless night.

With a brilliant smile that chased his sour mood away in an instant, she said, “I can do that. Eight tomorrow morning?”

“I’ll be there.”

* * *

Juliana satat a table near the back of the coffee shop. A quick mention to Becky that Grayson, or Henry, had agreed to meet Juliana there had sent Becky down to the diner earlier than usual, leaving Juliana alone and waiting.

At five till eight, they would only have an hour to talk until she had to get back home for church. Besides, the coffee shop was only open from six to nine in the morning because it was Sunday.

Since yesterday, standing in his hotel room, her heartbeat continued to pound twice as fast. She sipped her hot chocolate and snuggled down in the chair, trying to relax. Her dad never came to the coffee shop in the morning. It was a little reprieve before her day started. After her dad’s reaction to seeing Grayson close to her, she’d worried about word getting back to him. But after the few pitiful looks thrown her way this morning, she hoped the town would keep this bit to themselves.

In a puff of silver glitter, as the door hit the hanging Christmas decoration, Grayson entered the coffee shop. He waved to Mrs. Latham but didn’t stop to buy anything. His eyes tracked straight to Juliana. His gaze ran over her like a caress. She adjusted the white tank top under her pink and purple plaid shirt she’d left unbuttoned. She’d attempted to look nicer this morning, running home to grab a shower after taking the last shift in the printing room.

She pushed her long hair back over her shoulder to keep from fidgeting with it. “Did you want to get coffee?” she asked as he sat down across from her.

“The landlady at the bed and breakfast refused to let me leave this morning without two helpings of eggs and sausage and several biscuits, so I think I’m good for now.”

“The mean Mrs. Roberts held you captive, huh?”

He leaned back and patted his incredibly flat stomach. “Stuffed me full. I didn’t want to insult her.”

Her eyes lingered on his white polo shirt. She sipped her hot chocolate again. Did he have to get a special size made to fit his biceps? The white contrasted against his bronzed skin.

Hot chocolate dribbled out of her mouth and onto her chin. She shot forward and grabbed a napkin. Drooling? Seriously! She’d start babbling like a baby next.

“Hole in your lip?”

And he had to point it out. “Something like that.”

Grayson crossed his arms over his chest, his muscles bunching with the movement. She set down the hot chocolate. She’d rather watch him than run the risk of spilling it.

“What time does your job start?”

She looked at her phone, quickly swiping the screen to eliminate Becky’s “kissing face” emojis she’d sent a few minutes ago. “The printing is done. I have about an hour before I need to head back home to ride with my dad to church.”

He scratched his beard. “Where is he right now?”

“At the house.”

Grayson pushed back from the table. “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“For a ride.” He waited while she rose. No one in the diner had turned their direction, but she couldn’t help but feel like a million sets of eyes were on her. “Meet me behind the diner in two minutes.” He winked and strode out of the restaurant.

She pressed a hand to her stomach. “Calm down. It’s just a car ride.” Setting her cup on the counter, she walked out of the coffee shop and texted Becky.

I’m goingfor a ride with Henry.

The reply was almost instant.

Wow!That’s adventurous of you. Have fun, and don’t behave.

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