Page 57 of Please, Stay

Her entire face brightened. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Grayson.”

“Grayson? I thought his name was Henry,” her dad said.

“Long story,” Ms. Iris snapped. “Will you be around for dinner? We’re having fried pork chops, collards, beans, and mac n’ cheese.”

Grayson ran a hand over his impeccable abs. Juliana caught herself following the movement. She’d pressed her lips to those muscles just a day and a half before. “I’m going to gain ten pounds from your cooking while I’m here.”

Carrie announced the bottom of the milkshake container with a loud slurp. She leaned back, and in the same manner as Grayson, ran a hand over her nonexistent belly. “Me, too.”

Everyone laughed, including her dad.

Grayson left the diner with a quick wave. Juliana wanted more time.

“Ms. Iris, can you wrap a grilled cheese up and send it with Dad. I’m going to get started on editing that article.”

“Of course, honey.” Ms. Iris winked. “You have some hard work to do.”

“Caroline—” Juliana leaned down to her level “—tell Mr. Campbell all about your school. Are you in Kindergarten?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Caroline twisted in her seat until she faced him. “Mr. Campbell, did you ever go to Kindergarten?”

“A long time ago, I suppose.”

“Were there dinosaurs back then?”

Juliana snickered, earning a scowl from her dad.

“Goodness no, child. I’m not that old.”

Juliana left them to their conversation and followed Grayson out the door. His eyebrows rose as she jogged across the street to the bed and breakfast. She glanced back at the diner, expecting that at any moment, her dad would rush outside to challenge Grayson to some medieval duel. But the street remained empty.

Keeping a proper three feet from him, she shoved her hands in her jean pockets. “We’re all headed up to Eliza’s tomorrow to move the last of her and Carrie’s things. Did you want to go with us?”

“Can I see you tonight?”

They had less than a week left until her fairy tale with Grayson disappeared. She wanted to spend every moment with him. No doubt, her dad would watch her like a hawk after the Governor’s “boyfriend” comment. Her hesitation must have been enough since his scowl darkened.

“Don’t worry about tonight. Yes, I’d like to go. If you text me the address, I’ll meet you there.”

“Pick me up at Becky’s.” She licked her lips. “I’ll ride there with you if you’re up to driving.”

The brooding look disappeared. “Now that is something to look forward to. Bye, Juliana.” He turned and disappeared behind the building.

“Grayson,” she called, jogging after him. Playing hard-to-catch wasn’t in her bag of tricks to snare a man. Especially one leaving so soon.

He paused at the entrance to the bed and breakfast.

Double-checking that the building blocked her from the sight of the diner, she flung her arms around Grayson’s neck. What she’d hoped for was a goodbye kiss, like a “remember me until tomorrow” type of thing.

In some quick, ninja move, he’d pressed her back up against the side of the house. Grayson pinned her there with his warm body, his mouth demanding, and his hands gripping her hips. The cool taste of peppermint lingered on his tongue from the one he snagged while leaving the diner.

He broke off the kiss and stepped away, leaving her cold. “Sorry.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to do that. I’m still a little tense from yesterday.”

She smiled, adjusting her shirt, amused he looked so bothered. “So that was an accident? I’d hate to see what would happen if you meant to kiss me until my knees went weak on purpose because that was pretty close.”

A feral light crept in his eyes. He traced a finger along her cheek. “You haven’t given me a chance—” he ran his thumb along her lower lip “—yet.”

She didn’t breathe for a second and closed her eyes. If only she could throw away all her responsibility and run off with him. Those ideas were reserved for her dreams. Life didn’t co-operate.

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