Page 54 of SEAL by Fate

Stormy debated her answer. She didn’t want to lie to her, but she also didn’t want her to think she and Gray had been talking about her negatively. “He mentioned that he’d been seeing someone here in his home town.”

The woman nodded and gave a small smile. “I was heartbroken when he broke up with me, even though I knew I deserved it. We were on different pages.” She plucked at a loose thread on her jeans. “He’s not an easy guy to get over.”

Stormy believed every word. “I’m sorry.”

Lifting her shoulder and letting it drop, she sighed. “Are you sure you and Gray aren’t…”

And she still couldn’t work her tongue around the words.

“No. We’re not. In fact, we just met recently.”

“Well, he’s a catch. His father has kept me updated over the years about Gray’s happenings. I’d be happy for him if he settled down.”

Stormy was almost relieved when Gray stepped out onto the porch and Stormy could excuse herself to allow them to talk. There was already an awkwardness between them and she didn’t need to add to it.

She busied herself filling the dishwasher, wiping down the counters and finishing off cleaning the kitchen. Crossing the living room, she pulled back the curtain and looked out. Hannah and Gray were hugging. Feeling like she was invading their privacy, Stormy went back into the kitchen and waited. When Gray finally stepped back into the house, she was innocently standing at the counter.

“Wow. I didn’t expect that meeting,” he said.

“She seems very nice. Sweet.”

“She is. Very much so.”

Stormy wanted to ask if there were any leftover feelings between them because that hug she’d witnessed looked pretty darn close, but she didn’t allow herself to go down that road. Instead, she swiped her damp hands down the thighs of her jeans and reworked her brain.

“It’s late. I’m tired and I know you must be too.” She took a step, but he met her at the threshold of the door.

He cupped her jaw, looking down at her. “Is this where you say that we can’t do this?” he said while pressing his body against hers. “I want you to stay. Please stay.”

“I can’t,” she whispered. “I just…can’t.” She raised her hand to her lips, choking back a sob. What had changed for her? She wasn’t sure. Before the call, before the visit from Hannah, all gave time for the locks to come back into place. What was she thinking?

“Tell me, Stormy. Is it the visit from Hannah?”

She moistened her lips. “Maybe. Yes. Somewhat.” She gave her head a clumsy shake. “I saw you and her hugging.”

“That was nothing.” He smiled. “I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

“You and I, we’ve been through a bucket list of things in such a short amount of time. I’m not one to jump into things, even if I acted impulsively by running from the church. That’s not me.”

“No one expects you to be impulsive, or anything but who you are.”

“We don’t even know each other.”

“That’s an excuse.”

“Maybe.” She folded her arms.

“I don’t want to pressure you. Okay?” He took a step to the side to allow her to pass. Stormy didn’t look back as she stepped into the hall and continued upstairs, feeling a heavy weight on her shoulders.

In the bedroom, she closed the door and hated that grief washed over her. Had they been living in a fantasy world? A magical world where Gray had become the bright star leading her way. A man who felt so much like home that she could forget she didn’t have one. For the first time in her life she didn’t have a clue what the hell she was going to do.

She went to the window and hugged herself tightly, wishing it were Gray’s arms wrapped around her. Outside the stars twinkled and the snow was melting. This night should have been different. If the call hadn’t come, they would have been making love, she would have been opening herself to him completely.

Why had she pulled away?

Really, she had no clue. It was natural to fear the emotions fluttering through her. After all, she’d only been broken up with Duncan for forty-eight hours. Forty-eight hours? How was that possible when she felt like she’d known Gray for years? She wasn’t sure who she could trust, but she felt like she could trust him. He would protect her, never deceive her. In such a short time frame she’d found someone who offered her affection, gentleness, and kindness, and she’d been with Duncan so long and he’d never offered her these things.

She looked toward the door. What if she went to him, told him that she’d turned away because she was scared. Would he deny her? Or would he welcome her?

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