Page 81 of Break My Fall

She shuddered. “I should hope not.”

This time, he leaned until his forehead rested against hers. “I’m sorry, Meredith. I was a fool. Please consider giving me a chance.”

She was quiet for so long, he feared her answer.

“If you hurt me again, I’m not sure I would have enough mercy in me for us to stay friends. I’m not sure Gossamer Falls would be big enough for both of us. You could lose everything, Gray. Everything. I’m not trying to be entitled or overdramatic, but have you thought it through? My family will choose me. And if you hurt me again, my father will do his best to have you run out of town.” Her smile this time was sad. “I know this because he’s alreadyvolunteered to do it. Also, you should know, Mo wanted to kill you or give your computer viruses.”

Gray pressed a hand to her cheek. “What did you tell them?”

“I said to hold off.” She leaned into his hand. “But seriously, Gray. You need to be sure. Because if you aren’t, you could lose everything.”

“You don’t trust me.” He could see it in her eyes. A wariness that spoke of pain and hurt. All of which was his fault.

“I ... I want to. But I’m afraid to take the risk. And really, you should be too.”

“As crazy as this is going to sound, I’m not afraid at all. And you won’t let anyone kill me.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I wouldn’t. But I would probably let them run you out of town.”

“Sweetheart, if I ever hurt you again, I’ll run myself out of town.”

TWENTY-TWO

Meredith tried to form coherent thoughts.

Failed.

Tried again.

And again.

Finally, she managed to say, “Gray?”

“Yes?”

“What happens now?”

He grazed her forehead with the lightest of kisses. “Right now? I’m afraid you have to go back to work.”

The intercom buzzed on his desk. He stood and answered it. “Yes, Glenda?”

“I’m so sorry to bother you, sir, but Lucy is here. She’s, um, well, a little concerned. She said Dr. Quinn has a patient in three minutes, and she tried to call but—”

Was it already time to be back in the office? Had her phone buzzed and she’d missed it?

Gray had his professional voice going when he said, “Tell her she can return to the office. Dr. Quinn will be a few minutes late, but she’ll be there shortly. Thank you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Meredith was pretty sure she should say something at this point, but she was still having trouble getting her brain in gear.

Gray stood in front of her chair, took both of her hands in his, and pulled her to standing. He didn’t move, and the motion brought her body flush against his. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“Could I make dinner for you tonight? My place. Seven p.m.?”

She nodded.

---