Page 33 of Sparrow

WHAT STARTED ASa simple drop-off in front of their absolutely stunning home in the Historic District ended in a promise that I will come back this evening and make dinner with them.

I offered to go to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for two reasons. One, so Gray could tend to Cadence’s hands. Two, so I could refocus my thoughts and allow myself room to breathe.

The text this morning from Jaxon caught me off guard and made me feel foolish for relaxing for even a moment. He has this way of trampling everything good that comes my way. Maybe he gets off on it. Hell, I know he does. Fucking psychotic asshole.

Entering the produce section, I can’t help but feel watched. I’m looking over my shoulder and moving much faster than normal, even though I know no one is there. My mind is playing tricks on me. It has to be.

I take a deep breath and focus. Live, Mills. Live happily and freely. Don’t live in fear. That means he wins.

I repeat this mantra over and over in my head until my heart rate settles and my skin no longer tingles in fear. I will not let him win. This is my time. I’m taking back my life.

After successfully talking myself out of a panic attack, I pay for my haul, head on out to the car, and load the bags in the back. I slip behind the driver’s seat and take a deep, cleansing breath.

When I open my eyes, a realization sinks into my gut. There is only one place I want to be right now. Only one place my body is craving—in the arms of Grayson Aldrich.

***

“That. Smells. Amazing,” Grayson moans from the doorway of the kitchen.

“Garlic always does. It’s a fact.” I smile over my shoulder. “This kitchen is incredible, Gray.”

“Did you have everything you needed in the way of kitchen tools?” He comes closer, leaning against the counter.

“I did. I was impressed you had certain things, actually.”

“So you assumed I was incompetent in the kitchen? I’m offended.” He feigns shock.

“Look, the last time I saw you in a kitchen was in Home Ec in high school, and we both know how that turned out, okay?” I match his stance and mock shock.

“You swore never to mention those brownies again.”

“They were terrible. The worst I’ve ever had, and you know it.”

“I guess I’ll have to show you how my skills have improved one day, won’t I?” He steps closer until we are just a few inches apart, and I have to look up at him.

Since our ‘almost kiss’ at the park earlier today, I’ve felt the tingle in my lips. They have a mind of their own; a one-track mind at that, and all they want is Gray’s lips on them.

“Brownie bake-off? The best brownies win?” I, too, step closer, dropping my hands to my sides so that my chest can touch his.

“What’s the grand prize?” He slides his hand to gently cup the side of my neck.

I inhale deeply, that simple touch sending fireworks coursing through my veins. “Winner’s choice.” I place my hand on his hip, gripping his T-shirt, grounding myself in the moment.

My heart is seizing, threatening to pump right out of my chest. I lick my lips and my eyes drop to his mouth.

“Mills, if I kiss you right now, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.” Our mouths are dangerously close. His fingers are curled around the back of my neck and his thumb is brushing along my jawline.

“Who says you have to?”

“Fuck me,” he growls, as he closes the distance and finally gives me the kiss I’ve been craving for fourteen years.

It’s soft but vibrating with energy. It’s so intense; it pulls a whimper from my mouth, which makes him smile against my lips. I want to climb up his body, wrap myself around him, and never let this feeling go. It’s freedom. It’s lightness in the dark. It’s butterflies in my stomach. The butterflies I’ve wanted back for so long.

Without warning, he pulls away quickly and steps back three paces. “Shit.”

“What? What’s the matter?” I place my hand to my chest, over my racing heart.

He nods toward the doorway just as Cadence appears. Oh, his Dad Spidey senses must have been tingling.

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