Page 29 of Calling the Shots

“I don’t know. You just seem off is all.”

“Nah, I’m fine. Busy day today.”

If you count building one order of cabinets as busy.

The only thing busy today was my mind, dirty fantasies of Gracelyn playing in my head.

“I’m gonna go.” I stand and stretch, then gather up the bottles and take them into the kitchen. Chucking them into the recycling, I shuffle out to say goodbye.

Carter’s gazing at the screen, his lips moving as he watches the next play. I swear, that man is perpetually coaching football. Even when no one’s watching.

“Night, Carter. See you tomorrow.”

He shoots me a wave, but doesn’t move from the sofa. We’ve been friends long enough now to skip the formalities.

“See ya.”

I let myself out, the air much cooler than inside the house. A shiver rolls through me, but it’s not only from the change in air temperature.

No, every inch of me’s suddenly wide awake and fully alert.

All day long I tried to stop thinking of Gracelyn, but I can’t. I don’t know what it is about this girl, but I want to—need to—see her again.

I have one last stop I want to make tonight and I’m almost positive it’s gonna be the highlight of my day, assuming she’ll let me in.

CHAPTER10

MACK

“What are you doing here? And how’d you know I’d be home?” Gracelyn narrows her eyes at me, hand on hip.

She’s clearly suspicious of my little visit and I’m not sure how to play this. Chasing after women isn’t my typical M.O. I’m in uncharted territory here.

“I wasn’t sure. But thought I’d stop by on the way home and check on you. Make sure you locked your door.” I point at the doorknob, catching her eye.

“I did.” She casually leans against the doorframe, the sparkly purple polish on her toenails drawing my eyes down to her bare foot resting on her calf. She’s wearing only a sweatshirt, no shorts or leggings, and my fingers itch to reach out and touch her. Instead, I shove my hand in the pocket of my jeans.

I should go.

Yet my feet stay rooted to the spot. Hopeful.

“It’s unlocked now, though.” The tip of her tongue darts out as she gnaws at her bottom lip, and that tiny bit of hope surges through me.

“You gonna invite me in?” I tip my head, waiting and praying for a yes.

She drops her gaze, fiddling with the cuff of her sweatshirt. “I probably shouldn’t. It’s late and it’s a school night.”

Heavy disappointment slams me hard in the chest. “You’re right. You shouldn’t.”

Gracelyn steps aside, waving her arm at the empty living room. “Come in.”

The pressure lifts off my sternum, hope filling up my lungs. This woman is a mystery, that’s for sure.

I move inside and she closes the door behind me.

“So, what were you up to? How come you’re out and about on a weeknight?”

“I was at Coach Carter’s watching football. We have a fantasy football league going. Baltimore beat Pittsburgh, so I scored some points. Good thing, too, because Carter was beating me something fierce before tonight.”

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