Page 8 of Grumpy Darling

“This isn’t a joke?”

“Do I look like I’m laughing?” He was really struggling to come to terms with this. If he genuinely didn’t want me here, maybe I would have to follow through with my threat and go stay with Bonnie.

“Your mom must have called every other parent in town.”

“Yes, you were most likely a last resort,” I agreed. “But let’s be real, my parents don’t really care where I stay as long as it doesn’t affect their work.”

Gray’s eyes filled with sympathy and I immediately regretted my words. I was supposed to be mad at him, not seeking his pity, so I quickly added, “But, like I said, I’m still considering my options. I’m sure Bonnie’s parents will have me...”

I started for the door but didn’t make it very far. In an instant, Gray had leaped from his spot on the bed and grabbed hold of my hand. Apparently, he wasn’t so sleepy after all.

“No, wait.” His voice was a little more frantic than I expected. As he spoke, he glanced down at where he held my hand in his. As though shocked by his own decision to reach out to me, he quickly but gently pulled his hand away, lightly brushing my fingers as he did.

“Uh, I mean, you can’t go.”

“Why not?” I demanded.

“Your mom wanted you to stay here. We should really honor her wishes. I know you’re angry with me, but let’s not make any hasty decisions just because of a little misunderstanding over some muffins.”

“Uh, since when do you care about honoring my mom’s wishes? It was hardly a little misunderstanding, and you can’t just hold me hostage.”

Gray’s serious expression relaxed a little and a sparkle returned to his eye. He calmly leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, the urgency he’d shown just a few moments ago now gone.

“Sure, I can. You’re so little, it would be pretty easy.”

I huffed. “I’m not that little.”

“You are. But I think we both know I won’t have to hold you hostage. You need sleep.”

“What?”

“You need sleep like I need food, and you’re not going to get a wink at Bonnie’s house with the baby crying all night.”

“I could wear earplugs . . .”

“Perhaps. But does Bonnie have a secret stash of candy in her room that she lets you raid whenever you visit?”

“Well, no . . .”

He must have sensed he was winning the argument, because his eyes were gleaming with victory. “Then it’s settled. I’ll go get your bags.” Gray set off down the hallway without waiting for my response. He looked so smug, I honestly wouldn’t have been surprised if he started humming.

Sometimes being best friends with Grayson was like befriending a brick wall. Strong, reliable, and perfect, if you needed something sturdy to lean on. But also, totally immovable and completely stubborn.

I followed him down to my car, but by the time I’d reached the driveway, he was already making his way back toward the house, his arms laden with my bags. Despite my best efforts, I’d struggled to pack light, so they were somewhat bursting at the seams.

“What did you pack in these?”

“Things . . .”

“Things? Like what? Don’t tell me you packed your entire snow globe collection.”

“Of course I didn’t pack my snow globe collection.” That was just ridiculous. I had way too many and they were far too delicate to just shove into a bag. “And don’t make fun of me. Snow globes are totally cool.”

“Totally.” I had no idea how he kept such a straight face.

I knew perfectly well just how uncool my snow globes were, but I’d been collecting them with my mom for years. She used to get me a new one every time she went on a work trip, but it had been a long time since she’d remembered, or bothered, to bring one home. These days they were gathering dust on the shelves in my room. I knew it was silly to hold on to them, but I just liked how pretty they were.

Gray muttered something else about the weight of my bags, and I made a move to help him, but he quickly jerked them away.

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