Page 37 of If My Wishes Came True
“Bella,” I say with a crinkled brow, the wheels in my head turning. “As in, Bella Landry?”
“The one and only,” he says with a frown.
“I love her!” I exclaim. “She’s America’s sweetheart! I didn’t even know you two dated.”
What I do know is that Dex and Bella dated briefly, before he and I reconnected in LA. But of course I don’t mention that.
“It didn’t last long,” he admits, running a hand through his dark hair. “Want another piece of unsolicited advice? Never get a tattoo for someone who may not be in the picture forever.”
A wry laugh escapes me. “Too late.”
I stand on wobbly feet and pull the waistband of my skirt down to uncover the rose tattoo on my right hipbone.
I look from the tattoo, back up into Hunter’s ocean-blue eyes, and I can hear his voice clear as day in my head. “A rose for every month I’ve known and loved you.”
Grady reaches out to touch the ink on my skin, but I pull my waistband up before he can. “I’m weird about people touching it,” I say before I stumble backward onto the couch.
“How about I get you that water now?” he offers again.
This time, I accept. I don’t know how long he’s gone, but when he comes back, I realize I’d fallen asleep. I look up at Grady, and he’s changed out of his t-shirt and jeans, into sweats.
“Have I been sleeping awhile?” I ask, confused and groggy.
“Maybe an hour.”
“Oh my gosh, Grady. I’m such a mess. I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” he says. “It’s my fault, for not feeding you enough. Why don’t you stay here tonight? You can have my bed. It’s the most comfortable.”
I shake my head. “No, I couldn’t do that.” But when I stand up from the couch, I’m so lightheaded, Grady has to reach for my arm to steady me.
“Follow me. And drink this,” he adds, handing me a glass of water.
“You’re a good guy, Grady Brooks,” I tell him as he leads me to his bedroom.
I wake up the next morning with a raging headache.
God, I’m such an idiot.
I can’t believe I put myself in this position. I drank an entire bottle of wine and spent the night in Grady’s bed. I’msolucky he didn’t try to take advantage of the situation.
When I stand and look in the mirror, I see that I’m wearing one of Grady’s t-shirts, and it takes me a few seconds to remember why. He gave it to me so my own clothes wouldn’t get wrinkled.I find my skirt and tank top in his bathroom, where I changed last night, put them back on, then look for Grady. He’s in the kitchen, drinking a green smoothie.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, his forehead creased with concern.
My cheeks are flaming hot. “I have a headache, but I’m fine otherwise. Just embarrassed. I’m so sorry I got wasted and took your bed.”
“I’ve done far worse, Jenna,” he says. “Believe me. It’s no big deal. You want a smoothie?”
I shake my head. “Thanks, but I need to head home and get ready for a client meeting this afternoon.”
He nods, and walks me to the elevator. “I’m flying out to New York tomorrow, but I’ll call you so we can make a plan for the guest room.”
“Sounds good,” I say, turning to him. “And, thank you…for everything. For dinner, and for taking care of me last night. I really appreciate it.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” he says with a nod.
The elevator door opens, and I give him a hug. “Bye, Grady.”
