Page 13 of Snowed In With the Grump
The storm had died down overnight. The plows would come through soon. She’d leave, go back to her real life, and I’d go back to mine.
Better to end it now. Before...
Before what?
Before I fell for her?
Too late,a traitorous voice whispered in my head.
"Morning."
I turned. She was standing in the doorway wearing my shirt again, hair adorably mussed from sleep...and from my hands. The sight of her hit me like a punch to the gut.
"Roads should be clear soon," I said, turning away.
Silence stretched between us.
"That’s... that’s what you’re going with? Really?"
"It’s the truth," I said, eyes on the coffee pot.
"Look at me,” she said.
"Coffee’s ready."
"Griffin." Her voice cracked slightly. "Please look at me."
I did, immediately wishing I hadn’t.
She looked hurt, confused, and still so goddamn beautiful it ached.
"Last night..." she started.
"Was a mistake," I said, each word heavier than it should have been. They tasted like ash on my tongue.
She flinched like I’d slapped her. "A mistake?”
"You were cold. Lonely. I was... convenient."
"Convenient?" She laughed, but it was a sharp, bitter sound. "Is that what you think? That I just needed someone to warm the bed?"
I shrugged, forcing my face to stay neutral. "Storm’s over. You can leave whenever you’re ready."
She stared at me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Right. Message received. Loud and clear."
She turned to go, then stopped.
"Just one thing... you’re a coward, Griffin. And a fucking liar."
"Excuse me?"
"You’re lying. To me. To yourself." She met my eyes, hers bright with unshed tears. "Last night wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t convenience. And youknowit."
"Lucy..."
"No." She held up a hand. "Save it. I’ll get dressed and be out of your hair in ten minutes. You can go back to your perfectly ordered, perfectly lonely life."
She walked away, bare feet silent on the wooden floor.
