Page 66 of Dare to Hold

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And once that clicked, it was like creativity exploded out of me.

I worked until nearly one a.m., designing visuals that felt honest and full of grace. I wanted people to look at the graphics and feel the same thing I felt on the phone with him, seen, safe and invited.

I glance at the clock.

10:15 a.m.

Whoa. I haven’t slept in this late on a weekday since...well, ever. I jolt upright, panic flaring until I remember—I work for myself. No meetings. No deadlines. Just the lingering scent of inspiration and the ache of staying up past midnight chasing it.

I grab my phone on the way to the kitchen, still yawning, still very much in the sweatshirt and joggers I wore yesterday. My hair’s in a crooked bun that’s probably defying gravity.

That’s when I see the texts.

Gray

Good morning, girlfriend

Gray

Assuming you’re still asleep. I’ve got something for you. Let me know when you’re up and I’ll bring it over.

Gray

Still sleeping?

Gray

Trying not to overthink our convo from last night. Hope I didn’t scare you off.

Gray

Ivy…

Gray

Okay. I’m on my way over.

Wait. What?

A knock sounds at the door.

My silly smile at his rambling texts vanishes in an instant. I glance down at myself, total chaos gremlin mode. I shuffle to the door anyway, nerves sparking all over, and pull it open.

There he is.

Gray, in all his gloriously handsome, slightly-out-of-breath glory, holding something behind his back. His brows knit together the second he sees me.

“Hey, Ivy, I?—”

I don’t let him finish. I step forward and wrap my arms around him.

His body stills for a second, then melts into mine like he’s been waiting for this exact hug all morning. I bury my face in his chest, not even caring that I probably smell like sleep and bad breath.

When I pull back, I can’t help the awkward laugh that bubbles up.

“Okay, I need to warn you. This is yesterday’s sweatshirt, I haven’t brushed my teeth, and I look like I’ve been hit by a tornado.”

Gray opens his mouth, then closes it again. His gaze softens as he takes a step back, eyes trailing over me.

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