Page 46 of Losing Forever
“To your face maybe,” I say. “I'm sure they all think it.”
“Oh. They do. I'm sure of it. Guysandgirls. I have universal appeal.” He winks and kisses my lips, dipping me so far back I squeal.
I clutch his shoulders. “Don’t let go.”
“Never.” He hoists me upright but keeps me locked in his arms.
We stay like that for a moment, our eyes on each other as the trees sway around us, rustling with a salty breeze.
I lower my heels onto the sand, and the distance between our heights shows. My five seven to his six-plus leaves a good-sized gap. I rest my hands at the crook of his bent arms. “Is it time to go back now?”
Do I want to?
He plays with a strand of my dark hair, his gaze locked on it. “Probably.”
“Is Noah coming home tonight?”
He blinks, and his eyes narrow. “I don’t know. Their lunch date was over here on the beach. Siani was getting a ride, but I don’t know what their plans are for later.”
“Oh.” I frown. “So he could be coming back to the house?”
If so, this date, if that's what it is, can’t go on.
He tucks the strand behind my ear, his violet blues holding mine. “Yes.”
His knowing tone makes me think he's answering the question I asked as well as agreeing with the thought that was in my head. Could he be thinking the same?
“Can you find out?”
He nods, his expression hopeful. “I left my phone on the boat, but I’ll text him when we get back.”
“Good.”
I can't believe how flirty I'm being and how much I like it. Again, I'm reminded of how I used to act, and how the way I'm behaving now is a blended version of that person. Perhaps, I should label the times like they label years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. BA equals Before Accident. AA equals After Accident. I could simplify it. BB, meaning Braylee Before, and BA for Braylee After.
I smirk.
“What are you thinking?” Grayson asks in a suggestive tone.
“Not what you're thinking.” I playfully smack his shoulder.
“I love seeing you smile. You’ve been doing it all afternoon with me.” He catches my wrist and kisses the inside. “I think I help you.”
“Help me?” I snort. “How?”
He puts on a serious face, but the corners of his mouth pinch like it's a struggle. He covers his hand over mine. “I'm going to pretend your reaction didn't hurt, and inform you that people would pay big money to have me influence their lives, but my help for you will be free on account of how cute you are.”
“Cute?” That's a first.
“Stunning.”
My heart flutters. I fight a huge grin and lose.
He points to my mouth. “See? That right there is how I help you.”
“You think you make me happy?” I tease.
“I think I make you a lot of things.” His voice is a husky rumble. “But, yes, happy is one of them.”
