Page 45 of The Innovator

We both knew there were things neither of us wanted to disclose yet. That was the silent understanding between us. It was also the thing that kept us apart. What if we didn’t like what we heard if the secret was revealed? It could be too much baggage, and who wanted that in their life? Life was complicated enough.

Perhaps in this moment, he shoved the clutter away to be with his family and friends. Like him, I pushed all my concerns aside for now.

“I whooped your ass.” Grayson rose from the couch and faced Royce, spreading his arms victoriously. “Bow to the king.”

Royce snorted. “I don’t want you anywhere near my ass. And neither does Michelle.”

Remi and Arrow laughed from their seats.

“You’re right. I hear Viking farts are deadly.” Grayson grinned, forcing the irresistible dimple to appear on his cheek. The muscles in my thighs tightened as though the dimple sent a laser beam heating my skin.

The girls and I shook our heads while exchanging glances. Conversations between men were definitely different from women.

“I let you win because it’s your birthday.” Royce placed the controller on the coffee table. “You’re welcome, you old fart.”

“We’re all the same age. Besides, thirty-three is the new twenty-three,” Grayson said.

“Didn’t know you watch Hollywood Gossip,” Arrow blurted. “They make people feel better about themselves by making things up.”

“If you must know, it’s the History Channel discussing the change in human behavior, social interaction, and the evolution of thebrain. Yours is obviously in need of an upgrade.”

The dynamics between these men intrigued me. They were billionaires, men of status who exuded power and respect, yet right now, they portrayed a playful version of themselves that others didn’t get to see.

Life required us to wear masks as we navigated its intricacies. Genuine friendship offered a safe space to be our true selves. I never had that before. My heart ached knowing that my experience here was only temporary.

Grayson walked over to the refrigerator, grabbed a bottle of water, opened it, and looked at me while he gulped it down. He wore dark jeans with a fitted gray button-up shirt where the sleeves were rolled up, cutting him a man of casual elegance with a subtle edge.

Even though we hadn’t chatted since he arrived, I sensed the pulsing energy between us—a quiet storm brewing from within.

We hadn’t interacted since he brought me home that day. I didn’t dare return to The Prism after my horrendous failed attempt to get inside. I’d learn from the police that those men were drug addicts who had been camping inside the building for a few weeks. I placed my tools back into the toolbox, vowing never to take them out again.

We both needed some space. I had to reevaluate my plan to get info on the property and my dad. The private investigator I hired still hadn’t delivered anything useful.

While Grayson stared at me, I felt the sparks he exuded. They flew around the room like the embers of a fire drifting wild and free, affecting everyone in their vicinity. Women couldn’t resist this about him. This wild spark was unrestricted freedom, allowing the heart to do as it pleased. I wanted that liberation.

Though I had a charmed life as the heir to a well-known fashion house, that responsibility shackled me. There were certain things I couldn’t do because it would affect the brand. Even my collections had to be a certain way to keep true to that brand—to keep it sellable. It was a business, and making money was of the utmost importance.

But in keeping true to the label—to my family—I wasn’t being true to myself. So I could see the allure of what Grayson used to offer—unregulated independence and unlimited indulgence. He still had this spark in him. It was cloaked with layers too messy to dig through. I wanted to undress him to find out what lay beneath.

Did he miss that life?

What would it feel like to experience that kind of freedom, even for a second?

Though my character hadn’t shifted as drastically as his, I’d become someone different here in Providence. If someone were watching me, would they notice the difference?

“Let’s take a break and enjoy Audri’s wonton soup.” Remi got up and went over to embrace her in an enormous hug.

We all took our seats at a round table. Grayson sat next to me, his elbow brushing mine, sending an electric shock running up my body. Once again, his thigh pressed into mine, but this time it wasn’t subtle. He wanted me to feel his presence.

“What’s going on with Three Point Park? Do you know who The Prism owner is yet?” Arrow asked.

My knee jerked, and I expected Grayson to toss the question at me, but he said, “Still looking into it.” His thigh didn’t move from mine.

“It’s been empty for a while,” Royce said. “You want to demolish it to rebuild? Or just renovate the interior?”

“Not sure yet.”

“What exactly are you envisioning for Three Point Park?” Kiera blew at her soup spoon. “The open space in front of those buildings could host a fabulous fashion show or smaller concert. I saw something similar in Milan a few years ago.”

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