Yet, as I dive into prep and start constructing my responses, I can’t help but feel like this is a giant, obligatory chore.
Like…like maybe this isn’t a big, exciting step toward mysuccess.
It’s just because of the twenty-four hours you’ve had, I tell myself.
Yeah.
That must be it.
27
GRAYSON
“Areyousurethis isn’t a pity invite?”
I grunt.Pity invite.That’s a new one.
It’s genuinely impressive how many different ways Eliza can ask the same question:Are you sure I’m welcome at your brother’s?
We’re at six—no, seven—iterations now.
“I’m as sure as I was twenty minutes ago when we got in this truck. Which is as sure as I was right before we left the farm. Which is as sure as I was?—"
“Okay. I get it.” Her fingers play nervously in her lap as she watches Anson’s street roll by.
Though street’s an inadequate term. The private single-lane road is framed by lush, green trees that link together up top, like this antique bureau mirror Mom used to have. No matter how many times I’ve driven it, it’s still stunning.
There’s a little intake of breath, then, “It’s just, he wouldn’t be inviting me if I wasn’t squatting in your house.”
With her nerves, it’s like I’m taking her to visit royalty.
Yeah, Anson’s made a name for himself, and he’s incharge of her employment. But he’s also the kid I’d noogie in middle school when my growth spurt came before his.
And he sure as hell wouldn’t have specifically invited Eliza along if he didn’t want her there.
“If you were squatting, I would’ve kicked you out by now.”
She snorts. “You could’ve tried.”
I plant her with a dry look. “You realize that stubbornness doesn’t trump physical strength, right?”
She’s decently tall, and more than a little toned, but I could toss her over my shoulder, walk to the salt pond, and dump her there without batting an eye.
Or go for a much shorter walk to the bed. Set her down and show her just how fucking much I want her to keep on staying at my place.
“You’ve come home the past two days walking like a seventy-year-old and creaking when you sit down,” she points out. “Pretty sure my stubbornness would win.”
“You want to test that theory?” The challenge runs out of my mouth before I can drag it back.
Who the fuck am I kidding? All my restraint is gone.
She’s fuckinglivingwith me.
All that distance I tried so hard to shove between us was obliterated the moment she called me for help with that boat.
Eliza puts the ball right back in my court. “Doyouwant to?”
Fuck yes.
