Page 129 of On the Breakaway

“What are you doing?”

“He has to listen to this all day long for months, Grayson. Months.”

“He’s not real.” Then, before I can think better of it, “Instead of groping the fake swan for having to listen to this, maybe you should start groping the very real man who is being forced to endure it.”

Her cheeks flush. “You’re the one who made me come on this damn boat.”

I can’t resist teasing her. “I didn’t make you come, but I could if you’re discreet.”

Her eyes widen, darting side to side to make sure no one’s listening. I’m only joking, but the way she pulls her bottom lip into her mouth makes me wish I weren’t.

A little boy stands up and loudly tells the arguing couple, “My mommy said she wishes you two would shut up.”

My head whips to look at Avery, but her head flies to her hands, shoulders shaking. She peeks up at me, and then we’re both laughing uncontrollably. Every time we almost regain our composure, we look at each other and start back up again.

By the time the boat pulls back up to the shore, I’m already thinking about a second date.

“You were right, the swan boat was fun.” Avery stretches her arms over her head.

“I’m sorry, can you say that again?”

She glares at me. “Nope, I don’t want to risk throwing up.”

“Shit. Can’t have that. Quick, say something mean to me.”

She makes a face, and I can tell she’s genuinely trying to come up with something. I smirk when she stutters, her eyes full of panic.

“Shut up,” she finally says.

“Avery Holt has nothing bad to say about Grayson Shaw. I’ll never forget this day.”

She laughs, and I realize I could easily get addicted to being the one to pull that sound out of her.

Avery’s worried we’re incompatible because we want different things. And I’ve been wondering the same thing.

Every relationship I’ve ever had has been built around practicality. Schedules. Whether our lives fit together easily. If they didn’t, I moved on. I always thought eventually the right person would check the right boxes and I’d have the life and love I’ve always wanted.

But with Avery, everything feels different. When I’m with her, I don’t care if our schedules make things difficult. I don’t care if she’s being difficult. I’m not thinking ten years ahead or trying to figure out how this lines up with the life I’ve planned for myself.

I’m just thinking about another hour.

Another laugh.

Another glance.

And it might only be one date, but I might be willing to do whatever it takes to make sure I get another one.

26

Avery

I’m a bitch.

A judgmental bitch who has spent months assuming the worst of the man sitting next to me.

I assumed he was polished because he wanted people to see him that way. That he was thoughtful because he wanted something in return. That it was all some big game.

And now, sitting on a blanket eating sandwiches cut into neat little triangles that he’d spent the day making, I’m forced to accept what I’ve been suspecting for a while now: absolutely none of it is an act.