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I stand there for a minute, pretending like I’m thinking it over, when I already know that I’m going. Even though I shouldn’t.
“Fine, but I get to order an appetizer… For myself. And an entree and dessert, again for myself.” It’s not much, but it makes me feel like I at least have a choice in this decision.
“Anything else, angel?” he queries in a smug tone.
“Yeah, you can wipe that smirk off your face. It’s not like you gave me much of a choice in the matter,” I quip back at him, my voice laced with sarcasm.
His eyes soften as the smile fades from his face. “Do you really not want to go?”
My heart actually feels like it’s being pulled out of my chest at how sad he looks. He really thinks I’m mad at him.
Moving closer, I reach out and put my hand around his bicep. “Greyson, of course I want to go. This is just all so new and it’s a lot, given our history. I’m just nervous. It’s also a little risky leaving the library.” I give him a genuine smile, and watch as the happiness seems to return to his eyes.
“Alright, let’s go. I’ve got the perfect spot for us.” Greyson extends his hand, ushering me back to the front of the library. I can tell he’s itching to touch me, but he’s keeping his distance, trying to be respectful.
We approach the front desk. “Ms. Mabel, I’m going to go grab lunch with... What did you call him? Oh right—I’m going to lunch with the steamy fox.” Heat rises to my cheeks as I joke. I can’t let her think she was right, that he means something more to me than I’m willing to admit to myself.
“If you don’t want to go with him, I’m sure Greyson wouldn’t mind taking this old lady out for lunch. Isn’t that right, honey?” Her eyes look Greyson up and down.
Just as he’s about to reply, I interrupt. “Not a chance! I think you’d try to do a little more than just look at the menu.”
She just gives me a grin, making me realize I fell right into her trap. She wanted me to show that I have feelings for him, and naturally, I got possessive the moment someone else tried to step in, even if it was only little Ms. Mabel herself.
Just as I reach the large glass door, I realize this is the first time I’m actually going somewhere without Lya or the guys, and the first place I’m going that isn't home or the library. I almost forgot that I need to cover my bases. Before we walk out, I spin on my heel, looking back at the sassy gray-haired woman who I’ve grown to love.
“Ms. Mabel, if by chance anyone comes here looking for me, could you cover? Maybe tell them you sent me on an errand or something like that? I’ll explain later, I promise.”
A twinge of unease consumes me in asking her to lie. I know I’m keeping this huge secret from Lya, but she’d be very against Greyson and I having any sort of relationship. Though I can’t necessarily blame her. That’s what makes this so hard—my past with this man colliding with hers, while I’m also trying to make a future with him. Even thinking that confuses me. She doesn’t know what we went through together, but I also don’t fully know what she went through either.
Hell, I barely understand what we’re doing, so I can’t imagine anyone else will get it either.
Ms. Mabel just nods her head, grinning, and waves us off. My heart is beating out of my chest right now. I know Greyson and I have been having conversations here at the library, but I could always walk away, using work as an excuse when things get too serious. I can’t just do that at lunch.
What if things are different there? What if he just has this fantasy of me, of what he thinks he knows, but I’m not what he’s expecting?
“Thinking hard over there?” Greyson asks, with a smirk on his face. We make our way outside, and he ushers me to his car.
“Uh no, I’m just thinking about how good my egg salad would’ve been. We’re not walking?” I try to change the subject so he doesn’t notice how panicked I am right now. Getting into a car with him is a whole different beast.
“Sure, we can walk. It’s only three miles down the road.” His voice drips with sarcasm, but his eyes are swirling with happiness. This is the most natural and confident he’s been since he started stalking me at the library.
God, that smile stops my heart. I’m momentarily suspended in time with no worries, no drama, and none of the lingering history stopping us from just beingus.
Well okay, I guess we aren’t walking.
“Where are we going?” I’m hesitant to get in the car with him. I don’t think he will hurt me, but I’m still suspicious of him. I can’t let my guard down; I can’t be trapped. After the last nine years, I’m naturally skeptical of anyone, because you never know when they can turn on you.
“It’s a surprise, angel. Just get in the car.” He’s standing behind me while I stare blankly at the car.
I spin on my heels to face him. He’s looking at me with admiration, but I see that nervousness creeping back up.
“I’m not sure. We could just go somewhere close.” My voice is shaking, making it obvious I’m hesitant.
“Do you trust me, angel?”
That’s a loaded question. Do I? Not really. But do I want to see where this is going? Of course.
He approaches, making me take a step back until I’m pressed against his Aston Martin. He keeps about six inches of space between us, but lifts his hand to caress my cheek. His thumb gently rubs back and forth, making me lean into his rough palm.
