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“It’s what’s expected,” he said, with a shrug.
I raised my brow and nodded, but I didn’t understand. “We come from different worlds, you and I.”
Grayson shuffled his foot over some loose gravel. “Your parents don’t have expectations on you?”
I shook my head and smiled tightly. Here comes the pity stare. “My parents are dead.”
His eyes shot up and blinked twice. “Fuck, Josie. I’m sorry.”
“No, no. It’s fine. It was a long time ago,” I said, desperately wanting to change the subject. “Hey, you wanna go for a swim? My hotel has the most amazing pool, and I’m going to miss out if I don’t take a dip tonight.”
His eyes were laced with sadness as he pondered me, but his mouth slowly curved into a smile. “Sounds like an excellent idea.”
We made our way back to my hotel. The fanciest place I’d ever stayed in my life, and it wasn’t even the flashiest hotel in Vegas. As we reached the massive pool that had been on my mind all day, my face fell.
“Oh no, it’s closed!” I cried, running my hands down my face. “I haven’t been swimming in years.”
Grayson frowned. “Years?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m a starving artist in New York. I’m not around fancy pools all that often.”
Grayson scanned the grounds until he spotted one of the night security guards, and turned back to me. “Go to your room and change into your swimsuit. I’ll meet you back here in five minutes.”
“What are you up to?” I asked, narrowing my gaze.
He smirked. “Have I disappointed you yet?”
With a quick shake of my head, I grinned and bolted for the elevator.
I returned to find him wearing hotel branded board shorts beside a pile of towels, with yet another bottle of champagne sitting in an ice bucket. Just as I went to grill him about who exactly he was, he bombed into the pool.
With a laugh, I followed his lead, jumping in after him. I waded lazily around the pool while Grayson swam laps. His parents must’ve spent a ton of money on swimming lessons, because his strokes were flawless. My expertise consisted of doggy paddle and floating.
Grayson shook the water from his hair as he found his feet. “So, have you had a good night?” His eyes sparkled under the moonlight, and I found myself edging closer to glimpse his eye colour. They had been changing all night.
“I’ve had an amazing night. Thanks to you.” I grinned back at him. “Your fiancé is one lucky lady.”
The reminder seemed to cut the tension and Grayson fell into the water, propelling himself backwards. “So, do you think you’ll say yes when your boyfriend finally pops the question?” he asked, floating like a starfish.
“I don’t know,” I groaned. “He’s a really good guy…”
His head popped up. “But…?”
“I…I feel like I’m settling.”
Grayson remained silent and waded towards me.
“How did you know your fiancé was the one?” I asked, meeting his eyes. Wanting to see truth in them.
He lowered his gaze and ran his hands over the water between us. “I never really had a choice.”
My eyes were drawn to the shimmering ripples. “And if you did?”
Our gazes lifted together and my heart fluttered. I’m in trouble here.
Grayson’s now green eyes burned into mine as he stepped closer. The beads of water rolling down his hard chest mesmerised me and my body temperature rose.
“How’s about we…err…crack open that champagne,” I stammered, stepping backwards, ignoring the ache below. We were in very dangerous territory.
