Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 100750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
She looked down at him and smiled.
“Don’t mention it.”
He would. Repeatedly. It was the only way he could show or tell her how much he appreciated her.
Before twisting the cap off and chugging the water down, he caught her gaze for a moment longer than he should. Her eyes were a warm brown, two shades lighter than his. If he wasn’t careful, he’d find himself staring into them. Staring could easily lead to leaning, which could lead to kissing.
Nope.
There wasn’t anything he didn’t like or even love about Sully. She was compassionate, patient, and fiercely loyal to her friends and family. Even after he’d tried to distance himself from her, she’d remained a steadfast presence in his life.
He absolutely despised any man she talked to, hence the dude he’d elbowed before the half, and he felt murderous rage whenever she went on a date. None of them were ever good enough for her, in his opinion, and his opinion was the only one that mattered. She took his word, valued his opinion, and shared her deepest, darkest secrets with him, despite him hating her stories about the men she dated. At her request, he’d done the same—most of it lies so she wouldn’t think something was up. Sure, he’d gone on some dates, but those were setups by his best friend, Pearce Carey, who was also his coworker and the male counterpart to Reid in Grayson’s life, and who also had no idea how he felt about her.
“What’s his name?” Grayson nodded toward the other team’s bench, but not specifically at the guy who’d taken one to the groin after Grayson had slammed the ball down.
“Dunno,” Sully said as she handed Grayson a peeled orange.
“I saw you talking to him.”
“No,” she said with a sigh. “You saw him talking to me. I listened while he went on about how he has a boat and could see me on it.”
“Was that his pickup line?”
Sully shrugged. “Seemed to be.”
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t fall for the cheese,” he said.
“Why’s that?” Her eyebrows rose in a challenge to him.
He had to think fast. He couldn’t very well come clean that he was jealous. “He pinched me.” To prove his point, Grayson lifted his shirt. Reid looked and shook her head.
“I don’t see anything.”
“Are you defending him?” Grayson acted hurt, but he knew she would never take anyone’s side but his.
“Nope, just pointing out the obvious.”
“Thanks, Captain Sul—”
“Don’t say it.” If Reid hated the nickname he’d given her, she never said anything. Except when he called her Captain Sully, after the famed airline pilot who’d landed a plane on the Hudson. She hated that reference.
Pearce placed his bag on the bleachers and pulled at his tie. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Where have you been?” Reid asked.
“Lunch date with Emelia’s father.”
Grayson’s and Reid’s eyes widened. “Are you asking her to marry you?” Reid asked before Grayson could.
“Nah, and that’s the problem. Her father asked me to lunch to discuss the future. We’ve been together for a year, we don’t live together, and he wants to know what my plans are for his daughter.”
“What did you say?” Grayson asked.
“Not much. There wasn’t much to say. I stammered my way through some bullshit about how we’re happy, in love, and taking things one day at a time.”
“Do you think she asked her dad to say something?” Reid asked.
Pearce hung his head. “I don’t know. I don’t want to think she did, but come on. The invite was unexpected and more of a demand than a ‘Hey, let’s meet for lunch’ thing. And this was the first time he’s ever reached out to me. Sure, we’ve golfed, but Emelia set that up, and we were together.” He dropped his pants to the ground, apparently not caring who saw his boxers.
Grayson laughed as Reid rolled her eyes. He nudged her leg and winked at her, only for her to shake her head.
“Give me a slice,” she said as she pointed to his orange. He handed her two, knowing she’d ask for more.
“Anyway,” Pearce said as he sat down to tie his shoes. “Emelia has been calling and texting since I left the restaurant. I’m afraid to look or listen to what she has to say.”
Grayson started humming the wedding march, which caused Pearce to scowl.
“I’m not ready,” he said. “Not even thinking about moving in with her. How could she do this to me?” he groaned.
“Good luck,” Reid said. Grayson choked, and she patted him on the back.
“Rude,” Pearce replied to her.
The horn sounded, signaling that halftime was over. Grayson handed Reid the rest of his orange slices, finished his water, and then went back onto the court. He paused midway and placed his hand over his chest. The twinge was familiar but not something he’d felt for some time. He tried to place the memory; it had been well over ten years, if not longer.