Joe reached for my hand and shook it. “Damn, Hayes. You have no idea how much you’re helping us out. We really could use the extra help, and with your background, dude, you just saved us. I’m gonna kiss you now!”
I pulled back and held up my hand. “Uh…let’s not!”
Joe and Callie both laughed.
“Listen, give me all the details later, and count me in. I’m gonna head inside. It’s getting colder out, and it’s starting to rain.”
Joe shook my hand one more time, and we said our good-byes.
I made my way inside, but then I stopped and looked around. For some reason, I had the strangest feeling that someone was watching me. I shook it off and decided I would lay off the beer for a while.
“Alex! Jesus H. Christ! Slow down!” Grace called from behind me.
My heart was pounding, and I was fighting like hell to keep my tears at bay. I was so stupid for coming here. I should have known he had moved on. He hadn’t answered any of my calls or text messages. He was done with me.
It was starting to drizzle, and I began walking faster. That was when I heard Grace let out a small scream. I turned to see her on the ground, and a guy was practically on top of her.
“Oh my goodness! Grace, are you all right?” I asked.
I ran over to help her up, but the guy was already helping her.
“Are you okay? I didn’t see you. I’m so very sorry. Are you hurt?” the guy asked.
I looked at Grace and smiled. She was awestruck. I peeked over at the guy, and I could see why. He was handsome, tall, and he had dark brown hair and caramel-colored eyes.
“Grace? Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I swear I didn’t see you,” he said.
Grace’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know my name?”
He attempted not to smile. He turned to me, pointed, and looked back at Grace. “Well, your…friend?”
I nodded and smiled.
“Your friend here said Grace, so I just assumed it was your name.”
Grace quickly responded, “Yep, it is, and yes, I’m totally fine. It was my fault. I was rushing, and I didn’t see you coming out of the door.”
“So, it’s kind of both our faults then really.”
Grace giggled.
Oh. My. God. Grace giggled.
“I guess so. Uh…well, we have to…we need to get going,” she stammered.
He looked at me, and I reached my hand out.
“Alex Mathews. Thanks for knocking her down and helping her up.”
Grace glared at me.
Oh hell…I just made myself sound stupid.
“Hi, Alex. Noah Ewing.”
He turned and stuck his hand out toward Grace.
“Grace Johnson. Again, I’m really sorry,” she said.