Annabelle sent him a worried look. “What’s the matter?”
“Look up.”
She tilted her chin upward. “I don’t see anything but darkness.”
“And...”
“And a star.” She smiled. “Are you making a wish upon that star?”
“Perhaps.”
Well, he wasn’t going to be the only one to make a wish. She closed her eyes and Grayson’s image filled her mind. There was something about him that she couldn’t resist. She wished...she wished...
And then his lips pressed to hers. Oh, yes, that’s what she wished.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE FAIRY TALE WAS winding to a close.
The ball was over, but Annabelle was not ready to lose all of her glittery goodness and turn back into a pumpkin. With Grayson by her side, the magic would continue long after the last song finished and the twinkle lights dimmed.
“What are you smiling about?” Grayson’s voice broke into her thoughts as they paused outside her bedroom.
“Nothing.” Annabelle continued to smile as she had all evening. She couldn’t help it. She couldn’t remember the last time she was this happy. And she didn’t have any intention of letting this evening end.
Grayson’s mouth lifted ever so slightly at the corners. “Oh, you have something on your mind.”
“How do you know? Do you read minds now?”
“No. But your eyes give you away.”
He was right. She did have something on her mind. And as delicious as the thought was, she wasn’t sure she should follow her desires. But then again, what was holding her back now?
The deal for the South Shore had been signed. If she didn’t act now, it’d be too late. Grayson would be leaving for California and she’d be left with nothing but regrets.
Her heart pounded in her chest. Tonight the moonlight and the sweet bubbly had cast a spell over her. She was falling for Grayson in a great big way.
But if she were honest with herself, this thing—these feelings—had started when he’d played her hero and saved her mother’s journal from the would-be thief. There had been something special about Grayson from the very start.
And now she was ready to take the next step—one that she didn’t take lightly. She’d never outright asked a man to spend the night. She wasn’t even sure what to say. But tonight she was feeling a little bit naughty, uncharacteristically bold, and a whole lot reckless.
She opened the door.
“Well, I’ll see you in the morning.” Grayson turned to walk away.
Oh, no. She wasn’t letting him get away. She needed to do something quick, but what? “Grayson, wait.”
He turned back. “What is it?”
“I need your help.” Without any further explanation, she took his hand to lead him into the bedroom.
But he didn’t move. “Annabelle, I don’t think this is a good idea.”
She turned to him, not about to let logic rain on their magical night. “Why Grayson, what do you think I’m going to do?” Her voice lowered to a sultry level. “Take advantage of you?”
He didn’t say anything at first. “The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Tsk. Tsk.” She gave his hand another pull. “Come on. I promise to keep my hands to myself...unless you’d rather I didn’t. And besides, you did agree to stay with me until we solve the mystery of the note.”