Pulling the door open, I can’t help but smile when I see Grayson standing there. He’s wearing a pair of dark jeans that look as though they were made just for him and a black fitted T-shirt. “Hi,” I say lamely.

“Laken,” he breathes. He steps toward me and presses his lips to my cheek. “You’re beautiful.” His words, along with his hot breath, fan across my cheek, causing a shiver to race down my spine.

“Thank you. You look handsome.” His words and his reaction give me the courage I need to speak what’s on my mind. Lenora’s right. I need to be me. “I wasn’t sure where we were going, so I didn’t really know what to wear.”

“This—” His hand trails down my arm, leaving goose bumps in its wake until his hand is clasped with mine. “—is perfect. I thought we could drive over to Billings to that new steakhouse.”

“Sounds great.” I turn and pull the door closed, checking to make sure it’s locked.

“I’m not trying to hide this,” he says as he drops my hand only to place his on the small of my back as he leads me to his truck. “I’m sure Tate is going to hear about it regardless. I’ve just been craving steak. I also thought we might get a night of not feeling as though we’re in a fishbowl with all of Mason Creek watching us.”

“Billings is perfect,” I assure him. “And are you sure you want to do this? You know you’re right about Tate. She’s going to get wind of this, and the entire town is going to know.”

“Do you want to hide this?” He points his index finger at his chest, then back at me.

“No.”

“Then I’m sure.” He gives me a charming smile as he grabs for the door of his truck to open it for me.

“Thank you.” I reach in, grab the handle, and hoist myself inside. I’m quick to drop in the seat, hoping I didn’t just give him a show with this dress and his tall-ass truck.

“Buckle up,” he says before closing the door and jogging around to the driver’s side, and sliding behind the wheel.

“How was the rest of your day?” I ask.

“Good. I took the girls to Christine and Marty. They’re having a sleepover. They do the same with my parents one weekend a month. It’s become something the girls really look forward to.”

“I’m sure it’s nice to have a break. Please don’t take that the wrong way.” I rush to get the words out. “Those girls of yours are something special. I just mean it has to be hard on you keeping it all together on your own.” Damnit, I’m messing this up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—” I start but stop midsentence when Grayson reaches over the console and places his hand over mine.

“It’s nice to get a break. I love my daughters. They’re my life, but you’re right. Being a single parent is hard, and the break is very much appreciated.” He pauses. “It took me a while after losing Holly to realize I didn’t need to be with them all the time. That it was okay to get a break now and then. That doesn’t mean I love them any less.”

“Of course not. That’s not what I meant at all.”

“I know that.” He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I just mean, it took me some time to get that through my thick skull.”

“I’m happy to help anytime. You know, if you need a sitter or something. We can make brownies or cookies or something.”

He glances over, a small smile playing on his lips before darting his eyes right back to the road. “Thank you, Laken.”

The way he says my name, all deep and… sexual. Okay, so it’s not sexual, but it turns me on all the same, which has me shifting in my seat. I’d be happy to sit here next to him, just letting him say my name over and over again. Hell, he could read me his grocery list, and I’d be happy to sit and listen.

The remainder of the drive is small talk, but not awkward small talk. I settle back into my seat and enjoy the feel of his hand over mine as we talk about our favorite music, food, and an array of other topics as we get to know one another.

“Wow, this place is packed,” I say as we pull into the parking lot of the steakhouse.

“Do you want to go somewhere else?”

“No. I mean, if you do, that’s fine.”

“Let’s see how long the wait is. Stay put.” He points at me before pulling the keys from the ignition and climbing out of the truck. My gaze follows him as he walks to my door, tugging it open. He offers me his hand, and I take it willingly.

Tags: Kaylee Ryan Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net