Perfect Embrace (Mason Creek)

Laken.

“I should probably go.”

“What? No. Don’t go.”

“Gray, I have to. I can’t stay. Not yet. It’s getting late, and I know you have to work tomorrow. You need your rest to stay safe.”

I want to argue with her, but she’s right. “I need to tell the girls.”

“You don’t have to. Take your time. This is still new.”

“Are you seeing anyone else?” I don’t know where the question comes from, but it’s out there, and there is no taking it back.

This time it’s Laken who places her hands on my cheeks and stares me in the eye. “There is no one but you, Grayson.”

“Let’s make this exclusive.”

“Is that what you really want?”

“Right now? What I want is to strip you down and tuck you into my bed.”

She smiles. “I’m not going anywhere. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. I’m okay with taking this slow.”

Panic bubbles up in my chest. “That’s just it. This isn’t hard for me. Not with you. I can’t explain it, baby, but you put me at ease, and after tonight, we know that the chemistry is there.”

“Chemistry is not an issue.” She shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Say you’re mine.”

“I’m yours.”

“Thank fuck.” I kiss her slow and deep. “I want to tell them. I don’t want to have to sneak around.”

“Let’s just see how things progress and take it from there.”

“That sounds like you’re not in this. I need to know that you’re in this if I’m telling my daughters about us.”

“Hey.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “I’m in this, Grayson. Just don’t rush it. I don’t want you to be caught up on the high of tonight and have regrets in the light of day.”

“Laken,” I whisper. “I could never regret you.”

“Let’s just see how it all plays out. Until then, I’m yours. I’m not seeing anyone else, and I don’t want to be. I want to make sure you have thought this through where the girls are concerned. We have time. This isn’t a race. Not to me. I’m in for the marathon.”

“Funny, you just made me feel as though I ran a marathon.”

She covers her mouth to mute her laugh. “Come on, walk me out.”

Quietly, I unlock my bedroom door and listen for the twins. Not a peep, so we tiptoe down the hall and to the front door. Laken gathers her purse and phone, and I walk her out to her car. As soon as we reach the driver’s side door, I spin her around, press her back against the car, and kiss her with all the need and passion coursing through my veins for her.

“That’s gonna make the paper,” she teases.

“Good. I want the entire damn town to know you’re mine.”

“Goodnight, Gray.”

“Night, baby.”

Chapter 17

Laken

“See you in the morning, Laken.” Jasmine waves over her shoulder as she walks out the door.

It’s Friday evening, and time to call it a day. I’m starving and ready to get off my feet. The store was busier than usual this afternoon. Partly because the high school teachers mailed out the summer reading lists to the students. Luckily for me, each teacher gave me a heads-up on the books they need, and I was able to order the books the kids would need and have them in stock.

Walking to the door to lock up, my phone rings. I smile when I see Grayson’s name on the screen. Memories of last night filter through my mind. “Hey, handsome.”

“Laken,” he breathes. It’s as if hearing my voice is a long-awaited gift he’s been holding out for. It’s like that every single time I talk to him. He doesn’t even know it, but those little breaths are stealing my heart one at a time.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I called to see what your plans were for dinner?”

“I’m not sure. I was thinking about going for a run, but I’m starving.”

“I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. Does that work for you?”

“I’ll be ready.”

“See you soon,” he says, ending the call.

I should have asked him where the girls were tonight. I know they’re spending the night with his parents tomorrow night. He’s already told me not to make plans. I shiver at the thought of what tomorrow night might bring.

Locking up the store, I rush upstairs and freshen up. My foot is hitting the last step when I get a text telling me he’s here. Pulling open the door, I freeze when the girls start talking at once.

“Hey.” I drop to my knees and give them a hug. “Now, what’s going on?” I ask with a smile on my face.

“We’re going to eat pizza!” Harlow cheers.

“Daddy said you’re coming too, Waken,” Hayden informs me.

“Surprise.” Grayson grins down at us.

“Well. I love pizza, and I’m starving. Are you ready to go?” I ask, standing.

“Yes!” they cheer, and each takes one of my hands as I lead us out the door.