by Melody Grace
“It’s not enough.”
Her tearful words still haunted him, and all the disappointment in her eyes.
He wasn’t enough.
Grayson took another gulp, but the beer buzz wasn’t working. Hell, he’d need a whole bottle of Glenfiddich to put a dent in his bruised, guilty heart; and even then, he knew it still wouldn’t do the trick.
What the hell was he doing? He’d spent his life refusing to ever need another woman, but clearly his heart hadn’t gotten the message, because look at him now: going through hell without her, craving one more kiss. He hated himself for hurting her, when all along, he’d only wanted to spare them both the pain. But how did he go about fixing this mess when deep down, being with Summer scared him just as much as being without her?
Jumping off that ledge—or walking away. Giving into the chaos of his own raw emotions, or playing it safe. Quiet. Alone.
Grayson would have laughed if it didn’t make him so crazy. There was no contest. Not even close. Only one of those options had him kissing her, touching her.
Loving her.
All his rules, his structure and routine, it didn’t mean a thing without Summer. He had gotten exactly what he wanted, a peaceful life of steady solitude, and he couldn’t have hated it more.
Irony was a bitch.
“Grayson?”
He almost choked on his beer. Was he hearing things now? Maybe he was drunker than he thought.
“Grayson?” Summer’s voice came again, and then she was right there in front of him, striding determinedly around from the back of the house. “There you are.”
She stopped short at the bottom of the steps, and took a breath. “Hi.”
“Hello.” Grayson rose out of his chair. God, she was beautiful. She was wearing the same dress as she had that day he’d found her rummaging around in the blackberry bushes: spaghetti straps brushing her bare shoulders, and cotton swirling around her thighs. But it was her face that had him mesmerized, the same as always. That smile—damn, that smile. It turned his whole world upside down, even now: dazzling enough to make him forget his stupid fears and all the past hurt.
Enough to make him believe that maybe he still had a chance to make things right.
“You said you wanted to talk,” Summer said, still looking determined. “So I’m here. To talk.”
“Alright.” Grayson slowly made his way to the steps, but before he could reach her, Summer held up a hand.
“No, wait. I’ve got something I need to say, and I can’t do it with you doing that.”
He paused. “Doing what?”
“Being there. Looking at me.”
Grayson stared at her, confused. “You want me to leave?” he asked slowly.
“No, I just . . .” Summer shook her head. “I’m sorry, I just can’t focus when you’re near me. I want you too much, and I need to say this right.”
“OK.” Grayson stayed where he was, even as his heart leapt and every instinct in his body was screaming to take her in his arms.
She wanted him.
“I meant what I said before,” she started. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes searched his, full of emotion. “I can’t do this if you keep shutting me out. If you feel like wanting me is wrong or weak, then this will never work. But . . . it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, Grayson.” She looked at him straight on, and he knew what it was costing her to even be there. To ask him for what she needed all over again, after the way he’d been pushing her away.
“If you think there’s a chance for us . . .” Summer continued. “If you care about me at all, then we can try this, together. I can meet you halfway.”
There was a loaded pause.
“Are you done?” Grayson asked, his voice coming out gruff with emotion.
She nodded, and he didn’t wait another moment. He closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms.
“Grayson—”
“No, it’s my turn now.” Grayson held her tightly. God, how did he think he could ever let her go? She fit him just right, all warm curves and determination, and it took his breath away just how close he’d come to losing it all. “You’re wrong. You don’t have to meet me halfway, and we’re not trying anything.”
Summer blinked, looking up at him.
“I’m yours,” Grayson said simply, baring his heart for the first time in a decade. But after all the confusion, it didn’t feel like a risk anymore. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to look into her eyes and tell her what he should have done, right from the start.
“I’m crazy about you,” he said, holding her tightly. “I’ve been falling in love with you since the first day I saw you with a whiskey in your hand and frosting on your shirt. And I know I’ve tested your trust and pushed you away, and I’m sorry. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you,” he vowed, “but I’m in. Wherever this goes, whatever you want from me. I’m all in.”
Summer pulled back, and for a terrible moment, he thought it was too late. The world froze, then he saw the expression on her face, and he could breathe again.
“What about your schedule?” Summer asked, only half-teasing. “I thought you had your life all figured out.”
“It was boring. Empty,” Grayson corrected her. “Just waiting for someone to come along and shake me out of it.”
“I shake pretty good.” A smile curled on the edge of her lips, and it slammed through him.
“Yes, you do.”
He couldn’t hold back any longer. Grayson dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers, claiming a hungry kiss that seemed to set his world to rights again. Not calm and ordered, but the same wild chaos he always felt with this woman.
But this time, Grayson didn’t fight it. He didn’t hold back, or try to keep control. He gave in to the passion and embraced it, every last breath. It was a risk, love always was, but he was willing to take it. He would do anything for her, anything she wanted.
Because this was forever.
Summer came up for air, feeling dizzy. “You’re sure?” she couldn’t stop herself asking. “I don’t want to rush you if you’re not ready—”
“Stop that.” Grayson cut her off with another kiss. “I told you. I couldn’t keep from loving you if I tried. And I did try,” he added with a rueful grin.
Summer felt choked up. This wasn’t a man to throw those words around lightly. Grayson didn’t say things to keep her happy or take the easy path. If he looked into her eyes and told her that she was the only one . . .
He meant it.
“I’m falling in love with you too,” she whispered, and the look of fierce joy in his eyes made everything worthwhile.
“Come with me.” Grayson suddenly grabbed her hand and took off into the house. Summer wasn’t about to complain. She’d missed his touch so much, she couldn’t wait to feel him against her again, but instead of dragging her to the bedroom, Grayson stopped in the kitchen. He went to the drawers by the sink and began clearing things out, dumping them in a pile on the counter until they were all emptied.
“What are you doing?” Summer asked, totally confused.
“Making room.” Grayson flashed her a smile. “These are yours now, to store all your baking stuff. If you want. And here . . .” He crossed to the living room, and swept everything off the coffee table in one wild gesture. “And here . . .”
He went around the room, shoving things aside and pushing them to the floor.
Summer gaped. “Grayson! Stop!”
He was making a mess of things: papers fluttering loose and paperweights landing with the thud. But still, he didn’t stop. “You said I wasn’t making space for you in my life, and you were right.” Grayson headed for the bedroom, and Summer followed, laughing now. He opened his dresser, and grabbed a handful of socks, pitching them onto the floor, then opened the closet, and yanked down an armful of shirts, leaving empty hangers behind.
“You’re making a mess,” she laughed, and Grayson grinned back.
> “I know. I don’t care!” He hurled another set of pants down, then caught her to him, tumbling them back onto the bed until they were laying in the heap of clothes, laughing together.
Grayson braced above her. “I mean it, Summer. Take all the room you need,” he said, searching her eyes. “Just be here, with me.”
She nodded, suddenly overwhelmed. This man who had built his fortress walls so high she thought she’d never see over them was unlocking the gates, inviting her into his heart.
She reached up and kissed him, a sweet, long kiss that tasted like forever.
This was just the beginning, and she couldn’t wait.
26
“A slice of the peach cake, three cherry hand pies and a lemonade, coming right up.” Summer rang up the latest sale, and sent another happy customer out to wait for her pastries in the sun. “Jessi—”
“Already on it, boss.” Jessi spun into action, heading back to the kitchen for fresh supplies. They were two weeks into business, and the bakery was running like a lean, mean, butter-lubricated machine. And better yet, the crowds just kept coming. Every day, Summer wondered if all the buzz was going to die down, but then she flipped the sign to Open and unlocked the doors, and found a fresh crop of tourists waiting to coo over the cute décor and snap a million photos of their cake to post online. She didn’t understand how people had the patience to wait and Instagram when there was a delicious pastry in front of them, but she had to admit, all that social media attention was great for business.
“Now who’s next?” Summer looked up to serve the next customer, and found Mackenzie and Poppy there, hungrily eyeing the sample tray. “Hey guys,” she said happily. “Want to try the butterscotch baklava? It’s new.”
“Umm, yes!” Poppy exclaimed.
“Don’t do this to me,” Mackenzie groaned, but she took a square and popped it in her mouth all the same. “Delicious, as always,” she declared. “Can you save some for book club tonight? I need to be wearing my loosest pants if I’m going to do them justice.”
Summer laughed. “Sure thing. But are you sure you want me there?” she checked. “I haven’t had any time to read.”
“Oh, that’s fine.” Mackenzie grinned. “You’ll see, the books are the least of the fun. Poppy’s promised to read us the dirty bits from her new novel, and Debra’s testing a new batch of her hooch.”
“I didn’t promise,” Poppy argued. “I said ‘maybe.’ If I can get through it without dying of embarrassment.”
“Aww, you’ve got nothing to worry about,” Mackenzie said. “Although, I’m seeing Cooper in a different light now after Chapter Six . . .”
Poppy hit her arm playfully. “It’s fictional!”
“Sure it is.” Mackenzie laughed. She turned back to Summer. “So are you in?”
“How could I pass that up?” Summer smile. “OK, I’ll be there. Seven o’clock, right?”
“Come by the gallery, and bring some of these,” Mac added. She snaffled another square.
“Leave some for the paying customers!” Poppy protested, and pulled her away. “See you later!”
Summer watched them go, pleased. She hadn’t been a Sweetbriar resident for long, but already she was feeling like a part of the community. Book club, evenings at Riley’s pub, and the parade of town events, too. A little sugar worked wonders when it came to earning invitations, and now Summer saw friendly faces wherever she went. It was just part of the rewards of her new life in town—along with seeing the look of wide-eyed anticipation every time someone approached her display case.
The day flew past, and it was already noon when Summer checked the time. “Are you OK holding the fort for a couple of hours?” she asked, stepping away from the register.
“Sure, I’ve got it covered. Hot date?” Jessi asked.
“More like a cool one.”
Summer grabbed her bag and a box of pastries, and set off, heading along the back path through the woods. It was a gorgeous summer day, with a cornflower-blue sky overhead—and nothing but birdsong and the distant sound of the waves. She was a long way from New York City, that was for sure. She was halfway along the trail when her phone rang.
“Hey, Mom,” Summer answered, as she strolled in the sun. “What’s going on?”
“Good news!” Eve announced, sounding elated. “The network loved the footage from our episode. They green-lit my next series!”
“That’s great!” Summer cheered. “I’m happy for you.”
“Even better, they want you to be a regular guest,” Eve continued. “And we’re already talking about a spin-off with the two of us, so we’ll get to do that joint cookbook we talked about.”
“You talked about,” Summer corrected her gently. “And I said I’d have to think about it.”
“Oh, I know, but can’t you see how great it would be—especially for the bakery,” she added meaningfully.
Summer chuckled. Eve was nothing if not transparent. “The bakery is doing just fine, thanks for asking. But a cookbook might be fun,” she admitted. “I’ve already been approached by a couple of places to do one on my own.”
There was a pause. Summer braced herself, expecting Eve to launch into the hard sell of why she needed to do this for her mother, and how the Bloom women together would be unstoppable, but instead, Eve cleared her throat.
“That’s wonderful, sweetheart. I’m proud of you.”
Summer almost tripped over a tree root.
“Just be sure to send me all the details before you sign anything,” Eve added. “It’s important you pay attention to the licensing. And I know a great book agent to handle the deal. And have you looked into trademark for the bakery brand yet, because—”
“Let’s talk about this later,” Summer cut her off as she stepped out of the trees and into the clearing by Blackbottom Pond. Grayson was already waiting for her with a picnic blanket and a cold soda. She smiled at him, and leaned down to kiss his cheek. “I’m just stepping into an important meeting right now.”
“Of course. I’ll have my assistant set some appointments!”
Eve rang off, and Grayson kissed her properly, a slow, melting kiss that felt just right. “Anything urgent?” he asked.
“Just my mom.” Summer kicked off her sandals and wriggled her toes in the sand.
“How are things?”
“Good.” Summer nodded slowly. “You know, things aren’t perfect between us, and she still is a little . . . overeager. But she’s been giving me really good advice about the bakery. And I think people are realizing that I’m my own person, not just an extension of her.”
“You’re one of a kind,” Grayson said with a smile. “Ready for a swim?”
“I didn’t bring my suit.”
“Who needs a suit?” Grayson countered with a gleam in his eye.
Summer blinked. “What if someone sees?” she asked, watching as he stripped off his T-shirt—and didn’t stop there.
“Let them.” Grayson grinned. He held out a hand to her. “Coming?”
Summer took a quick look around, but the woods were silent, shielding the pond from view. The water looked inviting—and so did the gorgeous man shucking off his jeans.
What the hell.
She tugged her dress over her head and shimmied out of her underwear. “Race you to the water!” she called, taking off for the pond. The water was cool, and she yelped as it closed around her legs, but she didn’t stop, plunging on until she kicked off from the bottom with a splash. Grayson followed, just a few steps behind. “I win!” Summer laughed, twisting over to float on her back.
Grayson’s hands closed around her waist. “What’s your prize?” he murmured. He tugged her close, treading water. Summer slipped her arms around his neck.
“Hmm.” She pretended to think. “How about a kiss?”
“Done.”
Grayson’s mouth found hers in a slow, sultry kiss that sent her heart racing and made her shiver with anticipation. “Cold?” he murmured, grazing her
cheek and nibbling at her earlobe.
“Nope.”
Summer wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him close. “What are you doing?” he asked, smiling.
Summer gave him a sultry smile. “Claiming the rest of my prize.”
Later, they were sprawled on the small beach, with Summer’s head resting on his stomach, watching the wind ripple the surface of the pond. It was perfect, Summer thought sleepily—the kind of relaxed afternoon she could have never dreamed of just a few months ago. “What time do you need to get back?” she asked reluctantly, turning to look at him.
“No time,” Grayson said. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on her palm. “I have all the time in the world for you.”
Summer smiled. “Does that mean you’ll want to take another swim?”
“Swim?” Grayson echoed, teasing. “Alright, we can do that, too.”
She laughed, feeling the warmth of the sunshine wash lazily over them both, and a different heat burning, steady and true. It had taken her many miles, a few life-changing risks, and more croissants than a grown woman should ever consume, but she was finally exactly where she was supposed to be.
And it tasted amazing.
THE END
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Sweetbriar Cove Book Three
THE ONLY ONE
Brooke Delancey is looking for a fresh start. She’s packed up her heartbreak and traded her old life for a new beginning, managing the prettiest hotel on Cape Cod. She swears this time will be different: no drama, no distractions, and definitely no heart-stopping kisses with a handsome stranger. Which is exactly what she finds the night she meets Riley Ford.