by Harloe Rae
Animated chatter steals my focus. Barry and Jace round the corner with two stacks of grilled corn cobs. Another gurgle rises from my stomach, earning a laugh from the older man.
“Well, that’s a compliment to the chef. Great to see you, Grady.”
“Likewise, sir.”
He shakes his head, but doesn’t comment on the title I can’t quite drop. It’s a tough habit to break. This man deserves respect. I want to give that to him by all means possible.
Barry wraps an arm around my shoulders, adding a clap to my back for good measure. He glances from Sutton to me, a smile brightening his expression. He nods at our joined hands. “About damn time you kids figured things out.”
I gape at him and begin sputtering some excuse.
He lifts a finger. “Don’t hold back on my account. I already gave my permission, not that you need it.”
My heart threatens to overflow at the kind gesture. I smirk at Sutton and she beams at me in return. “That means a lot to me, and us. Thank you.”
He grips my shoulder again. “Whatever makes my children happy. That’s a parent’s dream.”
The knob of pressure lodged in my chest loosens with a long exhale. I really needed to hear that. Jace doesn’t share in his father’s enthusiasm, but he doesn’t shovel out more digs at us. I’m calling that a win. A quick succession of beeps interrupts us and I’m saved from further inquisitions. Great timing.
Alice sets down a bowl of potato salad and a massive platter of chicken. Damn, we’re eating good tonight. We serve ourselves and don’t waste time before digging in. A steady flow of conversation goes around between bites. I’ve returned into the fold without a hitch.
“How’s work, Grady?” Alice grins at me with the question.
I finish chewing and wash the food down with a sip of beer. “Picking up with the peak of summer. I already have another restoration lined up after the Drefter project.”
“Oh, I’m happy to hear that. It’s about time people take notice of your skill sets. Sure is difficult to find honest and dependable contractors.”
Barry hums in agreement. “You’ve definitely come a long way from pounding crooked nails into the horse stalls.”
I choke on an inhale at his praise. Those are great memories. “Had to learn somehow. Thank you, sir.”
He chuckles. “You know better. I let it slide the first time. One of these days you’ll call me by name.” His gaze slides to Sutton beside me. “Or something more personal and far less formal.”
A ball of warmth spreads through my chest. Is this topic really coming into the light?
“You’ve found a true calling,” Alice interrupts. “Not everyone has the patience to learn a trade.”
Barry is bobbing his head along with her words. “Don’t I know it. There’s no one willing to stick around for odd jobs. I was spoiled with these two.” He points a fork between Jace and me. “Precise craftsmanship and dedication to the business is a dying breed.”
“You can still count on us, pops. Whatever you need. Right, Bowen?” My friend nods at me.
Glad he’s not holding a grudge and the layer of ice is thawing. I find myself offering a wide smile. “Absolutely. I enjoy the mechanical work. There isn’t much of that with my contracts. I consider it an honor to work around the farm. Just let us know.”
Barry raises his brow. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“I sure hope so,” Jace replies. “Gets me out from behind my desk for a while.”
“That’s what you get for going the corporate route,” I joke.
He grunts. “Yeah, yeah. The ladies love my suits.”
“Not this girl.” Sutton wrinkles her nose.
Jace glares at her. “You don’t count as my target audience.”
“You’re the only one who does for me,” I whisper against her temple.
Her cheeks flush a beautiful shade of pink. She bites her bottom lip and sighs.
“And there goes my appetite,” Jace mutters.
Alice swats his arm. “Be nice. You’re just jealous.”
He rolls his eyes. “Sure, let’s call it that.”
Barry wipes at his mouth with a napkin and looks my way. “Heard from your mother lately?”
The air in my lungs turns sour. The answer is no. She’s been gone whenever I’ve tried to visit recently. I drop off a load of groceries and leave without pause. It’s hard to remember when I stopped concerning myself with her whereabouts over a decade ago. She’ll go on benders for weeks on end without a care except pumping the poison into her veins. I had to sever ties to save my own sanity. Doing the bare minimum is about all I can handle these days. That doesn’t keep the guilt at bay.
My silence must tell him everything he wanted to know. “Well, I hope she checks in soon. But enough of that.” He pushes his empty plate away.
“Dessert?” It’s no shock the question comes from Sutton.
Alice rubs her hands together. “I have all the ingredients for s’mores. Who’s up for a bonfire?”
A chorus of agreement erupts from all of us. I feel right at home.
Happy something #66: Reading ghost stories in the dark, under a blanket with a flashlight.
I allow my eyes to slide shut for a moment while a cool breeze kicks up. A heavy sigh follows close behind. The oppressive heat is finally wilting with the waking moon. This summer has already reached record highs and we’re only halfway in. That muggy humidity brings the temperature to unbearable limits. Having a slight chill tickle my skin is a pleasing reprieve. Without that break, sitting around a bonfire would border on torture.
A fresh burst of bright orange and yellow flames crackle to life in front of me. Utter contentment hangs in the air, just beyond my reach. I avoid the glowering shadow looming on the edge of my vision. Easier thinking than doing. That pain in the ass doubles his efforts at stabbing holes into my bliss.
My parents hit the hay thirty minutes ago, leaving me alone with Grady and Jace. All was well until my boyfriend tugged me onto his lap. My brother has been shooting daggers at us ever since. That doesn’t stop me from perching proud on Grady’s thigh. Jace needs to get over it.
My brother releases another obnoxious groan. I toss my hands up, more than done with his hissy fit. “What’s your deal? I thought us being together was fine with you?”
“What gives you the idea that I'm not? Did I say something to offend you?” He shoots me a smirk.
“You don’t have to talk. That surly expression is plenty.”
He yanks the brim of his hat lower. “Excuse me for caring. I’ve been protective since you were born, Sutt. Cut me some damn slack.”
“For real, man?” Grady’s voice is pure grit behind me.
Jace folds his arms. “It’s still weird as hell.”
“Well, this is happening. Get used to it.” I paste on a toothy smile.
My brother scrubs over his face. “I’m doing my best, thanks for asking.”
“Try harder, Ace.” Grady slouches lower and tucks me further into his hold. He’s definitely making a statement with that move. My brother would be blind to not notice.
“Let’s move on,” Jace mutters.
I snuggle against Grady’s chest. “Great plan.” And by that I mean find somewhere more private for at least an hour. Maybe half of one would do. My man is a wizard, between the sheets at least. The telepathic message I’m sending him isn’t computing. We remain seated, facing the firing squad.
Grady clears his throat. “How was your most recent right-swipe?”
Some of the tension melts from Jace’s posture. “Meh, she was decent.”
“Will you see her again?”
“Doubt it.”
“She didn’t hit the spot?”
Jace chuckles. “That wasn’t the issue.”
“Ah, shit.” Grady snorts.
He shrugs. “Good for a one and done. Nothing more.”
My attention has been bouncing between them. My brother’s last comment stops
me short. I wrinkle my nose. “You’re so rude.”
“Don’t hate the player, Sutt. I’m just a pawn in the game.”
I roll my eyes. “Keep telling yourself that.”
He nudges my foot. “Not all of us are fortunate enough to find that special someone, especially so young.”
“I’m twenty-two.” The urge to stick out my tongue is strong. I keep it reeled in for maturity’s sake.
Jace cocks a brow at me. “And been doodling hearts with Grady’s name since you were seven.”
My face feels hotter than the July sun at noon. Dammit. “You’re such an ass,” I grumble.
Grady strokes a finger down my fiery cheek. “Nothing to be embarrassed about, baby. I’ve loved you just as long, plus another day.”
“Not possible.”
He taps his temple. “You’re always up here.”
Jace whistles, effectively ruining our moment. “Fuck, that’s so sweet my teeth hurt. Didn’t peg you as a romantic soul, Bowen.”
“Find the right girl and anything is possible,” he returns with a glare.
My brother flicks his gaze my way. “I’m too busy keeping tabs on your ass to ever settle down.”
Grady tightens his grip around my waist. “Not your problem anymore, Ace. I got her.”
Jace seems to size him up for a moment, which is effing hilarious. A bright grin splits his face a moment later. “That you do.”
My brother’s moods are giving me whiplash. I rest a palm on my forehead. Maybe his floozy app will ding and he’ll leave. A girl can hope. Grady nips at my ear and growls, “All good, Sutt?”
I giggle. “My sugar rush is fading.”
“You only had two s’mores. How about another?”
He’s such a smart man. Who am I to resist? I reach for a roasting stick and shove two marshmallows on the prongs. My mouth is already watering when I lean forward toward the pit. I hold the pair of white puffs over a patch of glowing coals.
Grady rubs my shoulders. “You’re concentrating awful hard on this.”
“One wrong move and I scorch them. This is a hidden artform.”
I feel his laughter. “A little char adds flavor.”
“Not the kind I like.”
“I’m intimately aware of what stimulates your taste buds. Lucky for me, you seem addicted to my specific brand and the erotic assortments I offer.”
A shiver races through me when he presses at a tender knot in my neck. I bite back a moan. “I really am. It was instantaneous.”
“That’s what I thought. Don’t spoil your entire appetite on food.” Grady pinches my ass and I yelp.
I narrow my eyes at him, but the threat is empty. There’s no time for retaliation. I pull my skewer from the pit, inspecting the cooked confection wedged on top. “See? They need to be toasted to golden perfection with a gooey middle. That optimal crispy-soft combo.”
He passes me a chocolate square and two graham crackers. We get the trifecta assembled without missing a beat. I squish everything together until white fluff oozes out.
“Looks like splooge.” I laugh at my own nonsense. No one else makes a peep. I hold up my creation for Grady to see.
He sits forward and rotates my ass on his lap. His head tilts in my direction. “Did you just say splooge?”
I giggle again. “Sure did.”
“Who says that nastiness anymore?”
“It's making a comeback.”
“I doubt that very much.”
“There are stickers and everything.”
Grady’s jaw goes slack and he sputters. The rest of his features morph into a horrified expression from the possibility of my words. “No way would anyone buy those.”
“This just keeps getting better,” Jace chimes in.
“Hush up over there,” I scold. My focus returns to Grady. “It’s funny swag stuff.”
“Splooge? Nope. Not believing that.”
I poke his chest. “Since when do you pay attention to the book world? One of my author clients used it in her new release. Pour Judgment is slaying the charts. I own a personalized copy. If you’re nice, I’ll read you an excerpt. Heather is hilariously innovative. Figured I’d try it out.”
He grunts and shakes his head. “You’re sexy as fuck, Sutt. My love for you is endless. I can forgive you for most things. But please, never utter that word again.”
I jut out my bottom lip in an exaggerated pout. “You’re no fun.”
Grady’s eyes resemble radiant emeralds glittering in the flames. “I’ll have you regretting those words later.”
“Promise?”
“Without question,” he rumbles.
I rip my gaze off him before this escalates beyond my raveling control. As a distraction, I take a very unladylike bite of s’more. An indecent moan tumbles out around my mouthful of sinful sweetness.
Grady glares at the dark sky. “Killing me, Sutt.”
“Turnabout is so fair.” I lick my fingers after polishing off the decadent treat.
“Maybe we should be going,” he suggests. I can feel him hard and ready beneath me. His obvious reaction to me releases a fever under my skin. This man is hauling an extremely impressive package. I wiggle my hips to torture both of us.
“Sutt,” Jace interrupts.
A gasp escapes me at the sound of my brother’s voice. I’d almost forgotten about him. That’s the power of Grady. I sit up straight and shove all dirty thoughts aside. “Um, yeah?”
“How’s living with mom and dad?”
Talk about a bucket of ice water. I send him a flat look. The truth is I haven’t been sticking around past dark in the last two weeks. But my brother doesn’t know that. His sudden interest is almost alarming. What’s he hinting at? I ignore the pricking of goosebumps along my arms. “Fine. Why do you ask? Thinking about moving in?”
He tips his head back and laughs. “As if. I have my own place.”
“So did I. This was always meant to be temporary.” That reminds me of my conversation with Harlyn yesterday. I glance back at Grady. “Are you still curious about my college years?”
His grunt says it all. “Is that even a question?”
“I was thinking we could meet up with Harlyn and her boyfriend this weekend. If you’re interested.”
“Sure. I should know them if they’re your friends.”
I press a hand flat to his chest, the steady beat meeting my touch. “They’re awesome. I wish we saw each other more often. Living with Harlyn was a blast. She has plenty of dirt on me.”
Jace leans forward, resting an elbow on his knee. “Speaking of your wonder years, how’s the apartment hunt, Sutt?”
Grady chokes on his sip of beer behind me. I glance at him over my shoulder. “Are you okay?”
He wipes droplets off his face. He juts his chin at my brother. “That depends on how you answer his question.”
I look at Jace before returning my gaze to Grady. “I’m still searching.”
A hollow scoff is my response. “The hell you are. There’s a very permanent spot for you in my bed.”
I crinkle my forehead. “But that’s your house. I need my own space.”
“Are you serious?” The question comes from Jace.
Grady’s body goes rigid underneath me. “Not your business, Ace.”
“You’ll never tell her.”
“The hell I won’t.” Grady’s hand roams up and down my thigh. “Just been waiting for the time to be right.”
“Nothing better than the present,” my brother shoots back.
What is it with these two? I yank at my hair. “Oh my gosh, you guys. Stop talking in circles.”
Jace and Grady are glaring at one another, doling out a silent pissing match. Neither move or utter another word. We might be here all night at this rate.
My brother stands up abruptly and dusts off his hands. “Well, my work here is done.”
I gape at him. “Now you’re leaving?”
He shrugs. “Plenty of moonlight lef
t. I’ll be at Bronco if you need me.”
After he’s out of sight, I turn fully towards my secretive boyfriend. “What’s he talking about, Gray?”
His exhale blows the stray strands off my face. “Come on, Sutt. Doesn’t my place seem familiar to you?”
A memory of my first visit filters into my mind. I recall all of the similarities to a certain happy something. There’s no denying the resemblance. My voice is barely a whisper when I murmur, “Yes.”
“And why do you think that is?” His green eyes are locked on me as he prods.
My heartbeat booms to a staccato beat. “You liked my ideas?”
He shakes his head, a slow motion I track with a steady gaze. “I wanted to build that dream for you, and us.”
I gulp at the pressure quickly building in my throat. “W-what?”
He cups my jaw. “You heard me, Sutt.”
“Why are you the sweetest man ever?” I clasp my palms to his cheeks.
Grady presses his lips to mine. “You deserve the best. I’ll never stop trying to be that for you.”
I sniff and blink off the moisture from my lashes. “You’re already perfect, Grady Bowen. If you get any better, I’ll feel extremely inadequate.”
He barks out a laugh. “That’s not possible.”
I lift an eyebrow. “No? What if I disagree?”
“Then I’ll spend hours proving you wrong.” With the stealthy moves of a panther, he scoops me up and rises to his feet. One strong arm is banded under my knees, the other cinching around my shoulders. This hold screams of protection. I’m safe and not going anywhere.
“Sounds like a promising compromise.” I nuzzle into him.
He tightens his grip on me. “You’re coming home with me to our house. That’s where you belong.”
A tremble wracks my limbs. Bossy Grady is pushing all the best buttons. He gives me a cocky smirk that tosses another torch on the blaze in my core.
Better indeed.
A thought occurs to me as he hustles across the yard. “What if we didn’t end up getting together?”
He gives me a fast jerk of his head in response. “I don’t want to consider that as a possibility.”