“They can. I collect rocks.”
“Rocks and socks? Are we a pair?” He gave a chuckle. “I should change. I’ll go in the bathroom. Feel free to look around.”
He walked back into his room and then through another door. I walked around his room, thinking about him sleeping there and other things he might do in his bed. As my cheeks stained with blush, I decided to go to the next room, which was a home gym and, just off that one, was a home office. The view out that window was amazing and overlooked the water just feet away in the distance where erosion couldn’t hurt it.
“Is this better?” he asked. “I actually feel a bit better.”
I turned around, and my breath hitched at how handsome he was. He had been supermodel hot in the other clothes, but now, he was more my style, laidback and at home. “You look very handsome.”
His cheeks reddened a bit as he smiled and raked his hand through his hair, letting it fall where it may. Even hotter. “Thanks. Are you ready?”
“Yeah.”
He reached for my hand, and I took his as we walked down the stairs and out to the car. Then he opened the door for me, and after we settled and he drove us across town, per my directions, we parked outside the Muddy Rudder.
“That’s an appetizing name,” he said with a laugh. “I hope the place tastes better than it sounds.”
“It does. And the name was from the bar that used to be here.”
“Sounds like it was a real dive. I guess it’s cool they fixed it up.” He got out and walked around to open my door, which I had already opened for myself.
His words were a little off-putting, but I was aware he didn’t mean to put his foot in his mouth. However, I had no problem letting him know he did. “Actually, I much preferred the old place. My father sold it for a good price, though.”
“Your father owned this place? Sorry, I—”
“It’s okay. I’m aware you didn’t know. I’m not trying to put you on the spot or anything. I just thought you should know and keep in mind that I was born and raised here. We’re not New York, but our home means something.”
“I’m sorry. Let’s get a table, and I’ll try to pull my foot from my mouth so I can eat.” He gave me a look that told me he really felt horrible, and I didn’t want the entire date to be ruined over one silly remark.
“Sure. You’ll love the fish. I promise it doesn’t taste like feet.” We walked to the place and were seated in the back, which was perfect for me. I didn’t like being the center of attention, especially when I stuffed my face.
We ordered our drinks, and as the waitress walked away, Greyson eased back in his booth seat and stared at his menu. “Any suggestions?”
“You have to have the chowder. It’s the best around.” I leaned in and pointed to his menu. “And any of the entrees are good. Just stay away from the cocktail sauce. The sauce is from a jar, and it’s way too sweet.”
“So, you know a lot about the menu.”
“I come here a lot actually.”
“I would imagine a woman as beautiful as you is asked out a lot.”
“Actually, I’m usually alone or with my best friend. I like this place because it reminds me of my father. Even though it’s changed and all.”
“What was he like?”
“He was a good man. Funny, much older than my mom, and he loved his bar. More than her, which is why she lives across the country in San Diego with her newest boyfriend.” I didn’t want to talk about my dead father or my estranged mother. “So, what about you? Why did you move here of all places?”
“My grandfather owned a summer place nearby, and I always loved it, but what really brought me here is the fact that my best friend got married.”
“So, things changed? You’re not friends anymore? I thought his wife helped you with your closet?” I realized he might have more than one best friend, but I hoped it wasn’t some horror story of him sleeping with his best friend’s wife.
“Yeah, Cassie. She’s pretty amazing, but no, Eric’s always going to be my best friend. It’s just that seeing him so happy, getting married, starting his family—it made me take a look at my life and realize that I want those things for myself.”
“Ah, you came here to settle down. That makes sense. So, is it true that you don’t work?”
“I’m actually still an advisor for DeVant, which means I’m still on their payroll, as well as paying my retirement.”
“Retirement? What the hell kind of business lets you retire at your age, and why am I not doing it?”
He laughed, then took a deep breath. “I worked for Eric’s dad’s ad agency. I landed some huge clients, created some successful campaigns and a few notable, classic Superbowl commercials, and got a promotion. When he died, Eric came back to work to run the company, but Cassie came into his life, and so he left it to me. It wasn’t the same after that. I realized I had enough to retire, and Eric, being the amazing friend he is, let me live my dream.”
“That’s amazing. So which commercials?”
“That’s what everyone asks.” He gave a laugh, and it was good to see him smile. “Do you remember the Life is Big ad?”
“Yes, with the elephants? That was genius.” Remembering the ad and learning he created it made me feel so much closer to him, as if I’d had a peek into his soul. “You’re an artist, basically?”
He took a deep breath. “I guess you could say that. In a way. But thanks. I’m glad you liked it.” He lifted his shoulder with a lazy shrug.
“That’s just so amazing.”
“Are you into art?” He glanced down at my hands, which were still stained a little blue around my nails.
I balled my fist to hide them. “Yeah, I dabble.” I brushed off the conversation as our food came, and we spent the next half hour eating and talking about the town.
On the way home, he reached over and took my hand, which was resting in my lap, and while it felt nice, I hoped it didn’t give him the wrong ideas.
He parked his car in the drive and shut it off. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he said, reaching for the handle.
“You’re very much a gentleman.” I thought of how he’d said he would have to turn on the charm for me, and I guessed he’d done a good job of it.
He got out of the car and came around, and this time, I let him open my door and hold my hand as he walked me to my door.
“I had a good time,” I said, not sure what to do or say next. All I knew was I wasn’t going to invite him in, and I had a feeling that was what he was used to.
“I did too. Can we do it again sometime?”
“I’d like that.” I smiled, and he licked his lips and leaned in for a kiss. I put my hand on his chest, and he stopped and smiled, backing away.
“Hey, I had to try.”
“Sorry. I really like you, Greyson, but I’m the type of girl who takes it slow. I’d like to see where this might go before I get in too deep.”
His face was dim with rejection, and he suddenly looked like a little boy who had been told he couldn’t have a cookie. “Hey, it’s cool. I get it. I could be a serial killer, right?”
I laughed. “Yeah. Well, maybe I’m over that feeling, but I like you. I just don’t like moving too fast.” I wasn’t about to tell him I was a virgin.
“Then, I guess we have something to look forward to.” He gave me a bow and then walked down to wait as I unlocked my door and went inside. I watched as he drove away, then looked down at my cat who had come over to greet me by rubbing against my ankles.
“I think I could fall too easily for that one, Jasper.”
11
Greyson
“I like you Greyson, but no? I’m telling you, Eric, I’ve never heard those words before. She’s got me reeling, and I’ve been on a rollercoaster of highs and lows since the other night. I can’t tell if she really likes me or if that was her way of brushing me off. And it’s the weekend, and I don’t know if I should ask her out again so soon or not.”
Eric laughed on the other end of the phone as I walked down to the boathouse. “Take it easy on yourself. It’s different there.”
“I know. It’s painfully obvious, but fuck, I didn’t think the women were going to be that different.” I turned on the lights and walked over to admire my new tools, which I’d had delivered days ago. I was ready to look over the plans I’d bought for my boat, but I couldn’t get Sage out of my mind.
“What’s she like?”
“She had on one of those long dresses, the kind that hides your shoes and is cinched up in all the right places. And I swear, she had on so many bangles she jingled as she walked. It was surprisingly the sexiest thing ever. She’s like a gypsy sex goddess.”
Eric belly-laughed again, and I could tell he was getting a kick out of my predicament. “She doesn’t sound like the girls you’re used to, who left little to the imagination when it came to clothing if they wore any.”
“She’s into that whole boho thing. I mean, it’s a little outdated, but she pulls it off and keeps it fresh, you know?”
“Do you want to be her stylist or her boyfriend?”
“She doesn’t need me. I need her. She brought me home and picked out different clothes. She said to dress up, so I went all out. We’re talking red carpet.”
“Oh no, you didn’t?”
“Yeah, but it was cool. I got to show off the house a little, and she loved my sock collection. I just can’t tell if she likes me yet. She said she wants to take it slow.”
“The big but,” said Eric.
“Yeah, it was a kiss. A kiss? I mean, seriously?” If she were that crazy over a kiss, then how would she be about other things?
I heard a noise and looked up to see Christian walking into the boathouse. “Hey, Eric, let me call you later.” We ended the call, and Christian walked over, offering a hand.
I shook it. “How’s it going?” I asked.
“Good, man. I see you got your lumber and tools. And that badass Jeep outside. This is pretty cool, man. Keep this place locked up.”
“I’ve already been warned about the thieves. I can’t believe that happens around here.”
“You’d be surprised at the things that go on. I just thought I’d come see how you’re doing. If you’re settling in.”
“Yeah, I’m trying.” I walked over and sat on the stool that went to my workbench. “You’re a local, right? I mean, you have always lived here?”
“My whole life. Why?”
“What are the women like? I mean, when it comes to dating, hooking up.”
Christian chuckled. “That’s a tough question. It really depends on who you’re talking about. I mean, you have some girls who are too fast for my tastes, and others that are more reserved. I guess it all depends.”
“Kissing on the first date?”
“Shit, half the women around here who are in our age range will sleep with you on the first date. Why do you ask?”
I figured I may as well tell him. “I went on a date the other night.”
“Damn, you did? You move pretty fast, man. Did you nail her?”
“No, and that’s the problem, although I wasn’t trying to fuck her. I just wanted a goodnight kiss. She gave me the, ‘I want to go slow’ speech, and now I’m not sure, but I think that was the brush off.”
“Who is she?”
“Well, I don’t know if you know her, but if you do, maybe you can clue me in. But don’t tell anyone.” I felt stupid enough as it was.
“It’s cool. It doesn’t leave this boathouse. One thing you’ll learn about me is I don’t have a whole lot of guy friends my own age. Most of the men I know work offshore, and the ones I deal with are all retirement age. Well, normal retirement age.” He chuckled and gave me a nudge.
“She’s this gorgeous redhead I met at the lumber—”
“You mean Sage Tyler?”
“Yeah, do you know her?”
“Man, Sage is my girl’s best friend. We’ve all known each other since we were kids.”
“Really?” I wasn’t sure if that helped or hurt me.
“Yeah, and you need to relax. She’s different in a lot of ways, so don’t take it personally.”
“Different how?” Was there something wrong with her?
“You’ve really got to ask? You’ve seen her, right?”
“What the hell does that mean? She’s gorgeous. You can’t think she’s not.” If he thought Sage was a slob, I wanted to see his girlfriend.
“No, she is a knockout, but she’s a bit weird. I mean, she’s her own kind of special. A lot of people used to think she was a witch or something, but she’s not. She’s just into natural remedies and yoga. That type of shit.”
“What’s wrong with yoga?” I didn’t get it. There were a lot of women who did yoga in New York. “I dated an instructor once. Talk about bending in positions? I used to fold that girl in half and—anyway.”
“No, go on. Just know that you’re not going to be bending Sage any time soon. She’s only had one boyfriend that I can remember, and he’s a real douchebag. He’s still pissed off he didn’t get anywhere with her.”
“Is he still around?”
“Yeah, but he’s a nobody. I think he just got his own place six months ago; some ugly old boat that was destined for the scrapyard. Before that, he lived with his grandmother. Some of the girls like him until they get to know him.”
“I hate him already.”
Christian laughed. “You’ve got it bad for her?”
“Fuck. I think I do. I only wanted to kiss her, but I mean, hey, if it had gone elsewhere, I’m all for it.”
“Sage is going to make you work for it, man. The question is, are you willing to work for her?”
I thought about it, and it didn’t take long to realize that I was. “I let her dress me last night. She picked out my clothes. I never let anyone do that shit. Besides, I’m not afraid of hard work. I know I might look a little soft compared to you men around here, but I’m tougher than you think.”
“Good. When it comes to Sage, you’re going to need to be. I mean, if you’re just looking for a lay, there are plenty of girls who will fuck on the first date. I can give you names.”
“You’re in a relationship, aren’t you?”
“Well, Lissa’s my girl, but not my only girl, you know?” He grinned like a snake. “We’ve had an understanding for some time, so it’s cool. But sometimes I wonder if we aren’t better as friends. I just can’t stand the thought of her in love with someone else.”
His ideas seemed a little warped, but who was I to judge their fucked-up understanding? “I’ve lived that life. It’s only recently I realized I wanted more.”
“Well, if you’re into waiting, you’ve found the right girl. She doesn’t put out. And by doesn’t, I mean like ever. At least, that’s what Lissa told me.”
“Are you telling me that she’s a virgin? She’s twenty-seven years old. Come on, man. You’re not serious.” I found it hard to believe that anyone could wait that long.
“I told you, man. She’s different. Lissa calls her a unicorn.”
“I like different.” But I still wasn’t sure she was a virgin. How could that be? Inexperienced? Maybe. And she wasn’t like the other women I’d dated. It made me like her even more. I was going to put in the work with this one. Sage was worth it.
12
Sage
I had gotten a few texts from Greyson, but Saturday came without a phone call. I had wanted the opportunity to explain myself better and to get to know him, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.
After calling Christian to see if Greyson was home and that he was alone—God forbid I interrupt some other girl’s walk of shame—I headed over.
I knocked on the door first, and when there was no answer, I walked past a red Jeep that strangely matched his car and headed out to the boathouse, hoping he was still alone. “Greyson?” I called as I knocked.
There was no answer, and I opened the door a
nd peeked inside to find him with his earbuds in, his body moving to the beat of whatever was in his ears as he stood in front of a whiteboard, drawing out a sketch of a boat.
“Greyson!” I called out and stepped around, knowing I was about to give him a start.
“Fuck!” he shouted, jumping back from me.
“I’m sorry. I tried to call.”
“Sorry, I have the ringer off. I had music on.” He took out the buds and laid them and his phone on the workbench.
“I like your art.” I stepped back and looked at his boat. “Is that the design?”
“Yeah, that’s how she’s going to look.”
“Have you got a name for her?”
“I’m thinking on it. I figure by the time I have her done, I might have thought of one.” He turned, looked me up and down, and smiled. “You look beautiful. What’s in the bag?”
“I didn’t know if you had already had lunch, so I brought you a burger.” Paddy had whipped up some burgers while Lissa talked me into coming. I had nearly chickened out.
“Wow, I’m actually starving. My stomach was making noises louder than the music.”
I smiled, and he put down his dry-erase marker and got up from his stool. “How about we go out on the patio? There’s not any furniture, but we could sit on the steps.”
“Or how about we go down to your dock? If we’re going to sit and stare at the water, we might as well do it up close.”
“Better idea. I’ll get us a couple of beers.” He walked over to the small refrigerator he had in his boathouse and pulled two bottles out. “Will this do?”
“Beer and burgers sound good to me.” I followed him out to the dock, and we both sat with our feet hanging over the edge.
“I’m glad you came by. This is nice. Thanks.” He seemed to really mean it.
“I hope I didn’t put a damper on things the other night. It’s just that I was still getting to know you, and I don’t move as fast as some people.”
He reached over and put his hand on my shoulder. “I can respect that. We’re good.”
Caught Up In Love Page 7
