“Sure, I have a swatch of Dodd’s paint on a board by the workbench.” He gestured inside the boathouse and then went past me to get it. “Man, it smells nice in here.”
I followed him inside, and Tommy came in behind me. “I tried to call, and you didn’t answer the phone.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, I had it turned down. I’m sorry, baby.” He pulled the phone out of his pocket. “Yeah, the vibrate was off too.”
“You had your phone turned down? Where were you?” I was afraid he’d gone and talked to the bank.
“I was with Christian.” He shrugged like it was no big deal, and that was all he was going to give me.
I waited but then turned to get the swatch. “Here you go, Tommy. When do you think you will start?”
“Saturday if this color is right.”
Greyson seemed pleased with that response. “The sooner, the better. The color’s starting to grow on me, but I’m not paying fines for the rest of my life.”
“I thought they were going to change the policy,” said Tommy. “That’s what I heard, anyway.”
“It’s undecided, but I’ve always wanted a warm gray. So, as long as that’s what I get, I’ll be happy.” They put the paint on the board, and Greyson took the heat gun from his bench and dried it.
“That’s going to darken up when it dries,” Tommy said.
I thought the shade was a tad too dark, but Greyson seemed to like it. I was still not sure what to think of his absence, but I went about smudging, hoping it might help my mood too.
Finally, they were done, and so was I. I snuffed out what was left of the sage, and then as Tommy waited, I said my goodbyes to Greyson. “I’ll see you later,” I said, not sure whether to make that a question or statement.
“Okay. But just an FYI, if you had come alone, I’d have your panties down right now.” He brought his mouth down on mine and held on to me so tightly, it was as if he didn’t want to let me go.
“Where were you?” I asked, not wanting to spoil the mood. I knew Christian had some bad habits, and I was afraid he was pulling Greyson into them.
“Just taking care of business is all, baby. Nothing to worry about. Besides, I’d like it to be a surprise.”
“It’s not a new car, is it?” I held my breath, hoping he hadn’t gone and done something that would upset me. I didn’t think I could handle it if he had gotten me one behind my back. Did I act happy, appreciative, or upset that he’d gone behind my back? I knew it was only going to lead to a fight.
“No, I didn’t buy you a car, but you know, it’s not a bad idea.”
“Absolutely not, Greyson. It’s a horrible idea. I already have a truck that gets me around Camden just fine.”
“At least let me get it a tune-up? You can drive my Jeep in the meantime or the Vette if you want.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “The Vette? Me in the Vette with the top down headed to my job at the lumberyard. Yeah, I can picture that.” I rolled my eyes.
“I actually did picture something like that earlier. It made me so hard. I wouldn’t mind you driving my car.”
“You’re sweet. It’s just not practical for me, Greyson. And as for the tune-up, I can swing it myself, but thanks for the offer.”
“Why don’t you ever let me take care of you? Especially when it would make me feel so much better?”
“Because I don’t need your money. I like to earn my own.”
“You could consider it a cash advance on the pay I’d give you if you’d ever decide to take the job I offered.”
I let out a long breath. Since the ordeal with Maddox, I hadn’t given it much thought. But before I could answer, my truck’s horn sounded out Tommy’s frustration. “I have to go.”
“Fine, we’ll talk about it later. I want to take you out to eat when you get home.”
I wanted to argue with him to keep his money and stop spoiling me, but we’d already had the food discussion, where I’d promised not to argue about what we ate because he was only eating out for selfish reasons. “Okay, but we could cook something at home sometime.”
“And you agreed not to argue. Besides, this is part of your surprise. We’ll eat at home exclusively after this if you want.”
I really hated to break it to him, but that wasn’t the only thing we had to work on. “We’re about to have to set ground rules on surprises.”
“Let me have my fun?” He gave me a pleading look. “We don’t have to bog ourselves down with rules, you know?”
I sighed. “Fine. I’ll swing by the house when I’m off. Do you want me to come here, or will you pick me up?”
“I’ll pick you up.” He gave me one more lingering kiss as the horn blew again.
As I ran out to leave with Tommy, I couldn’t wait to see what Greyson’s surprise was.
33
Greyson
To say it made me nervous taking Sage out to surprise her with the new building was an understatement. In fact, I had bargained many high-dollar deals during my time with DeVant that had given me less stress.
But that didn’t mean I wasn’t excited too, and I could already see the life I’d always wanted to live with the girl of my dreams in the long-term future plans that I had dreamed for us.
Now, I could only hope that she wanted them too.
I arrived at her house and went to the door where I reached for the tie I’d worn solely to feel more comfortable. I had to be me for the occasion, and fuck the town public if one little lucky tie made me an outsider. Besides being lucky, it was special to me and had been one of Eric’s father’s, who had been more like a father to me than my own father. Eric had given it to me when his father had passed, and I wore it when I needed an extra boost of confidence to close a deal.
Sage opened the door with a big grin. “I thought that was a tie I spotted through the peephole. You look nice.”
I thought a blazer and tie shouldn’t turn too many heads. “Lucky charm,” I said, wagging the tail of my tie as she stepped aside so I could come in.
“We’re two of a kind,” she said, glancing back at me as she went across the room to get her purse. “I have a stone in my pocket.”
“Carnelian for passion?” I asked. I had a feeling her stone would do her well tonight.
“Actually, it’s quartz. Rose quartz for love and romance. It’s the heart stone.” She reached into her top and pulled out a tiny pink stone which she placed in my hand. The thing was no bigger than the end of my finger.
It was warm from her body heat, which was strangely a turn on. “Wow, that’s a powerful little thing.” I gave her a kiss and tucked it back where she had it. “I think it’s working already.”
“It packs a punch,” she said as she gave me a wink. “It might surprise you. Speaking of surprises—”
“Not yet. I want us to both be euphoric with wine and dinner before we talk about that.”
She flashed me a look, and then her shoulders slumped as if she were giving up. “Fine, I’m ready when you are. The sooner we get there, the sooner I get surprised.” She walked over and was about to go to the door when I stepped in front of her.
I pulled her to me slowly and gave her a soft kiss before taking it deeper. She let out a little moan, sighing as she melted against me. When I pulled away, she panted as if catching her breath. Then she straightened her lipstick and wiped my mouth with her thumb. “If that was the only surprise I get tonight, it was worth it.”
“No, baby. There is so much more to come.” I only hoped she liked it just as much as she liked me.
We left the house and then drove over to the nearest neighboring city, which took about twenty minutes longer but was well worth it when we walked into the place. It was nothing like the bar scene at home, but we were seated overlooking the water, and the room was aglow with candlelight, and soft music played just low enough to keep a conversation.
After we ate our food and put a nice dent in a bottle of wine, which came out perfectly chilled, I eased back i
n my chair feeling like it was time. “Do you want dessert?”
“Yes and no,” she said with a grin. I gave her a smile back, and she leaned in closer. “Yes, I want dessert, but I don’t want to have to wait to eat it before you give me my surprise.”
I chuckled. “You are really impatient. Do you have a stone for that?”
She showed me the tip of her tongue, and even though it was in a playful way, again, it only turned me on more.
I waved the waiter over to the table. “Would you care for dessert? We have tiramisu, crème brulee, and our house favorite, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.”
“I’ll have the cheesecake,” she said, and then she looked across at me.
“Bring me the crème brulee. Thank you.” As the waiter left, I looked across the table and didn’t miss her anticipation. She was practically bouncing in her seat, or maybe she was just nervously shaking her foot.
“Well, are you going to tell me now?”
I took a deep breath. This was the moment I’d promised, but I hoped I hadn’t built it up too high only to let her down. “First, let me start by saying that what I’m about to give you is an investment in our futures, and I really hope you’ll say yes.”
Her mouth fell open as if she wanted to say something, and then her hand went to her heart. “Greyson,” she whispered as I pulled my phone from my pocket.
I looked for the photo I’d taken and held the phone so she could see the screen.
She leaned forward. “What’s that?” she asked with confusion as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. It was then that I realized my surprise might have caused some confusion.
Had she thought I was about to propose marriage? I felt my pulse race as a sick feeling settled in. “It’s a building. I bought it for you.”
“You bought me a building? That’s the Vance’s old furniture warehouse. Why would you buy that for me?”
“Because I know you can use a studio.”
“This isn’t about my art. It’s about the art you want me to do for you. You thought that by buying me a building, that I’d go for the deal you and Katrina offered me.”
“Well, I know you asked for time, Sage, but you have to know this is a good opportunity, and if the only thing standing in your way is space, you’ve got it.”
“Voila, just like that, right? You can make anything happen with your money. It must make you feel so powerful.”
“I’m just trying to help,” I said, narrowing my eyes. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and when the waiter brought her cheesecake, she stared at it and pushed it away.
I left my crème brulee where it sat. Neither of us said a word.
Finally, she let out a breath. “I don’t know what’s worse, that you bought the building, or that you assume I needed your help.”
“I know you don’t. You’re obviously strong and independent, and you can handle things, but this is something I wanted to do for you, Sage. I like giving. Especially to you. I thought you’d be pleased, honestly. This is a huge opportunity for the both of us. I thought that we could work on the project together and—”
“I’ve never said I was taking on the project. I specifically asked you to let me think it over. I never said yes. And it didn’t have anything to do with finding a space. I mean, sure that was always part of the plan so I’d have room to work, but I’m not sure I want to spend the rest of my year hurried to finish your order when I could be doing other things.”
“What else are you going to do for that kind of cash? You are not making that at the lumberyard, and if it’s longevity your worried about, I’ve got that covered too. We’ll have our own shop. You could put anything in it you want. The success would be enough to quit the lumberyard and have a nicer future.”
“Nicer than what? So my life isn’t good enough as it is? I’m supposed to want to strive to have more, right? Because that’s what you think defines me? You don’t know me, Greyson.”
“Anything I don’t know is on you. It’s not like I’ve never asked you about yourself. So, if you’re a mystery, fill me in. I’m all ears.” I had thought that things were good enough between us that she wouldn’t be upset with me about the purchase. Unsure, yes, but angry? I didn’t understand.
“It’s just not normal for boyfriends to buy their girlfriends buildings.”
“It’s for us. And if that’s what you’re worried about, then forget it. It was a sound investment if you want it or not. I’ll sell it and make a profit.” I shrugged.
“Oh, sure you will. Because everything you touch turns to gold.”
“What does that mean? Are you angry with me because I have money?” She’d known that all along. “I’ve never had that be a problem with the women I date.”
“Oh, I’m sure you haven’t. But I’m not like all the other plethora of women you’ve been with or dated. And I’m angry with you because you just assume that deep down, I’m just like them. That you have to hire me or buy me in order to keep me.”
She was talking crazy now, and while I didn’t want to make a scene, I put my phone away and called for the check. As the waiter approached, she pushed back her chair.
“Thanks for a lovely dinner,” she said as she rose from her seat. “But I’m not interested in your big surprise.”
She had done her fair share of digs, and now it was my turn. “Why, because you were expecting a proposal? Like you said, Sage, I barely know you.”
She took a deep breath, her chest swelling and the look of anger turning to one of hurt and regret. Then she took the small, pink stone from her top and threw it at me. It bounced off my chest and hit the wine glass, giving it a nice crack. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t stop. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, ignoring the people around us who had thought things were about to get much uglier. “Quite a punch. I’ll find my own way home.” She stormed out and left me there to take care of the bill.
By the time I got out to the car, hoping she would be waiting there, she was nowhere in sight. I looked around and even called out to her. But it was no use. Sage was gone. I closed the stone tightly in my fist.
I should have fucking proposed.
34
Sage
I left the restaurant and walked to the one next door, where I went to the bar and ordered a drink. I didn’t want him to find me and knew calling an Uber driver was a better idea.
His words wouldn’t have hurt so much if they hadn’t been true. I had thought that Greyson was about to propose, and all that talk about our futures just led my mind in that direction.
It was a stupid thought. Why would someone like him want to be with someone like me anyway? He could buy and sell anything, and I wasn’t going to be made out to be a gold digger like my father had called my mother.
Even though I didn’t need his stupid money, I couldn’t blame him for thinking that. Hell, even my best friend didn’t know everything about me. I was so confused. I needed Lissa.
I downed my drink, and when the Uber arrived, I went out to get in the car. I tried to call Lissa, but there was no answer. Finally, when I was nearly home, my phone rang.
I stared at the photo of Greyson on my phone as it rang and let the tears run down my face. I didn’t want to hear his voice, or I’d really break down, and that wasn’t going to do me any good. I could never let him see me weak. My mother had made that mistake, and my father had used it against her all of those years.
Finally, when it stopped ringing, I put the phone to my chest and tried to remember I was angry.
He had no right to make decisions for me. He, of all people, should know what that was like. He had told me how Christian had wanted him to go into business, and while it was a talent of his, he hadn’t wanted to go through with it and be stuck building boats for the rest of his life. He wanted to enjoy himself and have some fun with me; take vacations together and go away on the boat. How could we do that if we were both trying to create art and run a business?
And
it was so insulting that he assumed I didn’t want to work at Woodchuck’s anymore. I loved my job, and I loved my little family there. Besides, none of them would know how to get anything done if it weren’t for me. I had to take care of the guys, buy their lunch, help with all the things Chuck had no clue to do for himself.
My phone chirped out a tone, telling me I had a new message. It was Greyson telling me he was worried sick and just to give him a sign that I wasn’t dead somewhere in a madman’s car. I texted him back a row of ellipses and put my phone away until I made it home.
I went inside and picked up Jasper, who met me at the door. He nestled into the crook of my neck and began to purr. My little grumpy kitty could be such a sweetie when he needed to be, and that was part of his charm. “It all went sideways, Jasper. I’m pretty sure my parents screwed me up.” Especially my father, who, while I loved dearly, had made things much worse than they had to be.
I went to my room and placed Jasper on the bed, and he went to curl up on my pillow as I changed out of my dress and into some soft yoga pants.
I looked in the mirror and wondered if I had overreacted, but he really had no right to buy me a building to try and lure me into the agreement. It was still an overwhelming task, and I knew if I ever let myself take on art as a career, it would diminish everything it meant to me. Okay, so maybe I didn’t know that as a fact, but it was what happened with my mother. And it was the catalyst for why she left me in the first place. I couldn’t let the same thing happen to us. I didn’t want to grow bitter in my work, only to leave a grudge-riddled husband who would hate me until my dying days.
I laid in bed and cried myself to sleep.
It was early morning by the time I woke up, and as soon as I heard the knocking, I thought of Greyson and went running. But it wasn’t him.
“Don’t look so happy to see me,” said Lissa with a sarcastic tone. She immediately got a look of concern and put her hands on my shoulder. “Have you been crying?”
Caught Up In Love Page 20
