“Mom’s a little… excitable, I guess?” he offered.
Sophia shrugged off her coat, draping it over the back of the couch. “Yeah, but it’s kinda cute. I like her already.”
Good, he thought. Not that he could tell Sophia that just yet. Less than twenty-four hours ago Sophia Hillcrest wasn’t even on his radar. But now that she was…
He desperately hoped he’d have a fighting chance.
Sophia lifted herself up onto the counter, letting her legs dangle over the edge. “Good idea, because I’m starving.”
“Me too. I figured we’d eat first, and then we can go over everything,” he said, pulling down two plates. Heat radiated throughout the kitchen as Gray opened the oven and pulled the pizza out.
“You sure you don’t need help with anything?” she asked.
“Positive. But I appreciate the offer. It’s the least I can do for you.”
Sophia quirked a brow. “You know, you don’t owe me anything.”
“I know. But consider it a 'thank you' for not making me feel like a complete outcast.”
Her heart squeezed in her chest. Was that really how he felt? Was this town so shitty that they’d turn up their nose to someone just because they were a stranger?
Yes, she thought. You know how pathetic people can be around here.
“Well, trust me. I know what it’s like to be judged. I never want you to feel like you’re unwelcome around here.”
Gray took a step closer, feeling the magnetic pull between them grow stronger. Maybe he was losing his sanity, but for once he didn’t care. Beneath that snarky armor of hers was a heart of pure gold. And he wanted her.
All of her.
“You could never make me feel unwelcome,” he said. “I promise.”
She leaned forward, wishing and waiting for his lips to meet hers, all the while ignoring the bells going off in her head. She barely knew him. Hardly knew him at all. But as the thought crept into her mind, her hands moved of their own volition, reaching for his. Time was all but frozen as they wondered who would make the first move, and she gave his hands a light squeeze, hoping the subtle cue would draw him in.
“You know, I should probably check on the pizza,” he said.
Sophia glanced around him, eying it as it sat on the counter. “You already got it out,” she said. She pointed to it. “See?”
“Shit. Yeah, I guess you’re right. I forgot,” he said sheepishly. “Guess it just kinda slipped my mind.”
A slight flush colored his cheeks. He’d been so lost in his little world that he’d lost all sense of time.
And God help her, that awkwardness was the cutest damn thing she’d seen in a long time.
“It looks delicious,” she said. “Hopefully it tastes as good as it looks.”
Sophia’s eyes lit up as Gray grabbed the pizza cutter, slicing through the dough with an ease that made it look like the easiest thing in the world. “You’re like a pizza-cutting ninja,” she laughed.
“I’d hope so. I’ve done this like twenty million times.”
She smiled, feeling her heart flutter in her chest once more. “I’d say you have the magic touch when it comes to pizza.”
“Thanks. I gotta say, I still think my grandma’s recipe is even better, though.”
She tilted her head in surprise. “Really?”
“Without a doubt.”
With two pieces on each plate, they sat on the couch, momentarily silent as they ate. “You know,” Sophia said, “I think it’s really great how close you are to her. Every time you talk about her, you seem so happy.”
Gray glanced down at his plate, and his smile began to fade. “She’s really great. It’s just hard watching her fade away like she is. It’s gotten worse over the last few years.”
She swiped a napkin across her mouth, praying he hadn’t noticed how sloppy she’d been. “How so?”
Grayson exhaled a deep breath. Some days he could talk about it easier than others. But still, watching his grandmother fall apart at the seams wasn’t easy. Opening up to virtual strangers wasn’t easy, either.
But with Sophia, things were different. With her, he was an open book, begging to be read and explored.
“She’s not as active as she used to be,” he said. “I mean, she’s still trying to get out and about, but it’s getting harder. Plus, her memory isn’t what it used to be, and her art isn’t what it used to be, either.”
“I didn’t know she was an artist. That’s awesome.”
“Yeah, she’s painted for as long as I can remember. She’s amazing. I mean, she can paint up anything out of her mind. It’s crazy.”
“That’s incredible. So what about your grandpa? Is he the creative type, too?”
A flicker of somberness flashed across his face. “He passed away when I was a kid. So, I never knew him, really.”
An awkward silence filled the room as Sophia stared down at her plate. She would’ve given anything to erase what she’d just asked, but the damage was done. There was nothing left to do but move forward now. “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have asked. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” she said.
“No, it’s okay. You had no way of knowing any of that.” His thoughts trailed off. Being this open usually bothered him. But something felt different now.
Different. There went that word again, popping up into his mind. So many times that word had bounced around in his brain.
At least, ever since Sophia came into his life.
“I just wish I felt better about the situation with her,” he lamented. “But her health has really been going down the tubes lately.”
“Well,” she said, reaching for her last slice, “I’m sorry to hear that. We went through the same thing with my grandma.”
“I take it she’s not here anymore?” he asked. He braced himself for the answer, hoping he hadn’t just re-opened an old wound.
“No,” she said softly. “She passed away a few years back.”
“I’m sorry. That sucks.”
Her eyes flitted around the room, wishing for any sort of distraction that would push the sobering moment away. Then, on the other side of the room, she found her salvation—a beautiful baby grand piano that had long since turned into a catch-all for random odds and ends.
“Do you play?” she asked, pointing to it.
“Actually, yeah. My grandma’s the one who taught me. It’s actually her piano, not ours. We’re just keeping it for her since she’s in assisted living, and it’s a pretty small space.”
The look on his face squeezed her heart in ways she didn’t realize it could. “Well, I’m sure she knows it’s in good hands. I think it’s awesome that you play.”
“Pretty sure you’re the first girl that’s ever thought that,” he laughed.
Her eyes went wide. “Seriously? I think it’s cool. Have you played it recently?”
“No, but if you want me to play something for you, I suppose I can.” He flashed a wide smile, then got up to head over to the piano. “I’m a little rusty, though. But I think you’ll like this piece. Just sit back and listen.”
She leaned up against the piano, feeling a little wave of anticipation sweep through her. It wasn’t every day she got treated to a private concert.
But she was definitely game for that.
“I’m not making you nervous, am I?”
Gray shook his head. “Nope, I’m just warming up.”
“Sophia!”
Her head whipped around toward her neighbor’s house. The voice sounded like Steve. It really did. But something just seemed… off. Like she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
And God, she prayed it wasn’t. All she wanted to do was head inside and go to bed. But in the dim light from the streetlamp, it was almost impossible to tell as she squinted into the darkness.
“Steve?” she called. “Is that you?”
“Yeah, hey, can I come over and talk to you?”
His words were slurred
like he’d just downed a fifth of vodka, and Sophia rolled her eyes, thankful he couldn’t see the look of disgust on her face. God only knew what he wanted, but she was certain whatever it was wouldn’t be important.
Not even a little.
“Uh, sure. I don’t have a lot of time to talk, though.”
Worry shadowed his face as he emerged from the darkness. “You still hanging out with that Cawthorne guy?”
She froze. How the hell did he even know that she and Grayson were speaking? And why was it any of his business what she did with her free time? Steve wasn’t her personal keeper. Yet, there he was, standing there and grilling her like a damn drill sergeant.
“I am,” she said cooly. “Is there a problem?”
Steve grimaced. Was she really that blind?
Or was she just playing stupid?
He swayed in the darkness, struggling to stay upright. “You could say that,” he mumbled. “Been hearing some shit about him. Not sure he’s the kind of guy you should be hanging around with.”
“Oh, really?” she asked, letting the sarcasm drip from every syllable. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember asking your drunken ass for advice. And no offense, but you’re literally the last person I’d ever take relationship or friendship advice from.”
He blew out a breath, feeling the irritation surging through him as he stood. “Look, I know you didn’t, but… but just listen to me. Please.” Steve fell to his knees, clasping his hands together. “Please. I care about you. I don’t wanna see you get hurt.”
“Hurt by what?” she snapped. “Look, I don’t know what bullshit you think you’ve heard, but you don’t get to dictate what goes on in my life. And you certainly don’t get the right to tell me who to spend time with.”
Her words had him seeing red. No matter what he did or said, he would never measure up in her eyes. He could stand there bleeding out, and she probably wouldn’t notice.
Especially not if Grayson was around.
Grayson. Just thinking his name made Steve’s skin crawl. Somehow, he had managed to get the attention of every living, breathing female at Hardingdale. He was Mister Perfect on every level, douche of all douches.
And certainly not good enough for Sophia.
“Then that’s... your call," he said. "Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Monday mornings sucked in general, but from the moment Sophia woke the next morning, Steve’s stupid words were front and center once more, echoing through her mind like a haunting melody.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
All weekend they’d been needling at her, making her question what was really going on. She could only hope Steve was wrong, that maybe he’d taken something out of context. But still, the seed had been planted, taking root and spreading the first inklings of fear throughout her heart.
Maybe Steve knew something she didn’t. That was always a possibility.
But the red flags weren’t there, and nothing Gray had done up to that point had set off any alarm bells.
She shook the thought from her head. Letting Steve’s bullshit take up space in her mind rent-free was a complete waste of time.
And his jealousy wasn’t her problem.
Jealousy, she thought. That had to be it. It was the only explanation. At least, it was the only reasonable one. He could’ve asked her out a long time ago, but he didn’t. Not that it would’ve mattered. She still would’ve said ‘no’ to him, anyway.
It’s not like she’d ever felt anything for him. Yeah, they were neighbors. Always had been. But other than seeing each other in passing, the connection just wasn’t there. Nor would it ever be.
Especially now that Gray was in her life.
The drive to school was endless as her mind wandered, constantly thinking back to the weekend, and how good it felt to feel cared for. It didn’t matter that Gray was the single reason she was still riding her high. It felt good to finally have something to look forward to again on a weekend.
And with any luck, she’d get to see him again the next weekend.
And every weekend after.
Sophia laughed silently to herself as she pulled into her parking space. No doubt, Cassie would have plenty to ask, and she’d want to know every nitty-gritty detail. But luckily for Sophia, there was nothing to report to her.
And even if there had been, some details were better left unsaid.
Sophia scanned the halls as she headed to her locker, hoping to catch Grayson before class began. Either Steve was a liar or is he was dead on the money. But one way or another, she needed answers. And the next time she saw Gray, she would get them.
Whether he liked it or not.
Cassie sighed in relief as Sophia approached. “Finally! I wasn’t sure if you were coming today.”
“Well, I’m here. Ready for another week, I guess.”
Cassie eyed her suspiciously. “Everything okay? Or just a case of the Monday blahs?”
Sophia laughed. Mondays were always a drag. That was practically an unwritten rule. But that wasn’t exactly the real reason why she felt so out of sorts. “Well, I was having a great weekend until Steve cornered me about why I came home so late Friday night.”
“Steve?” She wrinkled her nose. “Why does he care?”
Sophia rolled her eyes. “I think you know why. He’s been trying to get with me forever. And now he's getting mad that I had a study date.”
“How the hell did he even know you went anywhere?”
Sophia shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I’m assuming he was staring out the window like he always does.”
A visible shudder shot through Cassie. “Ugh. That’s so freaking weird. Oh well. He’s an ass and you should just ignore him. There, case closed,” she said, shutting her locker door. “So, tell me how your study date went!”
Sophia couldn’t help the smile spreading across her face. “It went really well. Not that we got much studying done.”
“Oh, really now?” Cassie waggled her eyebrows.
“It wasn’t like that.”
“So, let me get this straight. You two had a ‘study date,’ but you didn’t study?”
Sophia threw her hands in the air. “I mean, yeah, I guess. We just… talked, really.”
She threw her a look of disbelief. “And you expect me to believe that?” She let out a loud, hearty laugh. “Hanging out with someone that hot, and you expect me to believe you two were good little angels?”
Sophia gave her a playful slug to the arm. “Yes, believe it or not, nothing actually happened. Not even a kiss.”
Cassie raked her hand through her hair. “Girl, you need to fix that the next time you see him.”
Easier said than done, Sophia thought. If only she could.
“Well, if it’s meant to happen, it will happen. Shit, we barely know each other.”
Cassie stopped in front of her locker and leaned against it. “Like that’s ever stopped anybody. I mean, you’re into him, right?”
“Yeah. A lot. Maybe too much, honestly.”
“Too much?” Cassie laughed. “Trust me, there’s no such thing as too much.”
But as her heart began to hammer in her chest, something deep within Sophia said otherwise. She was already swimming in the deep end, and this time, there might not be anything to hold on to if the waters got choppy. Her heart was on the line. And there was only one way to save it.
She’d have to stay away from him.
Even if her heart protested otherwise.
“But what if there is such a thing as too much?”
Cassie rolled her eyes. “There isn’t. Trust me.”
Says the girl who always wears her heart on her sleeve, Sophia thought. She’d lost count of all the times Cassie had her heart stomped on by a guy.
And that was exactly what Sophia wanted to avoid. No drama, no heartache, just happiness.
She sighed. Maybe that was too much to ask for.
Or, maybe, Gray’s your guy. The thought
flew across her mind at such an alarming rate that she froze in place.
“You okay?” Cassie asked. “You’ve got a weird look on your face.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just… I don’t know. Is it weird to be falling for a guy you barely know?”
“Not really. I mean, you can’t help who you like. And come on. Look at him.” Cassie pointed down the hall, watching as Grayson grabbed a book from his locker. “What’s not to like?”
“The fact that he’s into history and science,” Sophia teased, practically bursting into laughter. “That’s what you don’t like.”
“That’s because that crap is boring as hell. I mean, who gives a shit about something that happened a hundred years ago? I don’t.”
Sophia shrugged her shoulders. “I mean, whatever floats your boat.” She pulled her phone from her purse, cringing as she looked at the time. “Shit. I gotta go,” she said. “Oh, and I can’t hang out after school. I have to meet Grayson.”
“Again?” A hint of jealousy swept through Cassie as she stood there, dumbfounded by her friend. How Sophia had managed to go from zero to sixty with Grayson was beyond her. But it was already starting to wear thin. Very thin. “You know, you can have a life outside of hanging out with him.”
Sophia tensed, feeling the pressure beginning to squeeze at her. Maybe her instincts had been right. Maybe she was falling off into the deep end a little too fast.
And did she really want to be one of those girls, tripping over herself to keep his attention? After all, they were the same ones she and Cassie had laughed about behind their backs. And now, she was turning into one of them, falling for Gray at free-fall speed. It was crazy.
But the only thing crazier was the fact that, for once, she wasn’t sure she cared.
Sophia’s eyes fluttered open as her phone vibrated on the nightstand. God only knew who would be texting this early in the morning, but whoever it was needed a swift kick to the head. It was only six-thirty, for crying out loud. What could possibly have been that important?
She rolled over, half-awake as she squinted at the screen. Even on the lowest setting, the brightness of the screen was mind-numbing this early, practically rendering her brain useless until the name on the display snapped her out of her haze.
Here In Your Arms (Fort Haven Book 1) Page 3
