Page 117 of Capturing Love

“No.”

His eyes met mine, and the hint of a smirk hid behind his lips. “What are you afraid of Josie?”

I pursed my lips, but remained silent. You.

“I just want to talk.”

Grudgingly, I stepped aside to let him pass, then proceeded to the kitchen to pour myself some wine. “You have until the end of this glass,” I said, before gulping down two mouthfuls.

His jaw tensed and I raised my eyebrows impatiently.

“Our parents made the deal behind our backs. We had no idea it was happening until it was too late.” He lowered his eyes to the hardwood floor. “It was a surprise engagement present.”

I took another sip, but struggled to swallow it down. “You said her parents wouldn’t merge until you were married.”

“And they won’t, not entirely. They’re just trying to push things along because Melanie hasn’t been coping. They think she’ll benefit from being closer to me, and with Maude to keep her busy, she’ll stay out of trouble.”

“And what do you think?”

Grayson placed his hands on his hips and sighed. “I think they may be right. I can get her the help she needs out here.”

“So, she’ll be living with you? Here in New York?”

“Yes. They trust her with me.”

“Can I trust her with you?”

He grimaced. “She’s difficult, but I can handle it,” he said, stepping forward. “You have nothing to worry about.”

I drained the rest of the wine down my throat. “Do you realise how fucked up this all is?”

“I know,” he said, running his hand down his face. “But hopefully it won’t be for too much longer. We just need to keep up the façade until—”

“Until what, Gray?” I snapped. “Until you’re married?!”

Grayson’s forehead creased. “No! Adam and I are working on a plan, but I need to make sure Melanie is in a good frame of mind before we proceed.”

“I don’t get it, why is she your responsibility?”

Grayson looked away as his whole body stiffened. “Because I’m the reason she’s like this. I really fucked up when we were kids, and I’ve been paying for it since.”

My shoulders wilted. “Is this about the baby?” I placed my glass down and stepped out from behind the island bench.

Grayson mouth parted. “How did you know about—”

“Adam told me.”

His expression softened as he moved closer. “I should’ve been the one to tell you.”

I nodded, my eyes filling with tears.

Grayson’s hand ran down my arm and settled on my wrist. “It’s not that I didn’t want you to know, I’m just used to keeping it to myself. No one knows the truth, except our families. The rest of the world assumed our engagement was the result of young love.”

I frowned. “Surely you felt something for her. You were together for eleven years.”

His casual shrug didn’t match his tortured eyes. “I think it somehow eased my guilt. By staying with her, I thought she’d eventually return to who she was before she lost the baby, but she’s only getting worse. She’s drinking more than I realised and the drugs—fuck! I didn’t even know she was into that shit.”

“This isn’t your fault, Gray.”