Page 17 of Mr. Green (Mr. #2)

Lana

T he sun has gone down, which means no more whales. I’ve forgotten we’re stuck on a boat. I’ve forgotten I now need to interact with the person I’m stuck on this boat with.

At that realization, my hands start wringing, touching my face, adjusting my dress that doesn’t need adjusting. How am I going to get through the rest of the night with him?

“You hungry?” he asks.

“Uhhhh...”

“It’s a yes or no question. It doesn’t mean you’ll be eating whale tonight.”

My eyes widen and I gasp. “How could you suggest such a vile thing?”

“It was a joke. No one is eating whale. Relax.”

I was relaxed until I remembered I’m in close quarters with the guy I possibly just fell for.

“Are you cold? You’re shaking.” He puts his jacket over me before I answer him.

I don’t think I’m cold. I think I’m terrified I’m giving into what my heart wants.

Now the guy I’m not supposed to like is giving me his fucking jacket.

It’s thoughtful and endearing, which is the exact opposite of what I want to feel for Grant.

My eyes tear up at the affectionate gesture.

It’s the first time any guy has done something so sweet for me.

I try to think of a time Ryan did something romantic—bring me home flowers just because, tell me to wear his coat when it’s freezing out, bring me a coffee.

I can’t think of a single thing. I can think of things I did for him—make sure dinner was ready right when he got home from work, surprise him with a night at a hotel, make reservations for dinner.

I’m beginning to recognize that Ryan may have been a bit of a jerk.

Maybe my friends were right and he was a total fartbag.

No, no, no. Ryan was a great, dependable guy. I’m sure nothing romantic popped up in his head. He was busy and distracted with work. Some guys just aren’t romantic. He’d never think to bring me to see one of my favorite things. That’s just not him.

Grant, on the other hand, hasn’t seen me in years and the first thing he does is take me on an exciting adventure. He pays attention to things about me, like when my dimple shows. Would a guy just trying to get in my pants do things like that?

Yes.

“Let’s go inside the cabin and at least get a drink. I’ll keep my distance,” Grant tells me as he puts his hands up in the air.

I’m glad I see those suckers; they’re sneaky. And big. And probably warm.

I start walking as fast as I can to get away from the intimacy. Once inside, I’m greeted with a small, wood-paneled cabin with red carpet, and a table set for two with a bottle of chilled champagne on top. The napkins are folded into some sort of flower-looking thing.

Grant is behind me. “Why don’t you sit down?”

“Right, right.” If only I could make my feet move forward.

He goes to a chair and moves it. Then he signals for me to sit. This is good. Directions will help.

I walk over, grab my seat, and he pushes me in.

Now I’m staring across from him. His beard is groomed, his light brown eyes are almond shaped with dilated pupils, and his arms are straining against his shirt.

I’m engulfed in the man and pine smell I love so much since his jacket is still around my shoulders.

Thankfully, there’s a waiter. He brings over soup.

The smell of clams and bacon filter through my haze, and my stomach gurgles in response.

I haven’t eaten since this morning. Once the flight was over, I took a nap and then it was time to come here.

I make myself busy and add some pepper, avoiding the gaze across from mine.

It’s weird how quiet it is in here. Maybe it’s from not hearing an engine or the wind anymore. Usually Grant talks to try and fill the void of awkwardness. Maybe I should say something.

“I—”

At the same time he says, “Well—”

“Oh, go ahead.” I blush.

“No, you first.” He motions his hand at me.

This is going well. I take a deep breath. “I wanted to say thank you for taking me to see the whales. I’ve seen them once before and have always wanted to come back again.”

“I’d take you every year if you’d let me.”

My blushing continues. I have no idea what else to say. I look down at my soup again.

“How are Mr. and Mrs. Love. It’s been a while. They still together and look at one another with hearts popping out of their eyes?”

I laugh. “My dad was always a romantic. Said he fell for my mom the first time he saw her. They’ve been together thirty-nine years now and still make out in front of me. It can be gross to watch.” I pause. “But, I’d love to have that,” I mumble.

“When you know, you know.” The side of his mouth twitches as he strokes his beard. “I bet the person you’re looking for is right under your nose and has been looking for you for a while.”

I look up at him. He can’t possibly be talking about him and I being soul mates. “Anyways,” I clear my throat, “what are we eating? I would guess there’s bacon in here.”

“I know what I’d love to be eating.” He gives me a devilish smirk.

“Okay, you need to stop.”

He leans forward with his eyes staring at my lips. “Why?”

“I’m not looking for a guy.” I protest. “You men can’t be trusted.”

“I’m not just any guy. ”

I know. My stomach drops to my toes. Grant is my dream guy, but there’s no way he could be serious about me.

“I’m two seconds from blowing up and swimming back to shore just to get away from you.”

“You’re cute.” He strokes his beard. “I don’t think you want to get away from me.”

“No?” I raise my eyebrow and then get up and push my chair away from the table. I’m muttering profanities as I make my way out the door. There’s a small boat secured by rope on the sides I could lower. It’s probably for emergencies, but this is one. I need to get off the boat and away from Grant.

I turn to the captain who’s steering at the top of the deck. “I’m going to need that boat. It’s not safe on board anymore. Can you help me get it down?” He stares at me like I have five heads instead of taking me seriously.

“Hey, I’m just teasing you,” Grant says from behind me. “Will you please relax and come sit inside. Finish your dinner. You’ll have more energy for the swim back at least.”

I turn to him and point a finger at his face. “You’re not funny.”

“She has hallucinations,” he tells the captain while swirling a finger around his temple.

My jaw opens to the floor. Why does he always need to involve others in what should be a private matter?

“I don’t have hallucinations,” I tell the captain. The explanation does nothing. The captain is still staring at me like I have five heads.

“Didn’t you just tell him the boat isn’t safe anymore? I don’t know if you can tell, but there’s no fire, no storm, no leak. Everything’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. I still have to interact with you. Alone.”

“That’s not unsafe. That’s supposed to happen. I’m the host.”

“More like you’re a lunatic.” I turn to the captain. “I’m not the crazy one on this boat!”

“That’s what all the crazy people say,” Grant tells me while leading me down to the dinner area again. “Don’t worry, Cap! She won’t come up here again. I know how to handle crazy.”

The captain fucking laughs. I want to shred him into little pieces and feed him to the sharks. Asswad.

My hands are balled into fists as I clench my teeth together. “That was embarrassing.”

“Why are you always trying to get away from me?” He sits at the chair he was at before and motions for me to join him. He strokes his beard, sitting with his legs wide, and leaning back like he’s King fucking Tut.

“I don’t know you.” I plop down in my chair with my nose raised to the stars.

“What? We’ve known each other for years. Is it because another guy broke your heart?”

“Yes. You’re all trouble.”

“I think you’ll find someone who treats you better than he ever did. You deserve it. You deserve whatever you want. You just need to realize it. And where the fuck was Josh when this guy hurt you?”

“Josh was there for me. He stayed with me for the weekend, distracting me with action movies and food from new restaurants. Have you talked to him?”

“No, not yet. I was waiting for clarification on some things before I reached out to him. It’s been a few years, so I don’t think he’s missing me.”

“I’m sure he’d love to hear from you. It’s not like you want to date me.” I flick my hand while Grant clenches his jaw. “You know how protective Josh is with any guy trying to go out with me. I’ve learned to ignore him, though.” I shrug.

He whispers to himself, “I know.” He stares at the table with a gaze over his eye, continuing to stroke his beard.

I clear my throat. “Why aren’t you in a relationship? Aren’t you like forty now?”

“Ouch.” He puts his hand over his heart. “I’m only thirty-three. I’ve been waiting for the right person. I’m good at committing, I just need to find the person I want to commit to.”

“It doesn’t sound like you’re good at committing.” I shake my head.

“I played golf since I was six. I got a scholarship to a school I graduated from. I always pick a relationship instead of going for a one-night stand. I’ve had a business since I was twenty-two.

I’ve volunteered with the humane society since I was in elementary school. What do you need me to prove?”

“How long was your longest relationship?” My eyes scrutinize him.

“Almost three years.”

He did always have a girlfriend in high school. There were only two. They were pretty, thin, perfect. Naturally, I acted like they didn’t exist and hoped Grant would see me one day like he saw them.

“Why did it end?”

“We weren’t right for each other. She didn’t love me for me. She just liked what I could give her. It took me a while to figure out I wanted someone to love me for my personality and not what I could provide.”

Me too.

My lips turn up in a consoling smile. I know exactly what he means.

I’ve always wanted someone to be there for me.

For them to want to see me first when they woke up and last when they went to sleep.

I want someone to be with through thick and thin.

Someone who thinks I look cute in my glasses and sweats.

It’s hard to find a guy who’ll be committed the same way.

They’re always after their career, or sex, or your looks.

“I just got a dog.”

He laughs. It’s the best sound I’ve heard all day. It makes me join in on the laughter.

“Nice transition. Not jarring at all. I figured you had a reason to be at the humane society the other day.”

Being with Grant seems easy and fun. I’ve always been attracted to his natural ability to be at ease with everyone he was around.

I still don’t think I should trust him, though. There’s no guarantee he’d stay with someone like me. Plus, he’s used to traveling and being with women who could be supermodels, I’d imagine. He’ll get bored and leave if we’re together. Honestly, I wouldn’t blame him.

~

We’ve made it through dinner without me wanting to jump off the boat again.

Now, we’re in a town car headed back to the hotel.

Once we get out of the car I start walking at a fast pace.

I need some space away from Mr. Perfect over there.

I really don’t need a cute walk up to my room where I fiddle with my keys, waiting for him to shove me up against the door, and give me a kiss of a lifetime. Not that he sees me that way.

Grant’s shoes clack on the hotel floors a few paces behind me. My heart picks up it’s pace, thinking we’re running the mile right now. I was thinking I could get to the elevator without him. Obviously, I’m an idiot.

We stare at the doors, waiting for them to open. I fidget with my hair and dress, waiting to enter a small box with the man I just want to lean into. Maybe I should find the stairs. I could burn some calories, get my steps in.

I turn to Grant and hand over his jacket. “Thank you for tonight. I’m taking the stairs. I’ll see you around.”

Then the fucking elevator pings. I’ve decided I hate elevators.

Grant puts his hand on my lower back, making my body respond with excitement. My heart rate must be way above normal.

“Get in the elevator, Sunshine.”

I glare at him. He gives me a gentle shove and stands in front of me, blocking my escape route. My hands start fidgeting in front of my waist. If this turns into a sexy moment of making out in close quarters , I’m doomed. I won’t be able to say no. I’ll give right in and kiss the shit out of him.

Grant presses the button for our floor and then puts his hands in his pockets. “There’s no need to be nervous. I’m not doing anything.” He pauses. “Tonight.”

That sounded like a threat. Or a promise. Whatever it was, it makes my breathing stop.

The elevator opens. I walk to my room at a questionable pace. It’s more of a light jog. To my surprise, Grant isn’t right behind me. Wishful thinking.

“Goodnight. I’ll be seeing you soon,” he calls down the hallway, his jacket hanging over his arm. I hate that his voice moves through my body like a wave.

I get into my room, close the door, put the lock in place and lean against it. My heart finally settles down after being rapid all night. I ignore the smile creeping up on my face, excited to see him again tomorrow.