Page 25 of Mr. Green

“You’re wrong.” I put my nose in the air, like I absolutely don’t care he just pulled at my heartstrings. He noticed moments when I was truly happy. Everything he said is true. Maybe he can see me.

Don’t fall for that, heart!

“Just get on the boat.” He puts his arm around my lower waist, leading me up to the gangplank. It might as well be the plank of death for me. My heart is not protected right now. Plus, my entire plan to stay away from him amidst people is ruined.

Since he has bribed me with seeing the whales, I don’t make a fuss. The captain greets us with an, “Aloha.”

I nod my head in response and make my way to the front of the boat. Grant follows me, a horn sounds, and off we go into the open horizon. We still have about an hour until sunset. The clouds are a lot fluffier here than in Washington. They look like piles of cotton balls put together floating in the sky. It’s a refreshing change from the constant gray mist I’m used to.

Grant doesn’t touch me, but he’s close by, leaning on the railing as we ride out. Twenty minutes goes by, and I see water blowing out in the distance. They found the whales!

My smile is so big, it could be taking up half my face. Grant turns towards me.

“I’m glad you got to see your whales.” Grant doesn’t look towards the whales, he’s looking at me. His eyes land on my mouth. “I’d pay to see that any time.”

I must be blushing. This is too romantic for me tohandle. He just made my year. I’m smiling like I caught a leprechaun with a pot of gold. I haven’t been this happy in what feels like years.

I can’t think about what that means right now. I’m on the water, enjoying the most magnificent creature I’ve ever seen. I’m not going to pay attention to how I have no control over where my heart just went—to the amazing creature beside me.

Chapter 17

Lana

The 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 withhim?

“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 Ryanmayhave 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.