Page 28 of Mr. Green

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 areason to be at the humane society the other day.”

Being with Grantseemseasy 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 startfidgeting 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.

Chapter 18

Lana

I’m hanging on a beach at a table under an umbrella the next morning with Paige and Scarlett. Scarlett’s not an early riser, so I got a run in before we decided to lounge around all day.

“How did it go with Grant?” Scarlett puts her hands under her chin and leans towards me from her lounge chair.

“How did what go with Grant?” I ask with a furrowed brow.

“I heard him ask you to go on a whale watching trip, Lana!” Paige butts in. “You know what we’re talking about.”

“You were asleep.” I look at her, wide-eyed.

“Was I?” Paige lifts an eyebrow in response.

“That’s bullshit! You can’t be sneaky!” I retort.

“Lana, stop avoiding the question. How’d it go?” Scarlett asks with a serious tone.

“It was pretty nice. Grant is full of swoon. Is swoon a word? If it is, his picture should be in the dictionary.”

Paige screams and Scarlett claps her hands together, reminding me of a seal.