Page 94 of Piggy

But I also know the side of Grayson I fell in love with made me feel safer and happier than any other time in my life.

Gosh, I miss that so much.

I blurt, “I’m going to EMT school.”

His brow furrows, clearly caught off guard.

“I want to have a better career. Save the house. Get Atticus back from the State.”

He tilts his head, a slow grin growing at the edge of his mouth, but his eyes are still holding curiosity. “Why are you telling me this, Charlotte? Right now?”

I swallow, nervous. “Because I need help, too. And maybe... maybe you could take care of me instead of Meghan.”

“Youreallywant to be with me?” he asks, surprised.

I smile wide, dumb and girly. I cover my mouth, looking at Grayson as I nod.

He cocks his head. “If you want to be mine, you need to know I won’t let you go this time. Do you understand? You sure you’re ready for that?”

I flush beet red. I nod once more, no hesitation this time, because yeah, I fear the darkness in him. But I’d still rather face the world with him beside me. I trust him, too. He wouldn’t do those mean things to me. He said so! I’m different than other women... I could see in his eyes he wasn’t lying.

Yeah. I’m ready.

“Yep, I want to be yours,” I reply assuredly, trying not to smile because my next words need to sound as tough as I can make them.

“But you can’t talk to that woman anymore. Got it?”

He fails to stifle a laugh, gazing down with a smirk. “Okay, Piggy.”

His knuckles gloss down the swoop of my neck, giving me goosebumps. His lips follow, hot and sensual across my skin. He murmurs, “No need to squeal anymore, baby. I got you now, andnobodyhurts my girl.”

Chapter 28

Charlotte

The Florida air is thick, like honey sticking to my skin. Grayson and I stand in the humid breeze, wrapped in each other, the sun bleeding orange and red across the sky.

“I can’t believe we have been together a whole month,” I say, reaching up on my tiptoes.

He leans down, lips already curved in that cocky, heart-melting smirk. Our mouths meet, his big tongue teasing mine. His cologne seeps into my nose. His arms cage me close, all muscle and heat, and I swear I could melt right into him.

I love himsomuch that I still get these crazy butterflies! Gosh, I am lucky.

When our lips part, I trail my fingertips down his abs, loving that I get to touch him now.All mine.I try not to look too giddy, but it’s hard to hide.

‘Cause he’smyboyfriend.

I force my smile down some, so I don’t look too stupid. I say with simmering excitement, “And now, this is my first day in EMT training. I can’t believe how much my life is changing.”

He grins, but just pats my head like I’m a proud little pup. I swat his arm, laughing.

I give him one last hug, then beam once more before facing the ominous building. A pit swells in my stomach.

Softly, I mumble, more to myself, “I hope I don’t fail.”

But he hears it.

“You can do this, babe. You will do fine,” he assures, far more confident than me. “Go on. Go inside.”