Page 68 of The One You Want

“And that first night when you saw me . . .”

“You were right. I thought you were Maggie’s fiancé and I was immediately disappointed that I didn’t have a shot with you.”

“You saw Marc after that and you were about to say something but he introduced himself to you and pretended he didn’t know you.”

“Yes. And then I didn’t know what to do. I wish I’d called him out on it. But how weird would that have been to announce that Marc and I knew each other but he didn’t remember me or that night?”

“Yeah, Maggie probably wouldn’t have taken that well, and I’d have probably steered clear because of Marc and we’d have missed discovering this thing we have between us.”

“Then let’s just put it out there. How do you feel about the fact that Marc and I have a past history?”

“I don’t like how Marc has handled this, keeping secrets, making comments, trying to upset you with those strip club pictures, and asking you to lie for him. I don’t like that he called you gorgeous on the phone, or saidourRose like he and I are sharing you in some way.”

“If he wasn’t marrying Maggie, I wouldn’t see him again,” she assured Gray. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s not the same guy I met a year ago, but Maggie’s Marc. And your cousin. I don’t know that we’ll ever be friends, but I can try to like him for you and Maggie.”

“Don’t try too hard on my account.”

“I was really just saying that for your benefit. I have no intention of going out of my way to be nice to him. Except for Maggie, because I don’t want to lose my best friend over him. I don’t want to lose you because of him, either.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not upset or mad at you, I was just surprised, and yes, angry that you’d been with Marc. Mostly because I just want it not to be true so that you’re all mine. I don’t want him to know things about you that I don’t.”

“He doesn’t know me at all.”

Gray remained silent for a long moment and she knew he was thinking of her having sex with Marc.

“It was just sex, Gray. Nothing more. I’m sure you’ve had sex with women and it meant little to nothing.”

“Intellectually, I know that. But knowing he had his hands on you, kissed you, saw your beautiful body naked and explored it...”

“You make it sound like we made love, took our time, and savored it. That is so very far from the truth. We were drunk and sloppy and eager for release.” That was all the detail she’d give him. “It was what I wanted in the moment. And when I woke up, I was done and ready to leave without a backward glance. I don’t want to think about it now, let alone relive it with you.

“If you think that you and I will have the same thing, you’re wrong. But if you’re not willing or able to put it out of your mind and just be with me, then you’ll never know and we’ll both lose out on something I think could be amazing. Because I’ve spent every night and so many of my waking moments these last few days thinking about us. Together. You are theone I want in my bed, naked, touching me, filling me, taking me into the fire even you said would burn the world.

“We can have that, Gray, but only if you let this go.”

“As far as I’m concerned, he’s not even an ex. Just some dickhead who never had a chance of more with you,” Gray said.

“And I promise if I ever meet one of your exes, I’ll try really hard not to scratch their eyes out for ever looking at you, but feel really lucky that they were stupid for letting you go and you’re mine. And I will hate them for sleeping with you, but then I’ll take you to bed and remind you why you want me and only me.”

“Damn, sweetheart, you really know how to make me wish I was with you right now.”

“Then why aren’t you here?” She hoped he heard the plea in her voice, because until she saw him and felt the way he looked at her, touched her, and kissed her, she wouldn’t be convinced this wouldn’t be a problem for them.

And then he said the only thing she wanted to hear. “I’m on my way.”