Perfect Embrace by Kaylee Ryan

Chapter 11

Laken

“This is a bad idea,” I tell my sister. I’m sitting on a kitchen chair while she does my makeup.

“Explain that statement,” she says, as she continues to brush eyeshadow across my eyelids.

I don’t reply. I can’t explain it. It’s not a bad idea, not really. It’s just that I’m nervous as hell. I’ve crushed on Grayson for years. Years. For some reason, we’ve been thrust into each other's lives a lot lately, and well, now we’re going on a date.

“You do realize you are the first woman he’s asked out since losing his wife.”

“How do you know that?”

“Really, Laken? This is Mason Creek. Besides, the MC Scoop says so, so you know it must be true.” She chuckles. “Furthermore, you live here. Have you seen or heard of him dating? You know damn good and well if he had, Tate would have been all over that.”

“No. He’s— No, not that I know of.” She’s right. There’s nothing that happens in Mason Creek without everyone in town finding out about it. Part of the reason is Tate and her blog, and the other half, well, that’s just small-town living. It’s a blessing and a curse. Everyone knows everyone’s business, but at the same time, we rally around our own.

We’re more than just neighbors. We’re family.

“Breathe, Laken. You’re going to dinner with a man who is clearly interested in you. We both know that Grayson isn’t one to play around. He’s one of the good ones. It’s just dinner.”

“Right.” I nod. “Just dinner.”

“Exactly.” She pulls back and smiles. “You look beautiful, little sis.”

Standing, I make my way to the small bathroom and stare at my reflection in the mirror. My long red hair hangs down my back in its natural beach wave. I’m wearing an emerald green sundress and strappy sandals. My makeup is light, and the green she used on my eyes makes the hazel color pop. Then again, it could be the color of the dress, and maybe it’s the combination of the two.

“Am I overdressed?” I ask Lenora.

“No. He said dinner, and your outfit is the best mix if it’s fancy or casual. This works.” She waves her hands at me.

“Thank you for helping me.” I go to her, wrapping my arms around her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She steps out of my embrace. “I’m going to get out of here, so he doesn’t think you need your big sister to hold your hand.”

“I do, though.”

She smiles. “You don’t need me, Laken. You’re beautiful, and he’s going to swallow his tongue when he sees you.” She winks. “Just be you. Be real. Don’t hide who you are, and don’t pretend to be someone you think he would want. If he doesn’t see the real you and fall in love with you, then he doesn’t deserve you.”

“Hold up. No one said anything about falling in love.”

She shrugs. “Be you because you are incredible. And he sees that, or tonight wouldn’t be happening.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too. Have fun, and call me after.”

“I will.” With another hug, she’s out the door, and I’m alone.

Glancing at the clock on the stove, I see it’s fifteen minutes before seven. He could be here at any minute. Grabbing my small purse, making sure I have what I need, my phone, keys, and wallet, I lock up my apartment and head down the stairs. I wait at the back door. Then I realize I don’t know if he’s coming to the front or the back, and I don’t have his number to ask him or guide him in any way. I pace back and forth, wondering if I should just go stand out in front of the building. Chances are he would see me before pulling around back. I’m digging for my keys to unlock the door that separates the small entryway and my bookstore when there’s a knock on the back door. My pulse quickens. I stop pacing and take in a couple of deep breaths before making my way to the door.

Pulling the door open, I can’t help but smile when I see Grayson standing there. He’s wearing a pair of dark jeans that look as though they were made just for him and a black fitted T-shirt. “Hi,” I say lamely.

“Laken,” he breathes. He steps toward me and presses his lips to my cheek. “You’re beautiful.” His words, along with his hot breath, fan across my cheek, causing a shiver to race down my spine.

“Thank you. You look handsome.” His words and his reaction give me the courage I need to speak what’s on my mind. Lenora’s right. I need to be me. “I wasn’t sure where we were going, so I didn’t really know what to wear.”

“This—” His hand trails down my arm, leaving goose bumps in its wake until his hand is clasped with mine. “—is perfect. I thought we could drive over to Billings to that new steakhouse.”

“Sounds great.” I turn and pull the door closed, checking to make sure it’s locked.

“I’m not trying to hide this,” he says as he drops my hand only to place his on the small of my back as he leads me to his truck. “I’m sure Tate is going to hear about it regardless. I’ve just been craving steak. I also thought we might get a night of not feeling as though we’re in a fishbowl with all of Mason Creek watching us.”

“Billings is perfect,” I assure him. “And are you sure you want to do this? You know you’re right about Tate. She’s going to get wind of this, and the entire town is going to know.”

“Do you want to hide this?” He points his index finger at his chest, then back at me.

“No.”

“Then I’m sure.” He gives me a charming smile as he grabs for the door of his truck to open it for me.

“Thank you.” I reach in, grab the handle, and hoist myself inside. I’m quick to drop in the seat, hoping I didn’t just give him a show with this dress and his tall-ass truck.

“Buckle up,” he says before closing the door and jogging around to the driver’s side, and sliding behind the wheel.

“How was the rest of your day?” I ask.

“Good. I took the girls to Christine and Marty. They’re having a sleepover. They do the same with my parents one weekend a month. It’s become something the girls really look forward to.”

“I’m sure it’s nice to have a break. Please don’t take that the wrong way.” I rush to get the words out. “Those girls of yours are something special. I just mean it has to be hard on you keeping it all together on your own.” Damnit, I’m messing this up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—” I start but stop midsentence when Grayson reaches over the console and places his hand over mine.

“It’s nice to get a break. I love my daughters. They’re my life, but you’re right. Being a single parent is hard, and the break is very much appreciated.” He pauses. “It took me a while after losing Holly to realize I didn’t need to be with them all the time. That it was okay to get a break now and then. That doesn’t mean I love them any less.”

“Of course not. That’s not what I meant at all.”

“I know that.” He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I just mean, it took me some time to get that through my thick skull.”

“I’m happy to help anytime. You know, if you need a sitter or something. We can make brownies or cookies or something.”

He glances over, a small smile playing on his lips before darting his eyes right back to the road. “Thank you, Laken.”

The way he says my name, all deep and… sexual. Okay, so it’s not sexual, but it turns me on all the same, which has me shifting in my seat. I’d be happy to sit here next to him, just letting him say my name over and over again. Hell, he could read me his grocery list, and I’d be happy to sit and listen.

The remainder of the drive is small talk, but not awkward small talk. I settle back into my seat and enjoy the feel of his hand over mine as we talk about our favorite music, food, and an array of other topics as we get to know one another.

“Wow, this place is packed,” I say as we pull into the parking lot of the steakhouse.

“Do you want to go somewhere else?”

“No. I mean, if you do, that’s fine.”

“Let’s see how long the wait is. Stay put.” He points at me before pulling the keys from the ignition and climbing out of the truck. My gaze follows him as he walks to my door, tugging it open. He offers me his hand, and I take it willingly.

With his hand on the small of my back, we make our way inside. He leads us to the hostess, and she tells us the wait is only about ten minutes, so we decide to stay.

“Laken?”

Turning to look over my shoulder, I see Grady and Charlotte. “Hey.” I smile and wave.

“Fancy seeing you here,” she says with a smirk.

“Gray.” Grady nods at Grayson.

“Looks like we all had the same idea.” Grayson laughs.

I want to look over at him to see if he’s nervous that we ran into his friend and mine or if he’s as calm as his voice makes him out to be. He doesn’t remove his hand from the small of my back, and I’m taking that as a good sign.

“This is new,” Charlotte says, pointing between us.

“First date,” Grayson explains.

“Interesting,” Charlotte muses.

“Jackson, party of two,” the hostess calls out.

“You want to join us?” Grady offers.

“Nah, maybe next time,” Grayson answers.

“Thanks, though.” I wave at them. I wait until they walk away with the hostess to turn and look at Grayson. “That didn’t take long.” I smile.

He leans in close, his lips next to my ear. “Knew it would happen. I have nothing to hide, Laken.”

I nod and turn back around. His close proximity has rendered me speechless, and even if I could form words, what would I say? You haven’t dated since losing your wife over three years ago, so I thought you would want to ease into this? It’s not my place. Only Grayson knows how he feels and if he’s ready to date. From his actions and the fact we’re standing here because he asked me to dinner, I’d say he’s ready.

Or at least he’s getting there.

“Davis, party of two.”

“That’s us,” Grayson speaks up.

“If you’ll follow me,” the hostess says politely.

With his hand still on the small of my back, we follow behind our hostess, who seats us at a back booth, hidden away in the corner of the restaurant. “Thank you,” I tell her as I slide into the booth, as Grayson slides into the other. I expected to be nervous, but I’m surprisingly not. I’m comfortable with Grayson. I don’t care who else is here that we might know. I don’t care if we happen to run into a few familiar faces. All I care about is that right now, I have his full attention and he has mine.