“What happened?”

“We weren’t ready,” she replied thoughtfully. “We still had to become the people we needed to be to make each other truly happy. We met other people and after three years of messing around with those relationships, we realized that it all began and ended with us, me and Clay. There was no one else in the world for me.”

“And you think it will work out that way for me and Brody even after everything that’s happened?”

“Sweetheart, nothing will keep you apart if it’s meant to be. Clay drives me crazy and we fight like hell on wheels, but I refuse to live without him. You can live without Brody, but when you decide don’t want to live without him, then it will all fall into place. In the mean time, be careful you don’t hurt Jeff in the process.”

I shook my head and replied, “I would never hurt him. We’re just friends.”
“Does he know that?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Sweet girl, that man in there,” she pointed in the direction of the kitchen, “is so in love with you and he has no idea that your heart is still unavailable.”

I was about to disagree when the screen door opened. Huntley stepped out.

“I’m sorry, did I interrupt?”

Luanne smiled. “Not at all, Huntley dear. We were just talking.” She winked at me and squeezed my hand. “Give it time sweetheart, Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

She disappeared inside and left me alone with Huntley.

“Everything okay?” she asked. I was getting tired of hearing that from everyone but I knew it came from a good place.

“No,” I replied honestly, “but it will be.”

She nodded and I was grateful when she didn’t press the issue. She knew I’d talk to her when I was ready. I just needed some time to sort out everything in my head, especially Luanne’s last observation about Jeff being in love with me. I still hadn’t decided how I felt about it.

“Are you still okay with looking after Hunter tonight?” Huntley asked.

I smiled. “Of course. I can’t wait.”

“Great,” Huntley replied. “We’re getting ready to go.”

“Alright. I’ll be right behind you.”

Jeff decided to get a ride with Grayson and Huntley and while it stung that he was angry with me, I used the drive home to think. It was time I started sorting out the mess in my head.

Grayson had been broody for the rest of the afternoon and I could tell he was still brewing over everything that had happened at the ranch. We’d dropped Hunter off at Demi’s house for the night, and Jeff had taken off to visit his parents. It was supposed to be our last romantic night alone before the wedding and Grayson was sulking.

Our house was quiet for the first time in months and while the sound of Hunter’s laughter filling every room brought me so much joy, I was looking forward to spending some much-needed alone time with Grayson. I walked into the living room and found Grayson watching some sports reruns. I sat down beside him on the sofa and curled into him.

“Can I make you something to eat?” I asked.

“Whatever you feel like is fine with me, babe.”

I rolled my eyes and stood up. “You know, Gray, sulking isn’t a good look on you.”

I walked to the kitchen and started pulling out some ground beef and pasta to make lasagna. After a few minutes of silence, I felt Grayson standing behind me and he wrapped his arms around my waist. He kissed my neck and murmured, “I’m sorry.”

I turned around and faced him, our bodies pressed together. “It’s okay to be mad,” I replied, “but I’d rather you talk to me than stay quiet.”

He sighed. “It’s just frustrating to be stuck in the middle all the time.”

“I understand,” I replied. “I just think that Demi and Brody are dealing with a lot and as their best friends we have to help them any way we can. After everything Demi went through this past year I can’t imagine how difficult it is to see Brody again, especially knowing she’s keeping so much from him. Your brother is unfortunately caught in the crossfire.”

“What if Demi hurts Jeff? Then what?” I understood Grayson’s concern for his brother, and I couldn’t say that I wasn’t worried either. The entire situation was far more than complicated and someone was bound to get hurt.

“Your brother is a big boy,” I replied with a small smile. “No matter what happens, he’ll be okay. This is between him and Demi.”

“And Brody.”

“They’ll work it out,” I said. “Now can we please enjoy our night alone?”

Grayson’s eyes flashed and he grinned. “You’d better get dinner started then. You’ll need your energy because I have no intention of sleeping tonight.”

A shiver of anticipation moved through my blood and coiled in my belly. I stretched onto my toes and brought our mouths closer until they were only inches apart. “Me neither.”

WE ATE DINNER and while Grayson cleaned up downstairs, I decided to take a shower. I was expecting to feel anxiety or even cold feet now that our wedding was days away, but all I felt was peace. I had no idea my life would end up at this point the day I met Grayson but I had no regrets and the thought of spending the rest of my life with him, watching our children grow, thrilled me to no end.

I settled under the hot water and as I started washing my body I heard the shower door open. I turn my head and smiled when I saw a very naked Grayson step in. “Can I help you?” I asked, my tone light and teasing.

He smirked and my knees almost buckled at the sight. God he was sexier now than the day I met him, which I didn’t think was possible.

“I don’t know,” he replied, feigning incredulity. “I was looking for my hotter-than-hell fiancé. Maybe you’ve seen her? Blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, body that can bring an entire army to its knees?”

I shrugged. “No, I don’t think so, but I’d be more than happy to help you with whatever it is you need.”

I turned my body towards him as he stepped closer and let out a gasp when he picked me up. “I’m not sure,” he nipped at my lips, “she can never know.”

I smiled, squirming when the tip of his rigid cock pressed at my entrance. “I won’t tell her if you won’t.”

“It’ll be our little secret.” He groaned and pushed into me. I sucked in a harsh breath at his welcomed invasion and felt my body adjust to accommodate his generous size. We’d done this countless times, in every position and on every surface of our house, but every time I had him inside me felt like the first time and it only made my crazier. Hungry for more.

“You always feel so good,” he murmured. He pressed me against the wall and as his hips started thrusting faster and faster, I dug my nails into his back and hung on like my life depended on it. I knew it was going to be an intense ride. It was never anything less with Grayson.

“Harder,” I whispered harshly, relishing in the way our bodies slid up against each other. Without hesitation, Grayson surrendered to the wild, inhibited craving we have for each other and started pumping his hips fast and hard. My orgasm hit and left me breathless as I bucked wildly against his hips. My toes curled and I tightened around his hot length, squeezing until I knew he was close.