Grayson (This is Our Life Book 1) by F.G. Adams Read Free Book Online Page A

and fell in love with the dress immediately. It hugs every curve and goes to the floor, but has a slit up both sides, stopping at mid-thigh.  The strapless top v’s on the front and bottom which gives a barely there look.  The nude body holds the sequins, giving the illusion of wearing only a top attached with a skirt.  It’s utterly gorgeous and very sexy.  As if my mom knows my inner dialogue, she gets my attention.
    “It’s a really beautiful dress, Ella.  It will look even better on you,” she promises. 
    Relenting, I hug her tightly.  “Thank you, mom.  Will you do my hair?  You know how to make me look my best. I, uh, mean if you feel like it?” As she nods yes, my mind wonders about what Grayson will look like in a tux, because I’ve got to go to prom with my best friend. Yeah, right, best friends.  He’s become so much more, and then there’s the good-bye kiss we shared before he left for the beach.  I’ve been dreaming about it for weeks.  The anticipation of sharing another one with Grayson is constantly on my mind, combined with what could happen if I let myself go.
     

     
    Pulling up to the small house in a not so great part of town, my heart begins to pound out of my chest.  I’m nervous as shit! Knowing that Ella lives here still makes my heart ache every time I see it.  I just want to take her away from all of this and protect her, keep her safe, and give her the world. 
    On the ride over to Ella’s, Amy kept staring at me, and I got the feeling she wanted to say something.  After a few awkward minutes, I finally ask her, “What’s up?”
    “I’m concerned about Ella's emotional attachment to you, Grayson,” Amy tells me.  “And your physical attraction to her really worries me,” she admits.
    “I assure you, Amy, we are only friends.” I give her my best smile, but I know she can tell I feel differently.  It’s written all over my face.
    Amy gets the craziest look on her face and says, “I know who you are, Grayson Blackwood.  I’m warning you now, DO NOT break Ella.  Ella is new to relationships and naïve at best.  I don’t want to be picking up all the missing pieces when you leave her.”  
    Not gonna happen.  “Don’t get twisted up about this, Amy.  I promise you, hurting Ella is the furthest thing from my mind.” 
    Being honest with myself, it is.  I want Ella so bad, nothing else matters.
    “That’s the problem, Grayson.” Amy glances at me once more as the car stops.
    Just friends, remember.   I struggle with my inner voice, because my heart is saying something very different.  Ever since we made our pact, I’ve been trying so hard to keep it, but she is just so perfect, so right for me.  I want her to see the real me.
    As we all file out of the stretch Hummer limo, thanks to the wonderful wisdom of our best bud, Conner, I notice a woman sitting in a rocker on the front porch.  Instantly, I know it has to be Ella’s mom.  I’ve never had a chance to meet her.   She’s a beautiful woman.  Even though sickness and death seem to dominate her on the outside, there is a glow about her, a beauty that’s not just skin deep.  Much like the girl I’ve gotten to know pretty well over this past year.  The dark circles around her eyes and sunken cheeks are a dead giveaway for the hideous disease that is plaguing her body.
    She leans up a bit from the rocker and smiles, saying, “Hello.” 
    I fall hook, line, and sinker for the beautiful aura that surrounds Ella’s mom. Feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside just from her simple ‘hello’.  I lean toward her with my hand out and shake her hand gently.
    “Hello, Mrs. Anderson.  I’m Grayson Blackwood.  Nice to finally meet you in person.”
    She gently takes my hand in hers, putting her other hand on top. 
    “Very nice to meet you, Grayson Blackwood.”
    Mrs. Anderson smiles and winks at me genuinely. Just then the worn, brick red front door opens.  And out steps the most