I laugh. “He has it bad for you Avery. You need to watch yourself. Nobody trusts him.
What are you going to do about the hottie?” Julie asks. “I don’t know I guess nothing.”
We finish our lunch and I take Julie back to her salon. I drive home wishing things had gone much differently with Grant but there is nothing I can do.
∞
The rest of the week goes by so fast. We have had a flurry of activity on the ranch and everyone has been putting in long days. Fortunately by Friday evening everything has settled down. It was very warm that evening. I decided to go out to the lake for a swim.
I go upstairs and change out of my work clothes and throw on some jean shorts, a blue tank top and I slip on some flip flops. I grab my phone, one of my oversized beach towels, and a blanket. On my way out back I grab an ice chest. I throw in some ice and a few cold beers.
I walk outside to the one of the side by sides parked by the house. I decided not to take Blue. I have run him ragged this week and he needs a break. As I am about to take off. I get a call from Security.
“Ms. Foster, Mr. Harrison is here to see you.” Damn ! I have to say not really thrilled about him just showing up unannounced especially with the way our date ended Sunday night. We haven’t spoken since Monday at Mr. Brinkley’s office.
“It’s ok let him through.” I decide to just drive my side by side around to the front of the house. The car comes to a stop in front of the house and Grant climbs out of the back seat. He looks good. He is in a tight brown v-neck t-shirt, jeans and brown boots.
“Good Evening Avery.” “Grant… What are you doing here?” “I wanted to see you. Are you going somewhere?” “Yeah. I was headed out to the lake.” “May I join you?” “If you want.” He climbs into the side by side and we take off. “The lake is on the other side of the ranch so it will take a little time to get there.” “That’s fine. I’m just enjoying the view.” I think he means the property but I realize his eyes are situated on me.
We finally make it to the lake. I grab the ice chest, blanket and towel. “Let me help you with that.” Grant takes the ice chest from me. I lay the blanket out on the edge of the lake and throw the towel down on the blanket. Grant places the ice chest next to the blanket and he sits down. “Would you like a beer?” I asked. “Sure.” I grab two beers and sit down on the blanket.
We both open our beers and take a sip. “You were right Avery. The stars are incredible.” We both sit in silence as we gaze at the stars. Grant turns and stares at me. I turn to meet his glance. He puts his head down and rubs his forehead.
“Avery I want to apologize for the other night.” I assume he means for ending our date early. I decide to act confused. “Apologize for what Grant? I had a great time.” “I did too but I shouldn’t have ended the date so abruptly. “I…I was afraid I would get ahead of myself and I really like you. I was worried I might scare you off. I have a hard time keeping my hands to myself when I’m around you.”
Oh shit ! I wasn’t expecting that. It excites me, even though I have a hard time believing what he is saying to me. “Grant no need for an apology. I seem to have the same problem as well.” “You do?” I nod yes.
“I am concerned about your ex Coy.” Oh no ! That was a complete subject change. I don’t want to talk about him. “Don’t worry about Coy.” “I’m sorry Averybut it bothers me. I couldn’t stand to see his hands on you.” This is surprisin g . I know he is concerned but I’m sensing jealousy. “Grant, let’s not talk about Coy. I don’t want it to ruin the evening.” He smiles.
He starts to lean in to kiss me and something stops him. “What is