Raw by Jo Davis Read Free Book Online Page A

close.”
    â€œThat’s a sight everyone must take in at least once in their lifetime,” she agreed. “It’s awe-inspiring.”
    After waiting in line for a while, they finally made it onto a boat. Anna stood by Gray next to the rail and looked over the harbor, enjoying the view of both the ocean and the man at her side. There was something freeing about gazing over the sea, leaning into his warmth as his arm went around her and pulled her into his side.
    She felt protected. Wanted. Cherished. Maybe it was just wishful thinking, but she liked feeling that way. It was a first.
    â€œHow many times have you been out here?” he asked.
    â€œJust once before.”
    â€œWith a boyfriend?”
    She smiled at his blatant fishing. “By myself, actually.”
    â€œThat sounds lonely.”
    â€œA little, maybe.” She shrugged. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”
    That was a lie, and from the lift of his brow, he smelled it a mile off. Instead of calling her on it, however, he posed another question. “Have you dated a lot?”
    She shook her head. “No. I haven’t had a ton of time the past few years. You?”
    â€œSame. But I’m finding that I may have put my priorities in the wrong order.”
    The statement was so obvious, as was the pointed look he gave her, she didn’t know what to do with it. She was pleased and a bit scared at the same time. In the end, his closeness, their intimacy, won her over, and she replied, “Maybe I have, too.”
    His hand engulfed hers as he pulled her back against his front and they watched the statue grow larger. How many people had made this journey and hoped that it signified the start of a better life, the culmination of dreams and everlasting happiness? There was something special about sharing this with him. Magical. That feeling remained with her throughout their tour around Lady Liberty, then as they went on to Ellis Island.
    Perhaps this was the start of her true happiness, too.
    After walking through the museum at Ellis Island, they were tired and ready for a drink and a late lunch. The ferry ride back seemed longer than the trip out, and by the time they reached the mainland again and hailed a cab, they were ravenous.
    Anna suggested they go to Mesa Grill, one of her favorite places. In minutes, they were sipping on a couple of the restaurant’s famous margaritas and recounting their day. As Gray enthused over his favorite parts of the ferry ride, Anna couldn’t help but notice how sexy he looked, even windblown. Truthfully, he was more stunning like this, with his hair tousled, eyes shining from the excitement of being together.
    They talked for a while about growing up. Once their food arrived, he took a bite and regarded her thoughtfully.
    â€œYou mentioned some tension before between you and your mom. You guys don’t get along?”
    â€œIt’s not that,” she said. “Mom doesn’t get me. Never has. My choices would never be hers, and that baffles her about me. Plus, she tends to say what she thinks without realizing that sometimes she’s hurting my feelings.”
    â€œThat’s not so unusual for parents. But you love her, I can tell by your tone.”
    â€œWith all my heart. Even when I could strangle her, she’s my one constant. And she does love me, even if she has the tact of a bulldozer sometimes.”
    He laughed, causing attractive lines to crinkle at the corners of his eyes. “She sounds like quite a character.”
    â€œYou have no idea.” Margaret would probably eat Gray for lunch.
    Just then, his phone buzzed, interrupting their conversation. He glanced at the display. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    She watched curiously as he rose, answering at the same time. She couldn’t help but wonder who he was talking to and why, but it was none of her business. He wasn’t gone but