“It would be less stressful if we were friends,” Grant murmured distantly. Is any of it real? He wondered as he recalled Bradshaw’s open vulnerability as he apologized and silently urged Grant to forgive him.
“I don’t want to disrupt your life any more than I have to and I think we could help each other, if you can stop seeing me as the enemy,” Bradshaw said and Grant frowned. Why did he feel like Bradshaw was planning to pull his life apart at the seams? If anything, Bradshaw wouldn’t want Grant to become attached or to create too much of a scandal in Hopkins Creek.
“How can you help me?” Grant asked and a wicked grin slanted Bradshaw’s lips.
“I want to take you out to dinner Friday night,” he stated and helped Grant as he stumbled.
“Thank you for warning me,” he muttered as he looked behind them at the nothing he tripped on.
“I thought it might help if you had a few days to prepare,” Bradshaw said. “I’ll pick you up around 6:00 p.m. and drive you into Aspenville. We’ll have fun and I’ll tease you into drinking a little too much wine and then I’ll take you home. I’ll kiss you at the door and leave like a gentleman, unless you can convince me to stay,” he added cheekily and Grant rolled his eyes.
“How does that help me?”
“We’ll go to lunch on Saturday and I was hoping you’d invite me over for dinner. We’ll go on a few more dates and I’ll do my best to be the perfect boyfriend and show Hopkins Creek and Aspenville exactly how you deserve to be treated. In a few weeks, you won’t be nervous and you’ll know what to expect when you’re on a date with a man who knows what you’re worth,” Bradshaw explained and Grant’s brow rose as he leaned away from him.
“You’re going to teach me how to date?” He asked suspiciously and Bradshaw shook his head.
“No. You’re fine just the way you are,” he said as his hand swatted dismissively. “The first time you do something new is always the hardest, right?” He asked and Grant nodded slowly. “So, you can get over the butterflies with me. It’ll be like a practice run,” Bradshaw added and Grant chewed on his lip as he turned it over. It made sense. If Grant could survive a date with Bradshaw without acting like a man inhabited by a wet cat, he could survive a date with just about anyone else. But Grant was dubious and predicted he’d still be a mess with Bradshaw and the next guy.
“I don’t think that’s going to work but I appreciate the offer.”
Chapter 13
There had to be some way to help Grant relax. He was playing his part perfectly, if Royce wanted Grant to play the flustered, overwhelmed single dad, cautiously dipping his toe back into romance. The problem was, Royce didn’t like seeing Grant off balance and nervous. Hopkins Creek and Aspenville were Grant’s safe haven and the community was his support system. Royce didn’t want to rob Grant of his security and shake what little confidence he had. If anything, Royce wanted to show everyone in Hopkins Creek and Aspenville just what Grant was capable of. He was witty and wry and there was a spark inside of Grant that he kept hidden from the world, but Royce caught a glimpse of it as they kissed under the street light. “Let’s go!” Grant whispered as he grabbed Royce’s hand. It felt like something Royce had never done and it made the hairs on his arms stand as Grant trembled against him. Royce wanted Grant to let go and trust him again. He wanted to go back to the moment just before he told Grant the truth and lost his trust. Royce could feel the passion and heat simmering just beneath the surface as Grant panted and clung to him and it was enthralling. It made Royce ache every time he recalled the way his body throbbed with lust. He hadn’t felt that much raw need and curiosity in his life. And that was just Royce. Grant was starving and on the verge of losing control and it drove Royce wild.
“Are you looking forward to tomorrow night?” Royce asked as they watched Edgar charm a little girl on the swings before he bounded back to the trail.
“I guess,” Grant murmured distractedly as he watched Edgar sniff at something in the trash can. “Don’t even think about it,” he called and Edgar hung his head before he circled around the can and squatted. “I really don’t want to get my car detailed or rush him to the vet because he ate a rancid diaper,” he grumbled under his breath and Royce’s face pinched in agreement.
“Just do your business and come away from there,” Royce ordered Edgar and Grant sighed as the dog finished his business then trotted off. Royce thought Grant’s poo pick-up ritual was adorable. Grant had a similar ritual whenever he changed Audrey’s diapers, apparently, and Royce didn’t think it was too unreasonable. He had his own hang-ups and they weren’t entirely rational. Grant wiped his hand on his jeans and shook it out again and Royce considered taking it but he’d probably pull away. He flirted easier and leaned into Royce a little more when they were being observed but Grant became tense and evasive when they were alone. Royce’s eyes narrowed as he searched for some other peace offering to ease Grant’s nerves and thaw a little of the chill between them. “I’ve never been to a Target,” he whispered as he clasped his hands behind his back and leaned toward Grant. He laughed and it was a startled burst and his eyes watered as he looked at Royce.
“Really?” He asked and Royce nodded then winced bashfully.
“I’m looking forward to it, actually. It’s a brilliant idea, isn’t it? Everything in one place. I’ve heard really good things about it,” he added and Grant hummed in agreement and he itched his nose to hide a smile.
“Target’s great.”
“Do they really have popcorn and pretzels?” Royce asked. Grant bit down on his lips as he nodded and Royce didn’t mind that he was acting like an alien. “It sounds like an amusement park or a festival. We should go soon,” he said and Grant gave in and laughed.
“It’s wild. Wait until you see their weekly flyer,” he chuckled and Royce’s eyes widened.
“There’s a weekly flyer?” He asked and Grant grinned as they followed Edgar back to the parking lot. Royce was sad to see their walk come to an end. “What are you doing later?” He gave Grant a hopeful look and he flinched and bit his lip as he leaned back.
“I... I didn’t really have any plans. Audrey’s going to Ashley’s to lay out and swim in her pool. It’s got a waterfall and Ashely’s brother is home from college,” he murmured and Royce raised his brows at him.
“Want to go to Target?” He asked and his pulse picked up as Grant’s lips twisted and his brows fell.
“I do need to make a run to Costco,” he said and Royce’s gasped as he swayed closer.
“Costco? What’s that like?” He whispered and another startled laugh slipped from Grant.
“You’re going to love it.”
Royce adored Costco and Target was brilliant. He bought a shaving cream that smelled lovely for $12! It was absurd. And the ties were $14.99. Royce bought eight ties and socks with rainbows and unicorns on them. He couldn’t wait to show Walter and decided to buy him a pair as well. Grant promised he wouldn’t wear them when Royce offered to buy him a pair.