“He was an ass, and Aspen threw him out.”
My jaw popped as I worked it back and forth. “What did he say?”
“Something about wasting time screwing you. Some other colorful things. I just wanted you to have a heads-up.”
I glanced over at her. “You don’t have to go tonight. I don’t want you to have to be around him.”
Grae reached over and took my hand, squeezing. “No. I want to. I don’t want you to have to deal with them alone.”
My ribs tightened around my lungs in a vise grip. How long had it been since someone had wanted to protect me? I couldn’t even remember. “Gigi…”
“I want to. If you turn around, I’ll kick your butt.”
My lips twitched. “Wouldn’t want you using those knives on me.”
She grinned. “Just remember that.”
We made the rest of the drive in silence. Instead of parking in the lot like I usually did, I pulled into valet. Two young guys hurried toward us, opening our doors.
“Good evening, Mr. Shaw. I’ll keep her up front for you.”
“Thank you, Matt.”
I rounded the SUV and took Grae’s hand, weaving my fingers through hers. It felt right—too right. But I didn’t let go. I just kept playing with fire.
Two bellhops held the doors for us. I didn’t miss how everyone’s gaze, both women and men, traveled to Grae. I couldn’t blame them. She had the kind of beauty that held you captive. But it wasn’t just skin-deep. Her light radiated from somewhere in her very core. It pulled you in and didn’t let go. She was an addiction, and you’d do anything for more.
I guided us toward an elevator and hit the button to go up. “We’re eating at Skyline. I hope that’s okay.”
Grae nodded. “It’s been a while since I’ve eaten there.”
I glanced down at her outfit again. “Where’s your pump?”
She laughed. “Geez, leave a girl a few secrets. It’s under my dress. There’s a little pocket.”
A little of the panic eased. “Oh.”
Grae shook her head. “I have been doing this a while.”
“I know. I just…” I worried about her.
“I get it.” She sighed. “Trust me when I say I’m used to people worrying.”
There was a sadness in those words that made my chest ache. “It’s because the people around you care.”
“I know.”
But there was defeat in her voice. I saw it then, how people’s care had become stifling. I squeezed her hand.
Grae looked up at me as we stepped onto the elevator. “Let’s make you look all respectable and shiz.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “So respectable they won’t know what to do with us.”
She grinned. “I can’t remember the last time I wore a dress.”
My eyes raked over her. “You should do it more often.”
Grae’s cheeks pinked. “This outfit doesn’t really work when hiking up a mountain.”
