“Are you really going to keep this up? Working through your vacations, through weekend dinners, never taking a minute for yourself?”
“I take time for myself.”
“When? At the gym on your way to work? Staying up late reading when you can’t sleep? And even then, I suspect you’re working in your head.”
He shrugged, and his baby blues almost looked tired. “Once I get that promotion, I’ll be able to set my own schedule. Cushy corner office, take only the contracts I want, delegate the little things, hit the slopes every weekend.”
“Sounds tempting.”
“I’m sorry I invested more into my job than you.”
“You’re doing what’s right for you. And now I’m doing what’s right for me.”
“I’m going to miss you, Claire.”
“Ditto.” The song drew to a close, and Grady was waiting on the sidelines, patient and almost looking relaxed. Did any of the Mallorys know how? Ryder released her and disappeared as she connected with Grady, melting into his arms on contact, unsure if she could truly snuggle, or what would make the night easier on him. For all her teasing, she didn’t want to make the evening any more awkward.
As the guests settled in for, all marveling at the fairytale field as if this were an ice castle, she caught sight of Patricia smiling and laughing with friends, her uneasy gaze wandering in Claire’s direction. Claire teased her fingers on the back of Grady’s neck and asked, “How on Earth did you survive growing up in this house?”
Grady rolled his heavy eyes. “Not sure I did.”
“I don’t get it. I mean, not all parents understand their offspring. You’re a mother’s dream come true. Capable, kind, generous, brave.” She ached to lean in and rest her cheek against his, but she kept her distance. “And incredibly attractive.”
He laughed out loud and shook his head.
“How do they not see all these wonderful things about you?”
“Likely my fault, almost as much as theirs,” he answered flatly.
“How so?”
“I practiced the French that my preschool academy immersed us in, but at recess, I’d stomp in the puddles while hollering the words toFrère Jacquesat the top of my lungs. She’d insist I play Mozart for the piano recital, but I’d play U2.” He paused, reflecting. “I’d get booted from the hockey game when she was trying to teach me temperance.” His hand splayed across her back, blazing through the thin fabric, and held her as close as the situation allowed. “I couldn’t tell you if it was intentional or not, but I always seemed to do my best to subtly defy her.”
“Always doing what you’re told, but never quite the way she intended, huh?”
“Exactly. Hell of a way to live. And it is precisely how I ended up wasting so damn much time in law school and burning myself out in less than two years in practice.”
“I know you have the obligation to Lincoln, and to your clients, but they’ll get over it. You need to take care ofyoufirst.”
“Asher and Zane think I should quit. I love it at Black Op. It’s tempting, but... I don’t know. It’s complicated.”
“When I was a kid, we counted every dollar. We never lacked for anything important, but we were careful. Living simply is scary, but doable.”
“You make me feel spoiled and whiny.”
“You are spoiled. And practical. If it helps, you’re engaged to a veterinarian.”
He pulled her closer, undoubtedly drawing curious looks from around the room. “I’m really not worried about the money. It’s more fear of losing the security that comes with knowing my job’s never going anywhere. Of staying the course I set for myself years ago. But... fuck, just thinking about getting a place with you, getting to focus my energy at Black Op, coming home without feeling like I’ve been run over by a truck? Sounds too good to be true.”
