He raises his hands like he’s surrendering. “I’m not juggling marinara-covered meatballs in your living room.”
I laugh again, the sound echoing off the walls of my tiny apartment. “Fine, I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it.”
“You will.” He grins, leaning back and stretching his arms out along the back of the couch, fingertips brushing my shoulder. “Okay, your turn. What’s something that would surprise me?”
I hesitate, biting my lip. “Hmm…I can play the ukulele.”
Gray’s eyebrows shoot up. “Are you serious?”
I nod, laughing. “I bought it at a garage sale in college and taught myself how to play. I only know, like, five songs, but still.”
He’s grinning now, eyes bright with disbelief. “Okay, I need proof. Please tell me you still have it.”
I look toward my bedroom door, then back at him. “I do…it’s probably a little out of tune.”
“I don’t care.” His grin widens. “Please? I’ve got to see this.”
I roll my eyes, but his excitement is contagious. I get up, disappearing into my room and digging through my closet until I find the faded blue case. When I come back out, Gray is sitting up straighter, his hands clasped like he’s about to witness a miracle.
“Here it is,” I say, plopping back down on the floor. I unzip the case and pull out the tiny instrument, brushing the strings with my fingers.
Gray’s smile stretches even wider. “This is amazing.”
“Don’t get too excited,” I warn, plucking a few strings and wincing at the tinny sound. “Like I said, I only know a few songs. And they’re...well, kinda ridiculous.”
“Now I’m even more excited,” he laughs, settling back. “Play me something ridiculous.”
I roll my eyes but settle the uke on my lap. After a quick tune, I strum the first few chords of a silly, half-written song I made up back in college. It’s ridiculous and embarrassing and full of nonsensical rhymes, but Gray is absolutely loving it, leaning back with his hands behind his head, laughing like he hasn’t laughed in years.
When I finally stop, he claps loudly, even whistles. “You have been holding out on me, Ivy.”
I groan, shoving the uke back in its case. “You weren’t supposed to like that.”
“Oh, but I did.” He reaches over, brushing his fingers along mine. “You surprise me.”
I pause, the weight of his touch sending sparks up my arm. “Good surprise?”
He nods, his smile softening. “The best kind.”
My heart stumbles over itself, and I glance down at my plate, cheeks warming. “Well...now you know my secret talent.”
Gray chuckles. “I think I need to start digging for more.”
“Good luck with that,” I tease, nudging his shoulder.
Gray leans in just slightly, his voice going soft. “I think I’m up for the challenge.”
I laugh, the sound catching in my throat as he inches just a little bit closer, eyes locked on mine. For a moment, the air shifts—something heavier, deeper settling between us. I feel it, that electric hum that’s been threading through every moment we share lately.
He pulls back, but the feeling lingers, stretching out like a thin thread, unbreakable. I clear my throat, glancing back at my plate, but my heart is nowhere near calm.
We’ve been doing this more lately.
Spending time. Talking about real things. Laughing until it hurts.
And kissing.
A lot of kissing.
