My cheeks were burning from his proclamation. He took great pleasure in my embarrassment, chuckling as he pulled me even closer into his arms.
“Gray.” I sighed against his chest, his heart beating in a comforting rhythm that alleviated my fears.
“Yes, Ozzie?”
“I love you too,” I whispered.
“I know, baby.”
“Good.” I tried to shuffle off the bed, but he placed an arm around me, trapping me against him.
“Where are you going?”
“Back to my room. I’ll be back in three hours to check on you.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Just stay right here.”
There was nowhere else I would rather be but still… “I can’t. Someone else might come in to check on you.”
“Then lock the door.”
“With me inside?” I squeaked.
“Yes.”
Did he mean…? He was ready to out us? My chest rose and fell at an alarming rate. When Carter had heard about Gray’s incident, he’d finally booked a flight. At least he wasn’t heartless and cared about his father. I’d thought I was prepared to expose ourselves, but the thought made my chest tight and my palms sweaty.
Once our secret was out, there was no going back. The words would be said, the actions done. Everyone would know—Carter, the ranch hands, Emma, the whole damn town. Goose bumps prickled my skin.
“Okay.”
Gray’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. He seemed genuinely thrilled at my decision, and the thought of revealing our relationship to the world didn’t faze him the slightest bit. His eyes sparkled with excitement, the small crinkle forming in the corner of his eye as he grinned widely.
“Really?” he asked, and I nodded, swallowing the lump threatening to settle in my throat.
“Yes.” My voice sounded smaller than I wanted it to. Gray’s smile instantly softened, and he leaned in closer, pulling me against his chest once more.
“All right, then. Let’s do it. I’ll close the door.”
I pressed a hand to his chest. “No, you’re the one who’s unwell. Let me do it.”
“There’s nothing wrong with me,” he grumbled, but he didn’t fight me on it.
The bolt slid into place with a satisfying click, and the hairs at the back of my neck stood up. This was it. There was no turning back. Tomorrow everyone would know I spent the night with Gray behind closed doors.
Gray’s intense stare made me feel like I was gliding on a cloud instead of almost tripping on my feet from nerves. He held out his arms for me, and I slipped back into them as though they were my home. A giddy laugh bubbled up, and despite the swirling whirlwind of fear, anticipation, and exhilaration, a profound sense of calm washed over me. Our secret, our precious bubble, was on the brink of popping, but as long as I had him—his arms around me, his laughter in my ears—I could handle the criticism.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered, his breath warm against my neck. “I always will.”
“Am I a fool for believing you? Even if I am, I don’t mind being a fool for you, Gray. I’ve never been this happy. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Giving me my confidence back. For making me realize I didn’t have to settle. For showing me that real love is always worth the risk.”
His fingers, which had been tracing idle patterns on my back, stilled. “You don’t have to thank me for that, Ozzie.” His voice was filled with such tender sincerity my heart clenched. “You are worth every risk.”
His confidence was contagious, and I mirrored his smile. “Alright.” I snuggled closer to him and let out a contented sigh as Gray ran his fingers through my hair. The warmth of themoment wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, helping to push away the lingering tendrils of fear.
