“It’s Gray, you idiot.” She already knew she liked him. She just wasn’t sure how much. Fudge.
Chapter 3
Gray sat in his brother’s kitchen, his feet propped on the chair across from him. He’d been up since five o’clock and had already exercised in Trent’s home gym, showered, and watched the morning news. Now, he was working on his first cup of coffee while he ate a bowl of cereal and toast. He had another two hours to kill before he picked up Kiera for breakfast, and he knew he’d never last that long without some food. He’d considered a cupcake instead of the toast and cereal, but decided he should stick with something a little healthier since he planned to order a Belgian waffle topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and syrup.
That didn’t mean he wouldn’t have any cupcakes today. He had five left, and he did enjoy a snack before bed.
Soon his thoughts of eating cupcakes changed to memories of Kiera making cupcakes. When he’d landed in Providence, he’d had two things in mind: his brother’s wedding and time with his family. Starting up a relationship with someone hadn’t been on his radar, yet he hadn’t been able to stop himself with Kiera. When he’d watched her lick the batter from her finger, desire rolled over him and he’d gone on autopilot. Even later, when he knew he should play it cool and let her set the pace, he’d kissed her as if he needed her lips to survive.
He reviewed yesterday’s events once more and smiled. He’d surprised her, no questions about it. However, she’d wanted him, too. He might have instigated their first kiss, but she’d been a willing participant and she started their second one.
With a little luck, they’d get the opportunity for a repeat performance today. Sure, they planned to go ice-skating, but they couldn’t skate all day. Once they came off the ice, they would need a way to warm up. He couldn’t think of a better way than coming back here or her place for a few hours of adult activities.
He let himself picture Kiera in sexy lingerie. Before he could enjoy the image too much, though he forced it away. If he wanted to pursue things with Kiera, he needed to take it slow. He couldn’t pull a love-’em-and-leave-’em with her. Not that he made a habit of doing that with any woman. Still, he’d had a few one-night stands and brief flings. He’d known Kiera too long to treat her that way.
If he pursued a relationship with Kiera, he had to do it right. Thanks to his crazy-ass work schedule, he realized that wouldn’t be easy. Regardless, he intended to make the effort
Gray drained his coffee and went to get another, but the ringing of his phone stopped him. Over the past nine months, he’d come to hate that particular ringtone. This morning he had no intention of answering it. Work could wait until tomorrow.
The ringing stopped but immediately started back up again.
Apparently, it couldn’t wait or his boss would have left a message.
“Damn it to hell.” Gray grabbed the phone. The sinking stone in his gut told him he was going to have to cancel his breakfast plans.
“Gray, it’s Randall.” Randall Hunter started every phone conversation the same way. “How was your brother’s wedding?”
He’d worked for Randall Hunter for almost four years now and had noticed a long time ago that the man cared about his people’s personal lives, even if he was often responsible for ruining them. Regardless of the seriousness of a phone call or meeting, he always asked about Gray’s life. An outsider might assume they were co-workers who spent time together outside the office, but Randall didn’t know what a life outside the office was.
“The wedding was great.” Gray propped his feet back up while he waited for Randall to drop the pleasantries and reveal the purpose of his call.
“Good. Good. My daughter said everyone is talking about it on social media.”
The comment didn’t require a response, so Gray took another sip of coffee.
“Are you still in Providence?”
As if the guy didn’t know. “I decided to spend a few extra days visiting family.”
“I understand that. Family is important.”
What did Randall know about family? Work was his life, which explained why he was on his fourth marriage.
“We have a situation in Cozumel. I need you to fly out there and handle it.”
Gray had expected something like this, but still… He swore under his breath. “Can you send someone else?”
Under normal circumstances he never passed his work on to someone else. However, the past several months hadn’t been what he considered normal.
“I haven’t slept in my own bed in weeks. I planned to spend at least the weekend here. I’ll be back in New York no later than next Tuesday and ready for anything you toss at me then.”