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Within moments, I was sitting naked in Gray's lap while he did everything to make me forget the last part of our conversation. And by the time he was inside me, filling me perfectly, whispering all the right words in my ear, and capturing not only my body but also my mind, I had long forgotten that Gray still firmly believed I was better off using him to heal the wounds another man had inflicted.
22
GRAY
Every Saturday, Wolf Creek held one of those markets where local shops and farmers could sell their goods. The kitchen team had direct contact with suppliers, but it was still a welcome change from the time I spent on the mountain. It was also the perfect opportunity to show Amelia other sides of this town—hopefully, ones that she would like instead of adding more negative experiences to her already growing list.
As I walked her pastBrewtiful, the only café in Wolf Creek, my nerves started to rise—she was meant to enjoy her stay here, not be shown reasons why people were enough of a hassle to lead a life cut off from immediate civilization.
"Give me your hand," I told her before we even reached the entrance to the market.
She briefly turned toward me, skeptical, and I instinctively knew what would come next. "Why?"
"So you don't get lost, Amelia."
"That's a pretty weak excuse." She glanced around Wolf Creek, which wasn't a large town.
"Give me your hand," I repeated, watching as she continued to resist.
"Only if you stop that ridiculous grin. I don't want it anywhere near me."
I almost laughed out loud. "Why? Is it starting to rub off on you? Are you worried someone might think you're not as grumpy as you pretend to be?"
Amelia gave me a narrowed look before thrusting her hand into mine demonstratively. "Happy now?"
I looked down, pursing my lips. "It's a start."
"A start to what?"
"We'll see."
Of course, I was well aware this gave the other market-goers more to gossip about. But to be honest, I wasn't keen on keeping several feet between us just to keep anyone from feeling threatened.
Besides, the contact of our fingers caused a slight tingling in my arm, even as her grip tightened when we entered the market. Her tension wasn't just about being in unfamiliar territory; it was largely due to the presence of the police. Specifically, it was Sergeant Williams, who was casually leaning against her car a few hundred feet away, watching as the stalls were set up and the market gradually filled.
Already, the street exuded a lively vibe. There was a stall every few yards, the path was lined on both sides with numerous flowers, and the sun was already high enough in the sky to pleasantly light up the surroundings.
Not only was the smell of fresh coffee in the air, but the various food stands had also started to roll out their breakfast offerings. Mixed in was the fragrance from the fruit stand, which had brought a whole wagonload of strawberries for sale.
After just a few steps, hand in hand, it was clear that the focus of some attendees had shifted. Where I had previously caught a faint smile on Amelia's face, her expression hardened with every step we took.
She never appeared to be swayed by the opinions of others—that seemed more like my issue—but now I could feel the discomfort it was causing Amelia. I didn't like it, sparking a desire in me to put an end to the rumors once and for all. But that would mean making some sort of peace with Sergeant Williams, which, judging by the look she just threw me, I deemed absolutely impossible.
I stopped, slid my arm around Amelia's waist, and pulled her to my side, shielding her body with mine. Over her head, I still looked toward the police officer, who had now twisted her mouth in disgust. As if it outraged her that Amelia and I—like two perfectly normal people—were getting close in public.
"If I tell you not to worry about the idiots, does that make it any better, or do you want to leave?"
"No. I'd really like to punch them in the face for being like that."
I masked my laughter with a cough. "Maybe not the best idea. Sergeant Williams is back there, just waiting for us to slip up."
"It's just so hard to ignore."
Understandable for a variety of reasons, but her reaction made it clear that she needed reassurance. Being under such scrutiny was bad enough, and being attacked in a way over which one had no control…
Amelia should feel safe and secure in my presence, not think that I was leaving her to fend for herself in the face of such idiots. "We're changing the plan now," I declared.
"No! Why? I'm certainly not going to run away just because someone here can't stand that we're together." Her protest was so quick that I believed her. "Besides, this all makes me want to give them even more reason to be upset."
