Page 88 of In Every Chapter

In the living room, I sank down on the sofa, but Greyson paced between me and the kitchen. Not saying a word.

When I couldn’t take it a moment longer, I burst out. “Is this some sort of secret bro code?”

Greyson paused and eyed me, confusion and amusement warring on his face. Then he sighed and dropped down beside me on the couch. “Keegan is a fellow Marine. He retired shortly after I did and moved back to Tennessee to start a new business.”

“Okay.” I dragged out the word, lifting an eyebrow.

“His business is a bodyguard-for-hire gig. Military veterans serve as the bodyguards, and it’s open to traveling dignitaries, celebrities, et cetera.”

“And he asked you to join him,” I filled in quietly.

Greyson nodded, clasping his hands over his knees. “You and I were discussing the possibilities before . . . well, before.” His gaze was clear as it met mine. “I didn’t lie to you, but I should have mentioned it sooner. I promised you honesty and no secrets.” He sighed. “Once again, Gabe was right.”

I huffed softly, crossing my arms. “Yes, you should have told me.” Moving? My palms dampened, and a strange pressure clamped around my rib cage. I was just getting used to the idea of living in Serenity Springs again. But Tennessee? I’d never been there. That I knew of. What would the old Paisley have done? Panicked, probably. Unexpected adventures were not my friend.

I had no answers and was way out of my league. And yet . . . we were a team.

Reaching out, I touched his knee. “What decision did we make?”

“We didn’t. Just talked about it.”

I scooted to the edge of the sofa cushion, the hair spilling from my askew messy bun. “Do you want to take the job?”

Greyson shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters!” I threw up my hands. “I need you to talk to me about this. Don’t pull that”—I pitched my voice down an octave in imitation—“‘I’m a muscly, macho guy and I don’t have feelings’ mumbo jumbo on me. Talk.”

His lips twitched. “Is that really how I sound?”

“Greyson,” I growled.

He blew out a breath, shoulders relaxing. “It’s lucrative, but hardly convenient.”

A frown wrinkled my forehead. This was like pulling teeth. “That’s still not what I asked. Do you want to take it? Forget the money, the relocation, me—” I paused when he winced. “Sorry, poor choice of words. Is this something Greyson Satterfield would want to do with his life?”

He held my gaze steadily, a hundred thoughts and concerns whirling in his expression. “I’m not a solo unit here, Pais. I have to think about you—how can I not?”

Be still my heart. I cupped his cheek. “And I love that about you. But I’m not going to hold you back if this is something you feel called to do.” I leaned back against the sofa. “Dream a bit with me, Grey.”

Those must have been the magic words because his demeanor softened, and he lay down on the couch, taking me with him until I was tucked against him like a little spoon.

I traced circles over the firm muscles of his forearm draped over my waist, holding me close. And as I listened to him finally talk—pros, cons, and everything in between—I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Chapter thirty-eight

Paisley

A guttural scream ripped me from a restless doze. I bolted up in bed. Where was I? What time was it? I struggled to gather my wits and my glasses before I staggered into the hallway.

Another cry cut through the air into my sleep-drunk brain. It’s Greyson. He needs me.

I crept into the darkened room, illuminated only by the dim night-light coming from down the hall. I could just make out the thrashing figure on the bed. “Grey?”

I jumped as another tortured yell cut through the silence. What was happening? What was I supposed to do? Think, Paisley. Think! Pausing at the edge of the bed, I tried again. “Greyson. Wake up,” I said softly, then touched his bicep.

And before I could blink, I was flat on my back, the mattress supporting me as a huge man loomed on top of me.

“Grey! It’s me! Paisley!” I cried, hands pressing against his heart.