Page 40 of His Saving Grace

He tried not to cringe at her choice. He was more a southern rock guy, but if country made her happy, then he’d suffer through.

The tension slowly evaporated, the music seeming to ease the nervous energy swirling between them. Grace even started to hum along with the song. He could tell she wanted to sing along, but was holding back, probably thinking she would embarrass herself.

Silly woman. He reached over and cranked up the volume. Although he didn’t know the words, he began to sing, loud and off-key. He snuck a glance in her direction. She was trying not to laugh. And failing miserably. He winked at her and she lost the battle, lifting her hand to cover her mouth.

She gave up the fight, gifting him with a dazzling smile and then diving in to join his impromptu karaoke session. Her joy did something to him. Something he wasn’t even going to try to define. And he had to admit, she had a great voice. Soft and lyrical, she was definitely better than him. Not that being better than him was a huge accomplishment. He was terrible.

Now that his plan had worked, he stopped warbling and just listened. The song was a sad one, about a lost love, but there was a peace to it all the same. Something about the moment soothed his soul, but he’d be damned if he knew what it was.

The rest of the trip passed in a blur. Before he knew it, they were at the rec center. It was already filling up. Although the fireworks weren’t for hours, you had to come and stake out a good spot early.

He jumped out of the truck and raced around to the passenger side to help Grace out. She took his hand and gave him a shy smile, which punched him in the gut like a fist. Her soft skin against his sent a sliver of heat up his arm. He refused to let go of her hand, instead linking their fingers. He grabbed the picnic basket he’d brought out of the bed of the truck.

Grace glanced at it, but didn’t say anything. He could tell she was puzzled, because there was food galore all over the place. They walked toward the fairgrounds, weaving their way through the throngs of people already out and about. His leg was behaving for once, thank God. The hum of voices, the laughter of children and the smell of delicious, bad-for-you food combined to create an aura of excitement. Mason felt himself smiling.

“What do you think?” He stopped at an empty, grassy space and waited for a yay-or-nay from Grace. A lot of people had already staked out their perfect spots, a sea of blankets and baskets spreading out for miles. He wanted somewhere that would give them a bit of privacy and space. Not that it would last long. Pretty soon, you wouldn’t be able to turn around without bumping into someone.

“It’s perfect.” Her words were a little breathless, a little rushed. Seemed she was getting caught up in the excitement. She was still smiling, and that made a little flame flicker in his chest. He liked that she hadn’t stopped since his impromptu serenade.

Reluctantly, he let go of her hand and put the basket down. He pulled out a red and white checkered cloth and spread it out on the ground. The cliché of the situation wasn’t lost on him. Hopefully Grace didn’t think this was all, and by association him, was too cheesy. A quick peek in her direction assured him everything was okay. The way her eyes lit up made it all worth it.

“Hey, guys.”

He looked up to see Jake headed in their direction. He had that stupid grin on his face again, his gaze shooting back and forth between him and Grace.

It would only be a matter of hours before word that he and Grace were together traveled to his mother. Jake couldn’t seem to keep his mouth shut. He did take solace in the fact that his youngest brother was sporting a lovely shiner.

He rubbed his fingers over the tender flesh of his own cheek. The kid had a nasty right hook.

“Perfect timing. Save our spot while we go look around.” Mason stood and took Grace’s sweater from her, placing it on the blanket. He then grabbed her hand, pulling her away before Jake could respond.

They wandered around the fairgrounds, hand in hand, stopping to look at the stuff for sale. The smell of fried food, cotton candy, popcorn, and mouth-watering barbecue assailed him. His leg began to bother him, because of course, but it was just a bit of cramping, so he pushed through. He was very conscious of not limping too badly.

Grace must have noticed the slight hitch in his movement, because she glanced over at him and then down at his leg, but she didn’t say anything. That she noticed irritated the crap out of him, although he wasn’t exactly sure why. It wasn’t like his injury was a secret.

You know exactly why. She sees it and knows you’re defective.

The thought was so unexpected, he stumbled. Lightning quick, Grace reached out and placed her hand on his stomach, an obvious attempt to keep him upright. The heat from her hand seared him through his t-shirt, igniting little flickering flames of desire inside him.

“Sorry.” The apology was quick and quiet, and she pulled her hand away like it was burned. “Reflex. Are you okay?” Her gaze traveled the length of his body, and even though her assessment had a clinical edge to it, it still made his skin tingle. She looked up at his face, concern bright in her golden eyes.

Heat rushed into his cheeks. Was he fucking blushing? Jesus, he needed to get it together. And to not get so fucking distracted that he made an ass out of himself.

“I’m fine.” He didn’t mean it, but the words came out with a sharp edge.

Grace flinched, her shoulders curling in, her gaze shifting to the ground. She wrapped her arms around herself and took a small step back. Away from him.

Because you’re being a prick.

Yeah, he was. It wasn’t her fault he was self-conscious and embarrassed. And now he’d practically bitten her head off when all she wanted to do was help. Make sure he was okay.

And you’ve chased away that smile you love so much.

“Grace, will you look at me, please?”

She raised her head, her features disturbingly blank. There was a wariness in her gaze, and a distance he didn’t like, not one little bit. She kept her arms wrapped around her middle, as if protecting herself.

Shame spiraled through him, but it was quickly overtaken by anger. Someone had made her careful, cautious. Had tried to squash that beautiful, caring spark he’d glimpsed inside her on a handful of occasions. And now he’d done it, too, just as she was starting to come into the light. He was an asshole.