Page 28 of Always Be My Baby

Gus shook his hair back and shrugged. “So grouchy. You don’t have a boyfriend. Have you lost Grayson’s friendship, too?” He placed his hand-held cloth over his heart in devastation when he mentioned Grayson.

As if on cue, a tall, sculpted god with a cap backward on his head swaggered toward me. Girls waved, called out his name in greeting, and tried to get his attention, but his eyes rooted on me. A lion to his lioness filled with hunger and want.

“Holy shit.” Gus fanned his face. “It’s too hot in here.”

I wasn’t sure what Gus had said as I, too, took in Grayson’s sexy stride, his dimples deepening and his smile widening the closer he got to me.

“Hi.” He planted his hands on the counter.

“Hi.” My lips curled wide, my heart and stomach fluttering with joy and nerves.

“You get out at five, right?”

“Yes,” I breathed.

“It’s almost five. I made it just in time. I have dinner waiting for us back at my place.”

I raised my eyebrows. “You cooked for me? Your place?” my voice escaped teasingly.

“I won, remember? I think it’s time to pay up.”

I recalled that bet over the test when he said the sweetest thing. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Grayson’s eyelashes lowered for only a second to check his watch. “Gus,” he called, his eyes still pinned on me as if he was afraid I would disappear.

Gus lightly bumped shoulders with me. “What do you need, Grayson?”

With his eyes never leaving mine, he said with that irresistible grin, “You have no customers. Tell Cams she’s free to go.”

“But it’s not five yet,” Gus challenged.

Grayson ever so slowly craned his neck to Gus with lips straight as a pencil. “Cams worked her ass off for you today. Don’t dock her pay.” He turned to me with that signature Grayson-dimpled grin. “I’m taking my girl home.”

Grayson swung over the counter, cradled me in his arms, and took me out with people gawking at us.

Chapter Nineteen

My Sister’s Graduation

Cammy

Two Months Later

“Mom. Dad. Casey.” I waved at them. Holding Grayson’s hand, I led him toward my family in the sea of people. After the introduction and hugs, Casey linked my arm and pulled me to the side.

“He seems like a nice guy, and he’s really cute.” Her eyes darted to Grayson and back to me.

Grayson was talking away with my parents. He glanced my way, winked, and continued the conversation.

“Yeah. He’s wonderful. I’m so lucky he’s mine.”

“He’s lucky to have you, big sis.”

I blinked at Casey’s words and smiled. “Thank you, little sis. You look beautiful, and I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me coming from you. Go find your seats. I have to go now.” Casey gave me a hug and went to be with the other graduates.

“Grayson seems like a great guy. He’s good to you?” Mom leaned in to whisper once we were seated.