All The Wild Ones | Wildfire Series

Kickoff

NESSA

Showing up outside Grayson's door in sweatpants would have been an excellent way to spite him and his ridiculous request—no, demand—for me to wear a skirt.

But my curiosity wore out over my spiteful nature, and when I waltzed into his dorm the next night without bothering to knock, my outfit was complete with a white tee, sneakers, and a flowery mini skirt that bounced when I walked.

Grayson immediately smirked at seeing me standing there, wearing what he'd requested. And that smirk did things to the pit of my stomach. As usual.

But also as usual, I played it off.

"I can't believe I actually listened to you, but here I am."

His smirk widened. "I'm not surprised in the least."

Cocky ass.

Crossing the room to meet me by the door, Grayson lifted one of his enormous hands and cupped my face with it. So warm, so oddly soft. "Thank you for coming over," he murmured. "I've missed you this week."

God, he was a cocky ass, but he also knew just the way to melt me into a puddle. There was no way to deny that. And damn, I'd missed him, too.

Spending last weekend with Grayson was amazing. But now that we'd made our little deal, there was absolutely nothing that would keep me from falling hard and fast for him. And that was terrifying, absolutely terrifying. Because all I could remember about love right now were the parts that hurt.

Distracted by my thoughts and Grayson's tenderness, I hadn't noticed the black box in his other hand until he stepped back and thrust it toward me. "Here, this is for you."

Brows drawing together, I studied the box before glancing at Grayson, who gave me an encouraging nod.

I froze when I opened it. Tissue paper spilled onto the floor, revealing an abundance of black lace.

"You did not buy me lingerie," I deadpanned, blinking up at him.

"Actually, I did."

And he seemed rather proud of it, rocking on the balls of his feet. A wolfish grin took over his face.

I stared up at him. "Friends don't buy friends things like this, Wilder."

Placing one hand on the door behind me, Grayson leaned in. Smile, gone. Eyes, bright and heated. "I've already made it pretty clear that I don't want to be your friend, Adler."

Being around Grayson was like riding that rollercoaster that Rory always dragged me onto at Great America. Wild and twisty, it was exhilarating from the moment we stepped on. But stepping off always made me feel like the ground was falling away.

I didn't want to lose my footing, but I also didn't want to give up all the somersaults. All the butterflies and little thrills and shivers down my spine.

When I didn't do anything in response except stare at him, Grayson licked his lips and nodded to the box in my hand.

"Now, can I help you put it on?"

That got a reaction out of me.

"What?"

He laughed, pushing away from the door. And me.

"Relax, Adler. How many times do I need to remind you that I'm not going to tear your clothes off? I just want to show you why I bought it for you."

I shook my head in confusion. "I figured you bought it because after the gala I said I didn't have anything like this."