As He Held My Hand

20. Just a Door Away

20. Just a Door Away

Gemma’s POV

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow, bright and early for the mansions.” Grant’s dad calls out to us from his door. “How’d your dad get tickets?” I ask Grant in a whisper as he unlocks the door. “You can get tickets upfront.” he tells me. Oh.

Grant flicks on the light and the room is illuminated, but this time, the windows are darkened, giving the room a somewhat warmer feel. Which I guess is a good thing since it’s practically below freezing outside.

I shrug off my coat and drape it over the back of one of the chairs, rubbing my arms. “I’m going to get changed.” I tell Grant, walking towards the bedroom door. “Can I come?” he asks. I turn around to face him, raising an eyebrow. “If I had something to throw at you, I would.” I tell him. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding! I don’t need to be hit with another one of your flying pillows.” he says, holding up his hands in a fake surrender.

I laugh and roll my eyes, turning back to the door and walking inside. Closing the door behind me, I take my phone out of my back pocket and sit down on the bed. I text Aunt Rebecca, telling her that we went out to dinner and that everything’s going well. She replies that she’s happy that I’m having fun and wishes she could be there.

I place the phone on my nightstand and go over to the wardrobe, pulling out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to throw on when there’s a knock at the door. I jump in surprise, wondering who it could be before remembering that Grant is the only other one in this room. And he probably needs to get in to get his pajamas. “One second!” I call out, grabbing my shirt and pulling it on after my sweatpants.

I open the door for him once I’m changed. He smiles and steps forward. I jump back onto the bed, pulling my legs up to my chest and watching as he digs through the drawer for something to wear. Then he pulls off his shirt and I have to clamp a hand over my mouth to keep from gasping. Although the sound of my hand hitting my mouth is probably going to make him turn around anyway.

With every movement, his back muscles move, making it hard for me to swallow. “I can feel you staring, Gemma.” he says, and I can practically hear the smirk in his voice. He turns his head to look at me, but I’ve taken my hand away from my mouth.

He laughs at me, but not with contempt. “I will smack you with a pillow.” I manage to stutter out, not being able to take my eyes off of his back.

He pulls a t-shirt over his head, covering his back muscles, and takes off his pants, leaving him in a t-shirt and boxers. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” he says, winking at me before leaving. I leap up and go for the door. “Wait!” I call to him.

He turns around, placing both hands on either side of the door frame. “Yes, my dear Gemma?” he says, arching both eyebrows. I feel myself blush slightly before taking half a step forward and pecking him on the lips. He leans in a little more, steadying himself by holding onto my waist.

“Goodnight, Gemma.” he whispers as if he’s said it a thousand times and I won’t let go. But I do let him go, closing the door behind him and crawling into bed after closing the shutters to the window.