Delaney James seems to have it all-a successful husband, a stylish Manhattan townhouse, and a thriving career in fashion journalism-until it all falls apart. Her husband leaves her, shattering the perfect life she once knew. Heartbroken and desperat...
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When we get back to our room, Greyson slips into the bathroom, leaving me to ponder what happens next. We couldn't keep our hands off each other in the Uber, but now that we have some privacy, it's like both of us are those nervous, inexperienced kids on the beach. Mostly I think he's afraid if he comes on too strong, I'll withdraw like a frightened turtle.
Jo helped me pack, and after a long speech, she convinced me to pack a lingerie set. 'You want to be prepared in case things escalate,' she said. It's a beautiful, baby pink set with a plunging push-up bra with soft lace covering the cups and a tiny bow in the center, and a piece of very tiny, very cheeky fabric disguised as underwear. I know I'll feel sexy in it, but I can't help but ask myself, is this what Greyson expects?
"No," I say quietly to myself. "Greyson wants me for me. Not because I'm wearing dental floss for underwear."
I throw the lingerie in my suitcase and cover it up with some clothes, hoping I don't end up regretting it, and put on a white satin PJ set. I sit down at the vanity and take out my updo, my soft blonde hair falling down my back in waves, and carefully remove my false eyelashes. I brush my teeth and wash the heavy make-up from my face, exposing my sunburnt cheeks and freckled nose.
When I come out of the bathroom Greyson is in bed. His back is pressed against the padded headboard, and his defined chest is visible, the white bedsheet just barely covering the black Calvin Klein boxer briefs I don't need to see to know he's wearing. He modeled for them when he was playing and it's like he has a lifetime supply now. He smiles up at me and opens his arms, motioning for me to get in with a simple head nod.
I cuddle up next to him and lay my head on his warm chest. "Thank you for this weekend, Grey."
"Thanks for coming. Did you have fun?"
"So much fun."
"Yeah?" he asks, lightly brushing his fingertips up and down my arm. "What was your favorite part?"
"Disney, of course."
"What did you think of the ESPYS?"
"The ESPYS?" I chew on my bottom lip as I rack my brain for a response that won't offend him. "They were great. Definitely an experience."
"You're such a terrible liar." He digs his fingers into my ribs, causing me to giggle and squirm against him. "You hated it."
"I didn't hate it. I just found it a little boring. Awards shows lose their magic when you're watching them live and see all the behind-the-scenes stuff."
"Why do you think I wanted to leave so badly?"
Silence falls around us, the quiet hum of the air conditioner the only sound, and I lightly scratch my fingernails across Greyson's chest as events of the night run through my head.
"Nick Mount seems like a nice guy."
"Yeah, he's awesome. He's the coolest, most down to earth guy." He pulls me closer and places a kiss in my hair. "I was pitching to him when my arm blew. He saw the whole thing. He came to visit me in the hospital after my surgery and he's kept in touch over the years. I tried like hell to keep it from him, but besides my family and yours, he's the only person who knows the full story. I never even told Mitchell."
