** REWRITING ** Tidal Wave

Chapter Thirty-One

Grayson tried to warn me. "Elle, don't open--"

It was too late.

I lifted the lid of the tiny white box. My confidence immediately dwindled. Inside sat a beautiful red rose corsage. I couldn't help but stare. I didn't know how to react. The diamond wristband sparkled in the light, snapping me out of my trance.

"Oh," I finally mumbled, placing the box back down on the table and then sitting down. However, I didn't close the lid. I wanted to look at it for a bit longer.

Grayson appeared at my side. "Want me to put it on for you?" he asked.

I couldn't wear it. I couldn't! I mean, I had a boyfriend, and that boyfriend wasn't Grayson.

I dagged my eyes up to meet his. They didn't miss the boutonniere that perfectly matched my corsage that laid on his chest on the way up. I stared into his eyes and was suddenly indecisive.

It didn't take long for me to nod, lost in his chocolate pools. He sat down and his weight shifted the couch. My bare thigh pressed against his pant leg. I didn't move and he didn't either. He gently picked up the corsage and flipped my hand over, resting it on his leg.

Grayson's fingertips brushed across my palm and electricity passed through the simple touch. I watched with careful eyes as he opened the clasp of the bracelet and slowly wrapped it around my wrist. When he was done, I flipped my hand back over and moved it from side to side, admiring the way it glistened.

I snuck a quick glance up at him, just enough so I could indulge myself. "It's so pretty. Thanks, Gray."

He grinned. "Anytime." Then he stood up, offering his hand to help me. "Let's go."

I hide a small smile as I slipped my hand into his. He intertwined our fingers and I could feel my heartbeat going off the charts.

We made our way out of his room and down the halls. Before I knew it, we were at the top of the main staircase. "Gray," I started.

"What?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to say something, something that definitely would've been a mood killer, but my eyes found his neck and a smile fell back upon my face. "Your bowtie is crooked."

His hands immediately shoot to his collar to fix it and I laughed.

"I've got it, Gray," I offered softly, replacing his hands with mine. I took each end of the bowtie and played with it until it was perfectly straight. I could feel him looking at me the whole time. "There we go," I said while taking his hand in mine again.

He looked down at me and gave me the smile that made my knees go weak. "Thanks, Elle."

All my troubles were forgotten and I couldn't help but smile back. "Anytime." We started to make our way down the stairs and I tensed up when I saw who was staring at us.

Grayson sensed this and squeezed my hand. "It's okay, Elle. I'll be with you the whole time," he whispered in my ear.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about," I whispered back, letting go of his hand. I looked back at Jason. He didn't look very happy.

"Wha--" Grayson began to say but then he seemed to notice what I was looking at, or rather, who was looking at us. I hurried down the stairs before he could say anything else. I needed to talk to Jason.

"Ellie!" a familiar voice hollered.

I turned around with my arms wide open. "Marissa!"

"How are you, dear?" she asked, returning my embrace.