Some Call It Attraction EXCERPT
For once not overthinking everything, I held his hand while taking my first step on the beach. The sand was still warm, the sunset spectacular. The purple, orange, and pink sky looked like it was on fire. I took a few photos and sent them to Willa.
Grayson stole my phone and pulled me in to his side. “Smile.”
He took a few selfies with me, holding me in a comfortable hug. He was closer than he’d been in five years, and my palms became damp as my body went into overdrive.
Oblivious to my inner turmoil, he released me and handed my phone back. I stowed it in my back pocket, and he took my hand again, walking us down to the water.
“How does the reality match up with your expectations?” he asked after a moment.
“It’s even better.” And it was. Because not only did I finally get to experience the beach, but I got to do it with Grayson. And he was still holding my hand.
I braved one step into the water but then jumped back with a shriek. Too cold for me.
Grayson laughed at my exaggerated shiver. After he pulled me into the water a few more times, we walked along the beach, still holding hands.
A girl better not get used to this. Because it wasn’t real. Even though I didn’t think friends held hands like this. But who was I to question anything? I had no friends, no life, and no idea what I was doing.
Maybe this was what friends did these days.
Grayson slowed his steps, and our walk became more of a stroll. “So, you opened your bakery.”
“I certainly did. And I even called it Sweet Dreams.”
The name had been Grayson’s idea, and I’d loved it from the moment he first mentioned it.
“I’m so happy for you, Rayna. You did it.” He ran his thumb along my hand, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “One thing I know for sure: you can do anything you set your mind to.”
My face heated at his compliment. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m not sure it’s deserved.”
“Oh it’s deserved. Not believing in yourself has always been your biggest hurdle.”
It was hard to be self-confident with an upbringing like mine. And when the one person who had always been in my corner died, I nearly lost my way.
“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without you,” I rasped, forever grateful he was there for me when I needed him most.