“Hey, gorgeous. How was your game?” I walk forward until I can pull her into my arms. God, she feels incredible. My world never makes more sense than when she’s near me. She grounds me and makes me want to be a better man.

“We won, but it wasn’t a great game. I ran one touchdown in, but other than that we only scored a field goal. The other team was shutout at home.”

“Hey, a win’s a win. Sometimes they’re ugly, but they still count.”

“The bus ride was long. We got stuck in traffic and I didn’t think we’d ever make it home.”

“I guess it’s good that I’ve got a relaxing evening planned for you.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine now that you’re here, and I’m game for whatever you have planned.”

“Let’s get going.” I lead her to my Range Rover and assist her inside. Once I close her door, I hurry around to the back driver’s side door and remove the surprise I have for her. Opening my door, I climb inside while keeping her gift hidden. “I brought you something. I saw these at the store and they reminded me of all the shades of blue in your eyes. I knew I had to get them for you and now that I know you’ve had a long day, I hope they help.” I hand her the clear, moon-shaped glass vase with the ocean breeze orchids arrangement.

“Oh, Trevor. They’re beautiful.” She smiles at me.

“Not as beautiful as you, Red, but I’m glad you like them.”

“I love them. No one’s ever bought me flowers before.”

“I’d give them to you every day if I could.”

“I don’t need anything but you.”

“And you have me. Every bit of me is at your disposal, Red. Especially my heart. You own every piece of it.”

She crooks her finger. “Get over here so I can kiss you.” Leaning over, I pause inches away and let her be the aggressor. She grabs the neck of my shirt, tugging me closer. Pressing her lips to mine, she lays a few soft kisses on my mouth before nipping my lower lip between her teeth. “Thank you for my flowers. I love them almost as much as I love you.”

“Wow, you really like getting flowers.” I wink.

“So, where are you taking me?”

“It’s early still, so I wasn’t sure if you’d be hungry yet.”

“Are you kidding? I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since this morning.”

“Okay, I found this restaurant that offers quite a few vegan options. But if you’d rather, we can go grab some takeout and head to my place. We can have a picnic on my bed and watch T.V. or we can play a board game or cards.”

“You play board games?”

“I love them. Why is that surprising?”

“I guess it goes against the image I had in my head of things Trevor Lincoln likes to do. Board games and cards weren’t part of it. Unless it was strip poker.”

“You should know me better by now.” I give her my most innocent expression. “It’s difficult being misunderstood.”

“Poor you,” she mocks.

“I need an answer, Red. What’s it going to be? Dinner out or at my apartment?”

She glances at the vase of flowers she’s holding on her lap and then toward me with a subtle smile on her cherry red lips. “Let’s go to your place.”

“I knew you couldn’t wait to get me alone.”

Grace’s soft exhales waft over my naked chest as she sleeps soundly in my arms. After we ate dinner from one of my favorite diners, we played our own game of strip poker, which I won. And then we played some sex games as she likes to call it and she won. And then we both won at the same time. It’s been a fun night.

My phone buzzes with a text alert. Carefully, I reach over, sliding my cell to the edge of the nightstand until I can pick it up. Unlocking the screen with my thumb, I tap on the text icon and find a message from Justin, the banquet manager at the country club.

Justin: Last minute opening for a dinner. Need you to be here for eight. Let me know ASAP if this works for you.

I glance at the time on my phone. It’s seven now. Shit. I don’t want to end my time with Grace, but the money I can make working there is a big help. I was able to pay my rent and some of my other bills that were due. Once I was done, there wasn’t much left over. The flowers and dinner tonight were a splurge, but I couldn’t resist when I saw them. And this shift will more than make up for what I spent.

Me: Yeah, I’ll be there. Thanks.

“Grace,” I call her name and run my fingers through her soft locks. “Grace.” This time my voice is louder and I softly jostle her shoulder.

“Hmm.” she stirs.

“I need to take you home.”

She raises her head, batting her sleepy eyes. “I thought I was staying over.”

“I’m sorry. Something came up and I have to help someone.”

She swipes a hand over her brow and rolls to the side. “I’ll be ready in a few.”

“Thanks, Red.” Rising to my feet, I head into the bathroom for a quick rinse in the shower. By the time I’m out, Grace is dressed and waiting in the living room. I throw on some tan pants and the black polo I’m required to wear, adding a hoodie over it for now.

I grab my keys and we’re out the door and in my vehicle before I know it. Grace hasn’t said much. Her hands clutch the bouquet of flowers in her lap and she looks out the passenger side window. Is she avoiding looking at me?

“I’m sorry I had to end our night. I got a message from a friend and I have to help them out.”

“It’s fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep, everything’s fine.” Wait a minute. I have a friend who warned me any time a girl says something’s fine it means it’s anything but. Is that true in all cases? Is it true in this instance? Wouldn’t she say she was mad if she was? My eyes flick in her direction. She’s staring at her flowers and I can’t tell what her mood is.

“I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night, okay?”

“Sure.”

“Wait. Our game is an away game and I won’t be back until late. We can get together after that.”

“I have to work early Sunday morning. But I’m free Sunday night.”

Shit. That’s her birthday. I can’t tell her I’m free or she’ll expect me to be with her and I know her dad has plans for dinner. What if he hasn’t told her yet?

“Sunday won’t work for me, but we’ll figure it out. I’ll call you and maybe we can at least get together for a coffee. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.”

I pull over in front of her building and glance at the time. Shit. I have to be there in twenty minutes. “I have to go, Red. We’ll talk soon.” Leaning over for a kiss, just as our lips are about to touch, she sticks her cheek in my face. She’s out the door before I can say anything, closing me in alone.

Fuck. I run a hand through my hair. I know she’s mad I gave her the bum's rush out of my place, but what choice did I have? There’s no time to explain the situation tonight. It’ll have to wait for another day. And I’m confident she’ll be understanding of my predicament. She knows what it’s like to have responsibilities weighing on you.

Slipping on clean boxer briefs, I pull them up and slip on a clean white t-shirt before climbing into bed. Pulling the comforter over me, Grace’s scent wafts from the material making me miss her. I raise the edge of the blanket to my nose and breathe the sweet vanilla in. Fuck. I wish she was with me right now. I could tell her about my dad’s ultimatum and the second job I took.

Grabbing my phone, I type out a text to her. I smile as I read my words and send the message.

Me: I miss you. Wish you were here with me.

Expecting an immediate reply, I hold onto my phone, but after five minutes with it in my hand, she still hasn’t answered.

Me: How was your night?

This time she answers quickly.

Grace: Fine.

Me: What did you do?

Grace: Went to the frat party where all your friends were.

Oh shit. Is this her way of letting me know she doesn’t believe me? Or is she just stating a fact? Jesus. I need a fucking translator key to know what her replies really mean.

Me: Did you have fun?

Grace: It was good.

Me: When can I see you?

Grace: Not sure.

Me: Can you grab a coffee tomorrow around noon?

Grace: No, I have work.

Me: Can I call you?

Grace: It’s late and I’m in bed. I have to work early.

She doesn’t want to talk to me? Fuck. She’s obviously mad about tonight. Maybe a good night’s sleep will help her feel better about it.

Me: Okay. Sleep well. I’ll miss you.

Grace: Night.

Me: I love you.

Grace: Me too.

I drop my phone on the other pillow with a sigh. I hate this tension between us. It’s making my stomach unsettled. Somehow tomorrow I need to get her alone and explain everything.

I’ve texted Grace a few times throughout the day and her replies have been curt, or at least they seem that way to me. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. I’m not sure how to navigate this part of a relationship. I have zero experience in this area. I’m pretty much winging it and not doing a very good job judging by her texts.

Placing my head against the high seat back, I close my eyes. The droning bus motor is loud and the smell of exhaust is strong. Maybe the fumes will knock me out and I can stop wondering what’s going on in Grace’s head.

“What’s wrong with you? You’re restless as fuck.” Owen’s question is blunt and I feel his watchful gaze as he studies me.

Should I tell him what’s going on? Maybe he’ll offer some useful insight.

“I haven’t told Grace about my dad’s ultimatum or that I’m working at the country club.”

“What’s the big deal? Why wouldn’t you tell her.”

“I didn’t want her to worry about me spending money on her and making an issue every time I want to take her out.”

“Why can’t you tell her now? It’s not too late.”

“Last night I had to cut our date short and take her home because I got called in for a shift.”

“And let me guess, you didn’t tell her where you were going.”

“Bingo. And I could tell she was angry about it, but I didn’t want to blurt it out. When I texted her last night and today, her texts were clipped.”

“So she’s still angry?”

“Apparently. I’m going to her parents’ tomorrow for her birthday dinner and she doesn’t know, so I’ll be able to spend time with her. But I do have to work tomorrow night.”

“It seems like if you fill her in on the situation everything will be fine. But don’t put it off any longer. If you wait it might bite you in the ass before you can explain.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll tell her tomorrow.”