Chapter 30 We Should Make It More Interesting
Ryland
Gracie and I are at the bowling alley waiting for Ben and Lolo, who haven’t arrived yet. In fact, they are nearly 30 minutes late. We got tired of waiting for them and decided to make our way in and have a round by ourselves while we waited.
“Ready to get your ass kicked, brown eyes?” I smirk as we get set up.
Gracie smirks back at me. “I am a pro at bowling. You should prepare to get your ass kicked by a girl.”
I step in closer to her and place my hand on her hip, pulling her to me. A small whimper escapes from her lips the second our bodies collide.
“Maybe we should make this more interesting?”
Gracie tilts her head. “What did you have in mind?”
“If I win, you need to go on a date with me every night this coming week. If you win, I will do anything you want or need me to.”
Her smirk grows, and she inches closer to me. Her lips brush against mine. I am ready for her to kiss me. She doesn’t. Instead, Gracie rests her lips at my ear and places her hand on my chest.
“Then prepare to be my bitch for the next week,” she laughs.
I love the sound of her laugh. It is the sweetest sound. I laugh with her; I can’t help myself. I didn’t expect those words to come from her lips.
“Bring it on, baby girl.” Every word is said with confidence.
I don’t mind either way. If I win, I get to date her. If I lose, she can ask me to as she pleases, which means I still get to spend time with her.
“You are going to regret saying those words to me.”
“I don’t think I will.” I close the small space between us and kiss her.
Gracie doesn’t hesitate to kiss me back. I feel her lips curl into a smile against mine. Her arms soon take their place around my neck. It is sweet and sensual. I enjoy her lips against mine. They are always so soft and warm. I place my hand on her cheek, deepening the kiss.
I part first, not because I want to, but because I have to. I have to catch my breath. The kiss has made me breathless. When I open my eyes, I see Gracie, her eyes are still closed, and she has the biggest smile on her face.
I slip my arms around her and hug her to my chest. Gracie buries her face in my chest and hugs me back. “I always feel safe with you,” she whispers.
I only heard her words and no more.
“I wish you could feel safe all the time.” I sigh and kiss the top of her head.
Gracie lifts her head to look up at me. “One day I will.”
I push the hair from her eyes. “I hope so.”
I hope she gets everything she dreams of, and someone who will love and protect her as she deserves. Once she gets away from here, away from her father, hopefully her life will be better.
She pecks her lips. “Me too. Come on, let’s get on with the game.”
Gracie puts distance between us. I nod, and she is first to go. Just as Gracie is about to take her first shot, Ben and Lola come in.
Lola pouts at us. “You started without us! How rude.”
“You two were supposed to be here over half an hour ago. Being late is rude.” I chuckle.
Lola flips me off, laughs and goes over to Gracie. She hugs her best friend while Ben goes to pay for the two of them to play the lane next to us. Gracie and Lola are whispering and giggling. I can only imagine what they are talking about. Ben comes back and stands next to me.
“Girls will be girls. Do you want to tell me what is going on with Gracie and you? You seem to be spending a lot of time together,” he asks.
I glance over at her. “Honestly, I am still trying to figure it all out.”
Ben pats my back. “Or you already have, but you don’t know how to tell her.”
Maybe it is the truth. I am apprehensive about telling her, even though I know I want things to develop between Gracie and me. I need to tell her the truth about my past first. I will, but in time because she has enough going on without me adding to it.
“Are you taking your turn or just going to stand around gossiping all night?” Gracie laughs, looking at me.
Laughing, I stick my tongue out at her. “Yes, boss.”
I got too lost in my head there for a moment. I forgot it was my turn. It is time for me to try to kick her ass or let her win. We will see how it goes.