Chapter 32 My Safe Place
Gracie
The four of us were down by the lake. No one is in any rush to go home, especially me. The guys are messing around with a football while Lola and I watch and talk.
“Gracie, are you okay? Something sees off recently?” she asks.
“I am okay, just some things going on at home,” I reply, not giving too much away.
“Anything I can help with?”
“Thank you, but no. It will be okay in no time,” I lie.
I hate lying to her, but it is for the best. She smiles and nods, understanding that I don’t want to talk about it.
“How are things with you and Ben?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Good. I know he acts like some tough bad boy, but he is a sweetheart. He is good to me in many ways. We haven’t been together long, but I am utterly smitten.” She gushes.
“Yay! I am happy for you.”
I have never seen her with someone in the way she is with Ben.
“Thank you. I am going to ask you a question, and I don’t want you to freak out, okay.”
I nod, having a feeling it has something to do with Ryland.
“Do you like Ryland? I have never seen you interested in a guy, but around him, you are different.” She smiles.
Lola is right, I have never bothered with guys, but Ryland isn’t just some guy.
“I do, a lot, but I have no clue what is going on with us. I don’t want to rush into anything.”
Lola smiles. “I thought so. He seems to really like you, too.”
“Honestly, he is my safe place right now.” I sigh and glance over to where he is, smiling.
“There is nothing better than that feeling.”
I am glad she didn’t ask why. We don’t get a chance to say anything else because the guys come strolling back over to join us. Ryland sits next to me, wrapping his arm around me and kisses my forehead. I close my eyes, savouring the feeling. He pulls me closer to him, placing me between his legs—my back to his front. I rest back against his chest, his arms draping around me, and he nuzzles my neck with his cold nose.
“Let me know when you are ready to go back,” he whispers.
I look back at him. “I am in no rush.”
His features soften, giving me a sympathetic look, and he nods. He reaches down and kisses me softly. A soft whimper escapes my lips. I wasn’t expecting it. He chuckles and pulls away. A smirk curls on his lips. He knows what he does to me any time he kisses me.
I shake my head and laugh, slapping his chest playfully. He chuckles loudly. I really do love his laugh. It is beautiful.
“Do you need to be picked up for school tomorrow? Ben is coming to get me,” Lola asks me.
“No, I will bring her to school since she is staying with me tonight.” Ryland smiles.
Lola’s eyes widen, surprised. “You are?”
I laugh and nod. “Yes, no need to look so shocked.”
“Sorry, you just don’t stay out much and certainly not at a guy’s house.”
Lola has a point. I don’t tend to stay out often, not even at her house, because of my dad. I am at the stage where I will stay away from home, away from him, at any chance I can get. If I could afford it, I would get my own place, but I can’t.
“I know, but my house isn’t the best place for me to be right now.”
“Gracie, I know you don’t want to talk about whatever is going on at home, but I hope you know that if you need to get away, you can always come and stay with me, anytime you need.” She says softly.
I smile at her. “Thank you. I will keep that in mind.”
I know I can’t always invite myself to stay with Ryland, especially since his mom has no clue I am staying, so knowing I can stay with Lola, too, gives me another option. I can’t stay away from home every night, but I will whenever I can.
“I don’t know about you two, but I am ready to head back,” Ben says.
“We are going to stick around for a little while longer,” Ryland replies.
We say our goodbyes to them, and they head off. We will need to leave soon, too, since I need to get everything from my house for tomorrow. If I have everything, I only need to go home tomorrow morning, do a quick cleanup, and make his breakfast, ready for him to heat when he rolls out of bed.
Ryland and I decide to take a little walk before heading back.
“I know you said it isn’t a good idea, but are you sure I can’t come with you?”
I shake my head. “You shouldn’t. It will make things worse. I won’t be long, anyway. In and out in ten minutes.”
Ryland lets out a frustrated sigh and runs his fingers through his hair, but nods. I don’t want Ryland getting any more involved than he already is. I don’t want to put him right in my dad’s firing line.
“Okay, then I will wait around the side of your house. If you aren’t out in ten minutes, I am coming in.” he means every word he is saying.
It is my turn to sigh, but I nod. I know even if I said no, he still would. He kisses me softly before we get back to the car and head home.