Not Planning on You (Danvers #2)(45)
His mother gave him a somber look saying, “I’d like to think so honey, but if she’s anything like her mother, I can’t see her giving up that easily. Jean is a lot like Reva and she’s relentless when she wants something. I’m afraid, my dear, that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. If we need to, your father and I can make things very difficult for them socially. I don’t really enjoy playing those types of games, but I also don’t enjoy some tart stalking my son, either.”
Gray’s father stood and put his arm around his wife. “Your mother and I are going to take off and give you two a chance to relax. We would appreciate a call this evening after you speak with Reva.” They each took turns giving both Gray and herself a kiss on the cheek. “Suzy, it’s been a pleasure meeting you and I think I speak for Vicky when I say, we are both happy that you’re in our son’s life.”
“Happy heck, we are thrilled my dear. I was terrified he’d end up with some uptight, socialite. I’ve taught my boys well, Suzy. If you love them, they will take care of you for the rest of your life.”
“Um, Mom, it sounds like you’re discussing a puppy.” With more hugs, Gray’s parents were finally out the door and Gray collapsed against it when it closed. “Oh man, I’m so sorry baby; I know you weren’t expecting that. If you want to run now and never look back, I couldn’t blame you. I’d follow you, though, so you have fair warning.”
With a smile, Suzy said, “Are you kidding? I loved them! I wish my parents were like that. You have what I always dreamed of, cool parents. I wanted to ask your mother to borrow her outfit.”
With a fond smile, Gray walked over to the couch and settled in next to her. “Yeah, I really lucked out. Mom and Dad are the greatest and even though Mom is a bit of a meddler, you can’t help but adore her. Of course those boots of hers weren’t just made for walking. She kicked our butt plenty growing up, and she was right, we never could lie to her. She’s the original human lie detector. My dad has always been pretty easy going and he was who you went to when you wanted to discuss technology like computers or phones or if you wanted to borrow money. Mom was who we went to when our hearts were broken or we were feeling guilty about something. She’d throw us in the kitchen and as we baked, we talked. When whatever we had made was ready, Mom would get us both a plate and a glass of milk and we would sit at the bar with her until we felt better again. She might not look like Betty Crocker, but that woman can wield a mean whisk.”
Suzy couldn’t help but think of how much better her life would have been growing up with parents who took that much interest in her life instead of just meeting her basic needs. She’d love to be able to talk to her mother or father as Gray did to his. Her parents had only visited her home once since she’d lived there. If you wanted to see them, then you had to visit. They took a little more interest in Beth’s life since she’d at least picked a career in education, although they considered teaching children to be pretty low on the pole.
Gray rubbed her hand asking, “Do you want me to show you to the bedroom to rest for a while?”
Suzy had been dreading this discussion, but she had to make her feelings clear. “That would be great.” As if sensing a ‘but’ coming, Gray remained sitting, studying her expression. “Gray, I’d like space of my own. If you only have one bedroom, then I’ll gladly take the couch. I know that sounds silly since we have slept together, but I need for this mess to be over before we continue that part of our relationship.”
She braced herself waiting for Gray’s argument and was surprised when none came. He took it so well, Suzy wondered if she should be offended and then scolded herself for being silly. You couldn’t lay down the law and then sulk when no one challenged it.
Gray stood and held out a hand to help her to her feet. Before she knew what was happening, he gave a tug and pulled her into his arms. He ran his thumb along her bottom lip as he stared into her eyes. “I love you Suzy, and if I could spare you this I would. I regret the stupidity that made this thing with Reva even possible. I guess in my defense I was just so down over thinking it was never going to happen with us that I let my guard down. I want you in my arms. Hell I never want you to leave them, but I do understand why you need the distance and I promise to let you call the shots. I want you so bad my teeth ache, but it’s up to you baby. Just know that I’m here waiting for you to come to me. My door and my arms are always open to you.”
Suzy’s eyes misted with tears at the obvious love in Gray’s voice. He leaned down to settle his lips on hers and she felt her heartbeat kick into overdrive. She allowed herself to be pulled firmly against his hard body as he melded their contours together. His breathing was ragged, but his touch was gentle, as if afraid she’d push him away. His tongue sought entrance into her mouth which she was helpless to deny. As her lips parted, his tongue swept inside, seeking hers and tangling with it. Suzy moaned, feeling liquid heat rush to her core as his erection pressed against her stomach. She knew in another minute she’d be too far gone to protest anything that Gray wanted to do.
Suddenly Gray wrenched his mouth away, breathing deep and ragged. With another deep breath, he rasped, “Baby, I’m sorry for getting carried away. I only meant to brush a kiss on your lips, but when I touch you, I go up in flames. Let me show you to the bedroom and I’ll use the guest bath for a very cold shower.”