Trusting Danger (Danger, #2)(62)

Finally, inch by inch, he filled her. As Grayson began to thrust, Claire ran her nails down his back. Desire coiled low within her again. Desperate, she bucked against him, needing more. Her body clenched around him and she sucked in a breath, shuddering as another orgasm slammed into her.

“Claire . . .” He let out a groan and pumped his hips faster.

Emotion welled inside her when his breath caught minutes later. His eyes closed and his expression was fierce as he stilled. A shiver wracked his body and he pulled in a deep breath, opening his eyes and baring his soul.

This moment of vulnerability—he’d allowed it to happen with her. A warm shimmer of joy spread through her at the thought.

As she let out a happy sigh, he leaned back on an elbow and studied her. “Are you okay?”

Smiling, she nodded.

He rose to take care of the condom, and Claire snuggled against him once he came back to bed and drew her close. This had been . . . incredible. She’d never imagined that it was possible to feel something like this.

Resting a hand on his bare chest, she looked up at Grayson. There was so much she didn’t know about him, and more than anything, she wanted that to change.

Snuggling closer, she said, “You don’t like relying on anyone, do you.”

“No. I guess I don’t.” He rested a hand over hers, pressing it to his heart. “You weren’t too far off the mark with your complaints about me. What you saw at the safe house is my basic personality.”

“I shouldn’t have said anything.” She shook her head. “I was just upset.”

“I noticed.” Grayson’s lips curved up. “I wasn’t exactly your favorite person.”

Claire raised an eyebrow at him. “You really pissed me off.”

“I’m sorry for that.” He leaned closer to give her a soft kiss. “And I want you to know something. I would have gone back for my dog too.”

She smiled, elated at the admission. Wanting to know more about him, she asked, “What assignment do you remember the most?”

“My first.”

When he didn’t offer more, she cast about for a new topic. “Are your parents divorced?”

Grayson stiffened, and his arm tightened around her. “My father died when I was young.”

“Do you remember him?”

“Bits and pieces. Mostly I remember outings—him taking me to the zoo, fishing at the lake.”

“Good memories,” she whispered.

“They are.”

“It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.”

Grayson stiffened slightly before drawing in a deep breath. “I don’t normally open up, Claire. It’s just not me.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple and she relaxed again as he rested his chin on the top of her head. A moment later, his breath ruffled her hair as he asked, “How did you end up with Gabe?”

The mention of Gabe made her blood run cold. She stiffened slightly but realized clamming up now would be unfair. Grayson had shared, and she should too.

“It was my mother who met him first at a party. I was there that night and she introduced us.”

“How long were you with him?”

“A year.” But I never felt for him what I’m feeling for you.

Uncomfortable with talking about Gabe while lying in Grayson’s arms, she changed the subject. “I’m in law school because it’s what my parents wanted for me. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either.”

Grayson lifted his head and studied her. “What would you rather be doing?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve been so focused on getting through the program that I haven’t given it much thought.”

A comfortable silence fell between them until Grayson looked down and whispered, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Making me feel better.”

“I hope I did.”

“You absolutely did.” He looked down at her. “And I don’t mean the sex, although that was pretty damn good too.”

Happiness filled Claire as she closed her eyes, sliding one leg over his and scooting in even closer. Grayson’s breathing slowed and his body relaxed, and soon sleep took them both.





Chapter Fifty-One





Light streamed into the bedroom as Grayson blinked his eyes open.

What’s that noise?

The warm breath hitting his cheek wasn’t coming from Claire. He knew that much from the smell.

He looked at Claire’s beautiful face and then turned his head. The noise he’d been hearing was coming from Charlie. The dog was lying on his back with his paws in the air and looking at Grayson expectantly.

Grayson reached out and scratched the dog’s stomach before glancing at the clock.

Eight a.m.?

He did a double-take, unable to remember the last time he’d slept for more than five hours, let alone eight. He moved his gaze back to Claire and the reason became clear. She relaxed him. Being with her tamed the incessant thoughts normally swirling around inside his head.

Charlie let out a low whine, making it clear that the affection Grayson had given him wasn’t enough.

Careful, bud. You’re going to wake up Claire.

He shushed the dog quietly and moved off the bed, expecting Charlie to follow. Instead, the dog whined again.