Series: Stacey Espino
Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Chapter Nine
Clara loved Grayson. There was no doubt in her mind.
But she also grew increasingly more aware how things could never work between them, and it broke her heart. April was back which meant they were living a lie. And Clara felt out of place in his home, like she was a dirty little secret.
It terrified her how much she wanted to be with Grayson because it would only make things harder when they went their separate ways. He was so much older and set in his ways. Everything in his home was built on his memories, memories of raising April, and memories with his ex-wife even if they were negative. Nothing had Clara’s stamp on it. She felt like an outsider, a home-wrecker. And it was tearing her apart more and more each day.
She started to feel like Grayson’s bought-and-paid-for sex toy. That’s all she’d ever be because April had been home for weeks and all they’d done was sneak around. He had no intention of revealing their relationship—if that’s what they could even call it.
“Thanks for helping me pack. I had no idea I had that much random junk,” April said.
They sat on the front steps as the last of the boxes were loaded onto the moving truck. April had her own apartment in a different city, a new job thanks to connections from her father, and was starting her own life after college.
“You’ve done it,” Clara said. “I’m proud of you.”
“It won’t be the same. I mean, I won’t be having steak for dinner when I’m buying my own groceries.” She laughed. “But I didn’t plan to live with my dad for the rest of my life. I’ll survive.”
“You’ll do great. I just wish you weren’t moving so far away.”
Her friend stared at her. “What’s going on with you?” April asked. “You’ve been so distant lately. Are you worried about graduation?”
Normally she would be. Next month she’d be done with college, and finals were upon her. But it was the last thing on her mind. How could she tell April? Should she even say anything if things weren’t going to last between her and Grayson? Regardless, she wouldn’t ruin April’s happy day.
“A bit. I’ll be fine, though. You know how anal I get with my studies.”
“Once I’m settled, you have to come by,” April said. “Don’t show up unexpectedly, though. I may just have a date coming over next weekend.”
“A date?”
April shrugged with a sly smile. “This one’s a keeper.”
“April…”
“Give me a hug. I’ve got to follow the truck.”
She whispered in her friend’s ear. “I love you no matter what.” And she hoped her friend felt the same way about her.
Clara stayed to watch the moving truck and her friend’s car drive off down the street. It was only when she heard a noise behind her that she realized she’d zoned out, staring off into nothing.
“We have the place to ourselves.”
His rich voice soothed her, a moment of excitement quickly smothered by her growing fears.
“I have to study for final exams. I should probably head out.” She stood up off the stoop and attempted to get by him to get her purse inside.
He wouldn’t let her pass.
“Why are you rushing off?”
“Did you want to have sex first?” she asked, ensuring her words sounded as cold as they made her feel.
He narrowed his eyes. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means that’s all we do lately. I didn’t sign up for this.” She pushed past him, not wanting to create a scene for the neighborhood.
The door slammed after he followed her inside. “You literally did sign up for this.” He tugged her shoulder, forcing her to stop and look at him.
“Yes, and that contract was paid in full.”
“Clara, I don’t want sex. I’ve been trying to connect with you, but you haven’t given me a chance. When’s the last time you even kissed me?”
“This is more than a kiss. It’s just too much, Grayson.” There was no point dragging this out. Her heart was racing, breaking into pieces at the futility of it all.
“What is? Talk to me.” He held both her arms, keeping her in place. She wanted to fall into his embrace, allow him to fend off the world, but she couldn’t.
“You haven’t told April, for one thing.”
“Is that all? I’ll call her right now if that’s what it takes. April’s a grown woman, and this is my life, not hers.”
“I won’t put a wedge between a father and daughter.”
“So, I’m supposed to live the rest of my life alone? Forfeit my happiness so she isn’t uncomfortable about my love life?”
“Grayson, be realistic.”
He was quiet, his jaw clenching.
“Clara, I love you.”
Her breath caught in her throat.
Love conquered all, didn’t it?
She wished things were so simple, but even if April gave her blessing about dating her father, there was so much more. People would talk, they’d call her a gold-digger, there would be whispers and glares. She couldn’t stand anyone believing their relationship was just Grayson’s middle-age crisis. Clara had goals and dreams and hopes and wasn’t a brainless wonder looking for the easy way out.