Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother(6)
“Wow, it's that time of the year?” Grayson asked, smiling down at me. “It’s a special night, you will enjoy it.”
I shrugged. “Yeah, but haven’t bought a dress yet. Sloane and I are going shopping as soon as I finish this damn assignment.” I was sure Grayson wasn’t interested in my dress dilemma, so I steered the conversation back to safe ground. “Getting good grades is my main priority, so I need to give it my best shot.”
“Take time out to enjoy this moment, Layla. You’ve worked hard. Get the pretty dress and for one night just forget about your studies.”
“You can talk,” I laughed, “you’re practically stuck to your desk most of the time.”
Grayson reached out and gripped my elbow, steering me out of the room. “I'm dying for that caffeine fix. We can talk more once you’ve made me one of your famous strong brews.”
4: Layla
Holding the steaming mug between my hands I curled my legs up on the sofa, taking small sips as I let my gaze wander over Grayson. Without being too obvious, I checked out his broad shoulders and wide chest all the way to his narrow hips. His dark brown hair had grown longer than usual and scraped the collar of his shirt. Resisting the urge to run my fingers through his silky strands and tug on those lengths, I gripped my mug tighter.
He sat down beside me on the sofa, stretching his muscled biceps as he yawned.
“Tired?”
“Yeah. Sleeping on Mason’s pull out sofa wasn’t exactly comfortable after such a long flight. I’m looking forward to my own bed tonight.”
“Why didn’t you come home instead?”
Grayson hesitated for a moment before answering. “I did, but the house was in darkness and I didn’t have my key. So I just went to Mason’s place and crashed there.”
Okaaaay.
I sucked in a breath. “Um . . . what time was that?” Oh God, please tell me he didn’t see me swimming naked last night.
“I have no idea. All I know is that it was very late.” The way his eyes gleamed made my stomach churn. Was he keeping something from me?
In almost a whisper, I asked, “Did you see anyone?”
Working on my assignment until my brain was fried, I’d needed a break and to clear my mind. It wasn’t until I got to the pool area that I had the bright idea to go for a swim. It was a spur of the moment thing to pluck off my pajamas and dive onto the pool. I’d been certain at the time that nobody would have seen me. I’d be mortified if Grayson had witnessed it all.
This time he didn’t hesitate for a second. “I didn’t even make it to the front door.”
Phew. Thank goodness for that. Yet, it still seemed like he had a secret. Maybe I was just imagining it. Pulling my knees to my chest, I met his amused gaze, trying to read him.
I could get lost in his eyes. His deep blues were the same as always.
Gentle. Kind. Intelligent.
Just being around Grayson made me feel at ease and happy. He was going to be a wonderful pediatrician. Children loved him and naturally gravitated toward him whenever we went to a barbeque or family gathering. He’d also make a fantastic dad to some lucky woman’s kids one day. With his looks women would be swarming all over him.
For the first time since I’d known him, I wondered what kind of women Grayson was in to. They’d have to be smart, there was no doubt about that, but physically? I didn’t know if he preferred blondes or brunettes, tall or short and come to think of it, he’d never brought a girl home or spoken of a girlfriend.
“Hey, you haven’t heard a word I said.” he chastised, hitting my thigh playfully with a cushion.
“Wh . . . what?” I blinked fast, getting my mind out of dream world and back to the moment.
“I asked who the lucky guy was who is taking you to the ball.”
A warm glow spread over my cheeks. “Oh, um . . . I’m going with Seth.”
“Seth Matthews? The guy who took over from me as team captain?” He rubbed his chin while a small frown settled between his brows. “Watch out for him, Layla. He’s a lady’s man and not one too shy to brag about his conquests in the bedroom. I wish you could hear how he talks about the girls he’s been with.” Grayson seemed really agitated so I just gave him a sweet smile.
“Oh really? He doesn’t come across that way in science class. He’s really nice. We usually work together on projects.” I bit my bottom lip, a little unnerved by Grayson’s words.
Okay, honestly? I was planning to give up my v-card to Seth Matthews. I’d based my decision on logic. I’d heard other girls talk and apparently he was a sex god. I mean, who in their right minds wouldn’t want their fist time to be with the guy who had taken more girl’s virginity than anyone else? Seth had by far the most points on his score card and to my logical brain it simply meant that he knew what he was doing and he was good at it.
It was about time. Being twenty-one and still a goddamn virgin wasn’t something I had particularly planned, it just happened because . . . well, other things were more important.
Admittedly I was more than a little shocked when Seth asked me to be his date since he had so many other girls to choose from, but I’d hoped it was because we got on so well in class. I didn’t treat him any differently than I treated any other guy—not like most girls who melted when he looked in their direction.