Shit. That last statement made me much happier than I should be.
With a nervous laugh, I opened my mouth to talk as I stole a look at Grayson through the huge bay windows in the eating nook.
“Well, I won’t lie to you and tell you we’re just friends. I mean, we are friends. Just friends with ben . . . um . . . I um.”
Oh Jesus H Christ. Was I really about to say that?
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I wished I could dig a hole and crawl into it. “Oh gosh, I can’t even believe I was about to say that. What I mean is . . . ahh.”
Ashley laughed as she stood up. “Let me put you out of your misery, Meagan. You can think all you like that my son only sees you as a friend with benefits, but I know Grayson. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. I would dare say you are much more than what you think you are in his eyes.”
I swallowed hard as I looked back out to Grayson. Maybe what was between us was more than just casual sex. I chewed on my lip as I let the idea of Grayson and I together settle in. Did I truly not see how he really felt about me?
“Now, let me heat up some chili for the two of you for an early dinner. I’m sure Grayson wants to beat this storm before it really blows in.”
With a grin, I stood. “Would you like some help?”
“Sure! You can grate the cheese.”
Ashley and I settled into an easy conversation as I helped her get the chili ready. A few times I would glance out at Grayson and she must have noticed.
“He’s turned out to be such an amazing man. I was worried how it would affect him after his father left us and it was just me raising him.”
With a slight smile, I stole another look at Grayson before directing my attention back to Ashley. “You did an amazing job with him. He really is a great guy.”
Ashley beamed with pride. “Thank you, Meg. That means a lot to me.” Grayson was just finishing up bringing in the firewood when Ashley called him to the table. I carried over the grated cheese and crackers as Ashley set three bowls of steaming hot chili on the table.
“Damn, Mom. That smells heavenly.”
Ashley’s face blushed as she grabbed three beers out of the refrigerator and set them on the table.
Grayson grabbed some cheese and tossed it into his chili followed by a handful of crackers that he crumbled up and tossed in the bowl. It was clear to me that Grayson and his mother had a close relationship. I started to imagine what Grayson would be like as a full on boyfriend and that caused my lower stomach to clench. Deciding I needed to stop where my thoughts were going, I focused on the food in front of me.
Taking a bite, my eyes about rolled into the back of my head. “Oh. My. Gosh. Ashley this is amazing!” I said as I shoved another spoonful in.
“She has a secret she won’t tell me. I’m convinced she keeps it a secret so I’ll keep coming home.”
Chuckling, I took another bite. “Well, whatever it is, it’s amazing.”
“Thank you, Meagan. Save room for dessert. Caramel apple pie.”
Moaning, I closed my eyes and mumbled, “I just gained ten pounds.”
Grayson
“BE CAREFUL DRIVING back, kids.”
With a smile, I pulled my mother in for a hug. “We’ll be fine, Mom. Thank you for the chili and apple pie.”
“Anytime, Grayson.” Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, I took a step back.
“Love you, Mom. I’ll see you soon.”
I watched as Meagan walked up to my mother with a huge grin across her face. I knew instantly my mother loved Meagan. “Thank you so much for the amazing food. I’ll have to try to convince you to share your secret ingredient.”
With a chuckle, my mother gave Meagan a hug. “We might be able to make some kind of arrangement.”
My mother shot a look at me and winked before turning back to Meagan. I’d never before brought a girl home and I knew my mother’s mind was going into overdrive right now.
“We better get going, Meg. The snow is really coming down now and sticking pretty good to the ground.”
Meagan hugged my mother one more time before jumping into the truck.
I lifted my hand and waved goodbye as my mother gave me that all-knowing look. “I’ll be sure to call you tomorrow, Grayson.”
Oh hell.
With another quick kiss on her forehead, I whispered, “Don’t start planning a wedding, Mom. We’re just hanging out.”
“Uh-huh. Sure you are.”
Running around the front of the truck, I called out, “Later, Mom!”
I jumped into the truck and glanced over to Meagan. She only had my sweatshirt on still as she wrapped her arms around her. I cranked up the heat and headed back to Durango.
We drove a good part of the ride back in silence before Meagan broke it. “Your mom is so sweet.”