“For me, too,” Emma said softly. “It’s kind of scary.”

“What is?”

“How fast it all happened.” She ventured another look at him, and her gaze connected with his until he returned his attention to the road. There was no denying the powerful connection that zinged between them, and when he looked at her that way… Her heart raced, and the surge of emotion was almost too much to process.

“I’ve decided that something that feels this good can’t be treated lightly. I want to run with it, and I hope you’ll run with me.”

She raised her free hand to her chest. “My heart is racing.”

“Mine, too, sweetheart.”

“We’re crazy. This is crazy. I don’t do things like this.”

“Neither do I,” he said, smiling as he glanced over at her. “At least I never have before.”

“What did your mom say about you coming to New York?”

“She was…”

“Less than thrilled?”

“That’s one way of putting it, but please know that her issues have nothing at all to do with you. She doesn’t even know you. If she did, she wouldn’t have the first objection.”

“I’m sorry if her concerns are taking something away from your happiness. I hate that for you, especially after all you’ve done for her over the years.”

“It’s sweet of you to say that, but I’m used to it. She’s an unhappy person. Has been since my dad left.”

“Does she know that he’s resurfaced?”

“I told her this morning, which didn’t help anything. She’s furious.”

“With good reason.”

“Speaking of that,” Grayson said as he signaled to exit the highway. “I have to make a quick stop to be tested. Should only take a minute.”

Emma gave his hand a squeeze, wishing there was more she could do to support him in this situation with his father.

“Be right back,” he said when he’d parked in front of a walk-in clinic, leaving the car running so they’d have heat.

Emma watched him go in the main doors and could see him speaking to a receptionist inside.

“Mom,” Simone said from the backseat.

Emma turned to her.

“Is Grayson really coming back to New York with us?”

Emma nodded. “Are you sure that’s okay with you?”

“Where is he going to sleep?”

“On the sofa.”

“It’s not very big, and he’s kinda tall.”

Emma didn’t mention that Grayson would spend most of the nights in her bed. “He’ll be fine.” She was so damned thankful that they didn’t have to say good-bye today. She wasn’t anywhere near ready to leave him.

“I’m glad he’s coming. It’ll be fun.”

“Yes, it will.”