Chapter 22

It’s dark out and Grayson has fallen asleep beside me. I take a moment to look at him. He looks relaxed and at peace. It’s a look I’ve never seen on him before. Something pulls at my heart. I knew I had feelings for the man, but in this moment, I realize how strong those feelings are and have the potential to be.

But I have a lot to do—a man’s life is on the line—so I quickly slip out of bed. After the week that Grayson’s had, I know that he needs his sleep, so I move carefully. I don’t want to wake him. More than anything, I want to stay here with him, but I need to go. I need to help him fix this mess that Tyler has gotten them into.

I look down at Grayson, tempted to kiss him before I leave, but I resist. I tiptoe out his bedroom and downstairs to retrieve my clothes. After I grab my cell from my bag, I go into the downstairs bathroom. I fire off a text to Tyler telling him that everything is okay and that he should stay put at my place. I have a few things to do and then I’ll be home.

My phone beeps with Tyler’s reply immediately: Cool. I’ve eaten the entire contents of your fridge—hope that was okay?☺

Chuckling, I reply: No problem. I’ll be in touch soon.

I climb into a cab and give the driver my address. I stare out of the window at Grayson’s house as the cab pulls away. I can still smell him all over me. The scent of him sends memories from the night screaming through my brain. My body shivers from those thoughts and then aches to be back with that man.

Closing my eyes, I breathe through the moment. Then, I turn on my work brain and fish my cell out of my bag. It’s late, but I’m sure the person I need to call will be awake. I search through my contacts until I find his number. I press Call and put the phone to my ear.

“Mel?”

“Hey, Matt,” I say carefully, noting the surprise in his voice. I can’t say I blame him for it, since I haven’t called him in a long time.

“Are you okay?” he asks with genuine concern in his voice. It makes me feel like a jerk for all the times I’ve been standoffish to him and for using him now. But, like I said, a man’s life is on the line.

“I’m fine…but I need your help.”

“I’m looking over some reports at the coffee shop near my place, the one we always used to go to.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes,” I say, and end the call. Then I ask the driver to take me to the new location.

Five minutes later, I’m walking into the shop. The scent of coffee sends my nerves into overdrive as soon as I push the door open. It feels weird to be here with Matt, but I push that aside, because I know I’m here for Grayson. He and Tyler need help, and Matt will be the one to provide it. He might be a pain in the ass at times, but he’s a damn good cop.