Fire and Silk

Chapter Nine

Almost 3 Years Ago - Third Person POV

Jai sits at the bar at Jerry's staring at the clock while drinking her strawberry daiquiri. For a twenty-first birthday this day has been pretty tame. She refused a party with her brother to spend the evening with Trumble, but her less than attentive boyfriend has yet to show. In fact he has yet to even tell her happy birthday. She checks her texts again for the 5th time in the last 10 minutes. A handful of birthday wishes from her friends, her mom, Grayson’s parents, Troy, and one from Grayson at midnight on the dot that made her smile. But nothing from her boyfriend who had once again been traveling with his dad and ignoring her existence. 

Across town Grayson is sitting in his backyard watching the fire burn and drinking a beer. He left Troy's little bash shortly after learning that Jai wouldn't be there due to wanting to spend time with her boyfriend. He hates that she has a boyfriend, but knows that it was only a matter of time. His phone pings for the umpteenth time, another booty call text from Kandice which he ignores again. He's not in the mood for that roller coaster. Their on again off again thing has become exhausting. As he watches the flames dance his phone pings again and he grabs it frustrated but quickly calms down when he sees an unexpected text. 

Jai: I got stood up

Grayson: What the hell?

Jai: He's not here. I'm at the bar. He was supposed to be here hours ago but he's not here. 

Grayson: Want me to come?

Jai: No, Imma just take comfort in these daiquiris 

Grayson frowns but doesn't move. How could he have stood her up on her birthday? At the bar Jai begins thinking about her seventeenth birthday and giggles. 

Jai: You know you're still the best kiss I've ever had

Grayson: Oh you are drunk. I'm coming to get you

Jai: No don't, but I am lonely 

Grayson: Why don't you come to me?

Grayson stares hopefully at his phone. Come on Jai, please. Jai smiles and calls a cab immediately. When she gets in the Uber she screenshots her travel plan and texts it to Grayson. 

Jai: On my way

Grayson: I'll be here. I've got beer and a fire

Jai: Selfie!

Grayson’s breath catches in his throat at the image on his phone. Jai’s hair is curled beautifully, she's wearing a shimmery black dress that is low cut and shows off her legs, her make up is simple but classy. God what an i***t Trumble is. He stands as he hears the cab pull up and goes to greet Jai who looks even more amazing in person. She grins at him taking in his jeans and t-shirt. He always looks good but there's something about his casual attire that just makes her melt. As she walks in the house she kicks off her heels and saunters up to Grayson with a wicked glint in her eye. "Mmm someone's been drinking indeed," he says, eyeing her up and down. Damn she's beautiful. Jai stops right in front of him and looks at him through her lashes. "You haven't given me a birthday present," she purrs, making his pants grow tighter. "What do you want?" He asks, voice hoarse with lust. Grayson sees the glimmer in her eye as she gets even closer and stands on her tippy toes wrapping her arms around his neck. She moves her lips closer and whispers softly, "You." Then she closes the space between them.