Callie
The backyard was quiet when I stepped out, the last streaks of sunset painting the pool in gold and violet. It should have felt peaceful—but with him standing by the water, leaning against the railing, every sense of calm vanished.
Grayson looked up as I approached, his gaze locking on mine. That familiar pull tightened in my chest—the same one from last night, the one that made my stomach twist with both anticipation and guilt.
“You came out,” he said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. His hands were in his pockets, relaxed… but there was an intensity in his eyes that made me forget to breathe.
“I… needed air,” I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended.
He stepped closer, and suddenly the distance between us felt like it could disappear in a heartbeat. “Or maybe you
