Chapter 37

“You did. I know you didn’t have too much to smile about, but when you smile and your eyes sparkle, you’re beautiful, more attractive than any one of your friends. I want to run my fingers through your hair, kiss the tip of your nose and the back of your neck. I want you, Gray. I thought I made myself clear about that on the day we moved you out of your apartment.”

“But you never made another move.”

“You never let me know another move would be welcome. You’re not the only one who fears rejection. I was a nerdy pimple-faced geek with glasses until I was twenty-one. When I earned enough money, I went to an eye surgeon to correct my vision and a good dermatologist to fix my skin. A lot of men, like Mike, wanted my money, not me. Whenever I try to give you money, you refuse. The only help you’ll take is for your mom. That makes me want to give you the world.”

“I’m nothing special, just average,” Gray insisted.