All's Fair in Love and Las Vegas

Chapter One Hundred And One

        Grayson stayed with me that night.

        Well, first he made me take a shower, which I agreed was necessary. I must've used up all the hot water, because I stood beneath the water forever. My hair felt stale and my joints ached, so it did help me get back to normal. 

        When I came back downstairs, I smelled pizza. My stomach growled loudly, begging to have a slice. Grayson apparently heard it, which was more than a little embarrassing. He looked up, holding the cardboard box.

        "Figured you might want something other than omelets," he explained, setting it down on the counter. "Apparently I was right."

        "Sorry," I mumbled, my face hot.

        "It's okay, Jackie, you're hungry. I'm hungry too, so no worries," he said simply, flipping open the lid. Oh. Pepperoni, green peppers, and onions.

        "You remembered?" I asked, hiding a smile.

        He handed me a plate, saying, "How could I not remember your favorite kind of pizza?"

        "Fair," I joked, sitting down next to him. 

        Together, we wolfed down half a pizza, showing an excellent example of teamwork. As soon as we were both done, Grayson scooped me up and carried me upstairs, sweeping his arm under my knees.

        Yelping, I quickly threw my arms around his neck. He laughed and said, "I promise I won't drop you, Jacks."

        "I hope not," I exclaimed, holding on for dear life as he climbed the stairs.

        Grayson pushed open the door to my room, which I was thankful I'd cleaned just the other day. I also should specify that my room was more of an attic, with sloped ceilings on either side of my bed. I had a small white dresser off to one side, then my closet and bathroom made up the other half of the upstairs. The wallpaper was deep red with gold flowers, and while the room was cozy and loveable, it's a little outdated.

        He set me down on the bed, going over to the dresser and asking, "Where do you keep your pajamas?"

        "Bottom right. Although I don't really have anything for you," I said sheepishly. "I don't keep tall people clothes around."

        "That's fine, I'll figure out something," he said, handing me a t-shirt and flannel pants. "Here you go."

        "Thank you," I said, then stopped in the bathroom doorway. "If you want, you can just sleep without your jeans then I can fluff your clothes in the morning so they're not wrinkled," I offered.

        Grayson hesitated. "You're sure?"

        I nodded, feeling pink in the face. "Yeah. It's okay."

        "Thanks," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

        I changed in the bathroom quickly, then returned to my room. Grayson had neatly folded his jeans and set them on the chair in the corner, now walking around in black undershorts. He'd also made my bed for me, a gesture that was both unexpected and absolutely sweet.

        "Sorry. I woke up and forgot," I said, wincing as I took the comforter corner and pulled it back. Somehow, being hungover didn't feel like a good enough excuse for not making my bed.

        "It's okay. You weren't in much condition to be making your bed," he said kindly.

        I laid down, patting the space next to me. Grayson crawled under the covers, slipping his arms around my waist and dragging me into the crook of his body. Instantly, I melted. I'd forgotten how wonderful this felt. To have him hold me in the dim light of the lamp, cuddling me affectionately. 

        "I have to set my alarm," I said, reaching for the clock.

        I shrieked as Grayson quite literally pulled me back. "No, you're not going to work tomorrow," he said firmly.

        "I missed today!" I had to remind him. Silly Grayson.

        "Yeah, and you need to hang out with me tomorrow," he murmured, settling into his pillow.

        "Fine," I sighed. "But only because I really like you a lot and want to spend time with you."

        "Wow, no way, I can't believe it!" he gasped dramatically. "I got Jackie Langford to take a day off just for the sake of it!"

        "Don't get your hopes too high; I'm running low on vacation time," I laughed, reaching over and turning out the light. Curling up next to him again, I soaked in his body heat, adoring the way he seemed to wrap around me. 

        I could tell Grayson was smiling in the dark. "I missed you, Jacks. I missed you so much."

        I swallowed over the lump in my throat. "I missed you too. A lot."

        He reached over and caressed my cheek, holding my gaze. My heart started fluttering again as he softly kissed me, his lips warm and comforting in what had been the cold room. I returned the deep kiss, falling in love with the idea of goodnight kisses. This one was so magical, it was impossible not to want more.

        Grayson pulled away, leaving me somewhat a disaster on the inside. "Night, Jacks," he whispered.

        "Night, Grayson. I love you," I said, snuggling up to him.

        He kissed my forehead. "I love you too, darling."