We’d gottenready for bed, undressed and crawled under the covers in my bed. As I edged into his side and rested my cheek onhis shoulder, an unbearable ache threaded through me. “Malik, can you hold me?”
“Of course.” He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head. “It’ll be okay, Grey. We’ll tough it out tomorrow, and then this will be over.” He brushed the back of my hair. “Let’s think about the future.”
God, how could he be so forgiving? I was putting us through hell, and for what? To keep my father happy? What aboutourhappiness? “Okay,” I croaked as the corners of my eyes pricked.
“Do you have plans for Christmas? Because I’d love to bring you home to Santa Fe.” He wrapped a leg around mine, rolling into me.
“Yeah?” My lower lip trembled, and I braced myself. Fuck, don’t lose it. He was so gracious about all this. “I’ve made no plans. I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind if I visited with your family for the holiday.” Or would they? Would Dad expect me to come home to see Ella? I’d refuse and tell him I’d already made plans with Malik’s family. I’d tell him I’d made a promise. Curling my arm against his chest, I brushed my fingers along the stubble between his pecs.
“Okay, then it’s a plan. I’ll inform Mom and Dad, and I’m sure Shimá will want to see you.” He kissed my head again. “Grey, it’ll be okay. You’ll see.”
Nodding against his chest, I closed my eyes and lost myself in his warmth and strength. With him, I could do anything.
The next afternoon,we picked up the girls in my car, and I parked in a multilevel garage at the outdoor mall. I’d spent the morning quietly studying. Malik and I had been dreading this date so much that neither of us had wanted to talk. DespiteMalik’s reassurances, it felt like something had driven us apart. Last night had been the first time we’d shared a bed and not explored each other. I wanted more than anything to eliminate the wedge between us and to be close to him again.
“We’re here.” I stepped out of the car, watching everyone do the same, and then I locked it. Temperatures would drop in Phoenix. Rain was moving in.
With a broad smile, Ella sauntered to me, her long red coat covering her black dress and her tall boots reaching her knees. Throwing an arm around my waist, she said, “Did you see all the Christmas decorations?”
Malik, dressed in a grey sweater with an open North Face jacket and jeans, grabbed Tiffany’s hand. “Yeah, they really do it up. Wait until dark when the palm trees all light up.”
With a giggle, Tiffany’s gaze raked over Malik, her red skirt showing under her black jacket, thick tights covering her legs. “Yes, Ella, isn’t it wild to see Christmas decorations with palm trees?”
“Sure, but I’ve holidayed in Hawaii for Christmas. It was similar.” Ella tightened the belt on her coat. “It was warmer, though.”
After zipping my leather jacket, I stuffed my hands into my jeans pockets. Shit, I hadn’t bought her that damn purse. In fact, I’d completely forgotten about it. Would any stores here carry it? “Let’s check out the shops.”
Ella wound her arm in mine and beamed at me. “Yes, let’s. I can’t wait to see what they have.”
We strolled down the stairs and onto the sidewalk, buzzing with families and couples.
I scanned the plaza, taking in the squarish modern buildings with condominiums on top and stores below, all higher end from what I could tell. Centering the sidewalks was a long reflection pool with fountains splashing, and toward the end wasa Christmas tree decorated in blue and gold. Tall palms lined the walkway. “Let’s go this way.” I strolled to our right.
After lettingthe girls explore inside a few clothing shops, we passed a boutique outside the main buildings with purses in the windows. “Oh, look, they might have the handbag I wanted.” She pulled me inside, and I glanced at Malik.
Hell, if I got Ella a purse, I’d have to get one for Tiffany, right? Dad was paying, so who cared? I stepped close to Malik. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” I rubbed my hands together as the girls bounced from one display to the next, chattering excitedly.
Ella strolled toward me with a Louis Vuitton handbag. “This bag isn’t exactly what I’m looking for, but it is amazing. What do you think?” She pushed her forearm through the strap, showing it off. “It goes with my outfit.”
“It’s, uh, great, Ella. I’ll buy it for you if you want it.” I tensed my jaw for a beat and gazed at Tiffany, eyeing a similar bag as she twisted it in her hands. “Tiffany, you can get one too.”
“Oh, I couldn’t.” Tiffany set the bag on the shelf.
“Why not?” Ella strode to her and touched her arm. “Do you have any idea how much money Greyson’s family has? This is like buying a candy bar for most people.”
I flinched and fisted my hands. Is that all she saw in me? Would she have ever considered dating me if it weren’t for my family’s money? Of course not.
Pulling me beside him, Malik whispered, “Hey, don’t listen to her. There’s so much more to you than money.” He winked at me. “You’re an amazing football player and the best friend a guy could have.”
Friend?Stinging tore through my chest. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I was losing him. I could feel it. “Go ahead and, uh, buy it.” With my heart drumming against my rib cage, I paid for the purses at the counter.
As the cashier packaged the purses in fancy boxes, I seized Malik’s hand. I was losing my damn mind. I needed to know he was still mine, and that we hadn’t broken what we had beyond repair. “We’ll be right back. Um, restroom.” Hauling him out the door, I rounded the corner of the shop. There had to be a restroom nearby, right? But where?
“What are you doing, Grey?” He stomped along behind me.
With a growl, I dragged him into an alley behind the stores and shoved him against the concrete wall. Fuck the restroom idea.
Malik’s back hit with a thud. “Grey, the girls?—”