T H E O G R AY

OUR TONGUES tangle in a rhythm that's gone from desperate to sinful. It's fast. Hot. Addictive.

Every second is something I've craved.

Her hands find my jaw, then my neck, and finally bury into my hair and tugging just enough to make me groan into her mouth. My hands slip from her thighs to wrap around her waist, holding her like I'll fall apart if I let go. I can feel her shaking in my grip, and it drives me mad.

"Theo..." she breathes my name between kisses, and my cock stirs in response.

Down, boy. Not now.

But I hiss sharply when she rolls her hips against me, dragging friction across all the wrong places and every right one.

Then her lips find mine again, more demanding this time.

I could tease her. Ask if she's this desperate for me already. But the truth is... I'm just as far gone. Maybe worse.

My hips buck up without permission, and she moans loudly into my mouth. Her body arches slightly, pressing harder against me, and the air inside the car turns suffocating.

Everything in me says don't stop.

Our hips keep moving, fast and instinctive, the tension coiled so tightly that the line between kissing and losing control is razor thin.

God, we could absolutely fuck in this car.

She could be riding me in the front seat while whispering my name through clenched teeth, trying to keep quiet, stifling every moan so no one sees or hears us as I thrust inside her, tempting her to scream how much she loves it.

And God, does that thought alone not make me want to say fuck it and go right through with it.

But no.

That's not how I want her right now.

We haven't fucked in a while, and when I have her again, I want her breathless. I want to hear her loud, not bury her sounds in the crook of my neck. I want her begging to be touched, her hands clinging to me as I push her over the edge again and again.

But I have to be patient.

Our date comes first.... then fucking.

"Baby," I murmur, forcing myself to pull back, my chest heaving. "We..."

She sighs like she already knows where this is going. "I know." Her lips are red, kiss-swollen, and her eyes roll slightly. "We can't have sex."

I chuckle, still catching my breath. "You're right. We can't have sex..." I trail off, letting the pause hang for effect, "...here, at least."

Her eyes light up instantly-mischief, heat, and pure danger shining through.

"So... later today then?"

That look alone could ruin me.

"You do deserve a treat for bringing us out here," I say with a grin, before leaning in and nipping gently at her neck, just enough to make her gasp, but careful not to leave a mark.

She moans again, breath shuddering as she tilts her head slightly to the side, giving me more access.

"So, yes?" she whispers.

"Hmm..." I draw it out like I'm still considering it as I kiss just beneath her ear. "Possibly."

With a dramatic little huff, she presses her hands against my chest and pushes me back.

I burst out laughing as she climbs off of me and into her seat, buckling herself back in with an exaggerated pout.

She's adorable.

"Why start when you can't simply finish it." She mutters to herself and I simply answer her as I turn the key in the ignition.

"If we do fuck, Soph. It will certainly not be in the car."

"And why not?" She attacks, her eyes already on me and waiting for a reply. "Huh?"

"Because when we fuck, Beautiful," I say, eyes dark as I drag them across her flushed cheeks and bitten lip, "I don't want you quiet. I need you screaming. I need you saying my name over and over-loud. I need you begging me for more, telling me how deep you feel it when I'm inside you. And none of that can happen while we're cramped in this car, trying not to get caught."

She chokes on a breath, eyes wide. Her entire face goes red and I can see her thighs press tightly together, just like I knew they would.

She doesn't say a word. Doesn't need to.

The silence speaks for her-the way her chest rises faster, the way she avoids my gaze but can't stop staring at my hands. I know exactly what's going through her mind.

She's imagining it. Us.

Thinking about all the dirty promises I said a few seconds ago and I'm infact making sure they come true.

She deverts her attention from me and stares through the window and I shift into gear, trying to cool the fire still burning through my blood as I pull back onto the road. One hand on the wheel, the other slides down to her thigh, fingers curling gently into her skin.

I expect her to swat it away.

She doesn't.

In fact, she shifts slightly, leans into it, like she wants more of me. Her body's warm under my palm, skin soft beneath that short red dress, and I drag my thumb slowly across it just to feel her breathe faster.

We fall into silence, but it's heavy. Charged.

Eventually, I clear my throat. "Where's the diner?"

"Left at the next stop. Then straight down."

She doesn't look at me when she speaks, but I catch the way she keeps stealing glances. Every time I make a turn, her eyes flick to my face, then to my hand gripping the wheel like it's the only thing keeping me grounded.

She's eye-fucking me. Every chance she gets.

And each time she does, I tighten my grip on her thigh just enough to make her suck in a breath.

We really need to get to the diner. Fast.

♡♡♡

The tires roll to a slow stop in front of the diner, gravel crunching under the weight of the car.

I throw it in park and lean back in my seat, staring through the windshield like I'm trying to convince myself I'm really here.

The diner looks exactly the same as it did years ago.

One would think after leaving this town, after growing up, moving to a city, seeing how fast the world can move forward-this place would have changed.

But it didn't.

Aside from the new logo above the door and a fresh coat of paint on the siding, it's all still there. The same rusted flowerpots swinging slightly in the breeze. The same worn brick steps. The same old-fashioned booth silhouettes through the windows.

It's like time froze here.

And as I sit behind the wheel, staring at it, I realize...

So did the memories.

I was ten the last time I stepped foot in this place. It was my birthday. I remember the balloon the waitress tied to my wrist, the cupcake they brought out with a crooked candle sticking out of it. I remember the way my mom beamed when I smiled. The way my dad kissed her cheek across the table when he thought I wasn't looking. The warmth of it all. The simplicity. The quiet joy that only exists in a kid's eyes when he feels safe. When he feels... loved.

Before everything went to hell.

Before the yelling. The silence. The resentment. The cheating. The disaster that unraveled everything good in our home.

My grip tightens slightly on the steering wheel without even thinking.

"Theo?"

Her voice pulls me out of it like a rope tugged around my chest.

I blink and turn my head to her. Soph is watching me, her brows drawn together in that soft, worried way she does when she's trying not to smother but still needs to know.

Her hand finds mine, still resting on her thigh. She squeezes gently. "Are you okay?"

I nod slowly. "Yeah. Sorry. I just... zoned out."

"Is that all?" she asks quietly.

My lips part, but the words don't come fast enough.

"Yes," I say eventually, and I know she doesn't believe me. She doesn't call me out on it but I see it in her eyes.

She studies my face for a second longer, like she's trying to figure out what she can do for me, and then suddenly-she lets out a small chuckle.

"What's funny?" I ask, brow raising.

She shakes her head, leaning in just a little. "Come closer."

I do, without hesitation, and she reaches out gently, brushing her thumb across the corner of my mouth.

"You've got lipstick here," she says with a teasing smile, wiping it away.

I grin, finally breathing again. The heaviness in my chest lightens, just from that small touch.

"Your fault," I murmur.

Her eyes widen. "Mine?"

"Yes."

"Who was the one that told me to get on his lap?" she challenges, one brow raised, leaning in with a smirk.

I grin. "Who was the one that did all the grabbing?"

She opens her mouth-then stops.

Exactly.

"See?" I say smugly, and she scoffs, rolling her eyes.

Before she can push open the door, I quickly reach across and shut it again.

"What?" she asks, surprised, turning to face me.

"I want to open the door for you."

She stares at me like I've grown two heads. "Theo, we're just going out. It's not like we're going on a date or anything..."

Her voice trails off as she catches the expression on my face.

"Wait..." she blinks. "Is... Is this a date?" she asks, voice quieter now. Almost nervous.

Shit. I didn't actually say it out loud, did I?

I shift in my seat, scratching the back of my neck like an idiot.

"Umm... yeah. I wanted it to be our first date together."

Her eyes search mine, still processing. "Oh."

"Yeah... but we can forget about it," I rush to say, heart sinking. "We can just casually hang out. It doesn't have to be a big thing. I didn't really plan it properly or talk to you about it first. I just- I don't know."

I sigh, dragging a hand over my face. "I suck at this."

Maybe I'm not boyfriend material after all.

"Stop that."

Her voice slices through my rambling, firmer now. There's a spark of irritation behind it-sharp enough to shut me up.

"Stop what?" I ask.

"Thinking." She holds my gaze. "You're thinking way too hard about this. If this is a date, then it's a date. I just didn't know, okay? I wasn't prepared. I'm not mad. Don't spiral over it."

I exhale slowly, my shoulders easing, but I still shake my head.

"Don't say you're sorry." I pause, eyes flicking to hers. "It's my fault. I should've said something. I got so caught up in the idea of making this our first date that I forgot to actually talk to you about it."

A small smile plays on her lips.

"I was too distracted staring at how goddamn gorgeous my girlfriend looks... and with the kissing..." She bites her lip, suddenly shy."I- I kinda lost track too."

"I think we both did," she chuckles, soft and breathy.

And just like that-I melt.

God, I love when she laughs.

It's not even fair. That sound? It goes straight through me like it's wired to my heartbeat. Every time she laughs because of me, it feels like I'm falling for her all over again. That kind of happiness? I want it to last forever.

I lean over and press a soft kiss to her forehead before stepping out of the car. Circling around, I open the door for her, and she slides out with a small smile. We walk side by side toward the diner, our hands brushing once-just enough to make my fingers itch to hold hers.

Right as I reach for the handle, ready to open the front door for her, she stops.

"Oh-um, Theo."

She looks hesitant, biting her lip.

"Before we go in..."

"Yeah?" I turn toward her, brows raised.

She shifts on her feet, not meeting my eyes. "Could you maybe act like..."

I tilt my head. "Like we're not together?"

She sighs, clearly uncomfortable. "Yeah. The owner's kind of a gossip. She's married to one of my dad's friends, and well... if she sees us acting like a couple, it'll get back to him fast."

I get it. I hate it-but I get it.

The tension creeps back in like smoke slipping under a door, and I feel that old frustration settle in my chest. But I don't let it show.

I just nod. "Sure."

That's all I can say without sounding bitter. She gives me a soft smile-grateful, apologetic, and steps inside after I hold the door open.

The moment we walk in, the scent of bacon and sizzling chips hits me like a wave. My stomach growls instantly.

God, I missed this place. They were always good with their bacon.

Soph glances around for a second before spotting a booth near the window and heads straight for it. I follow, giving a polite nod to the waitress behind the counter who looks like she's already trying to clock what kind of relationship we've got going on.

We slide into the booth across from each other. The worn red leather creaks slightly under me, and I lean back, watching Soph tuck her hair behind her ear and pretend everything is normal.

Like I'm not dying to reach across the table and touch her. Like I'm not still buzzing from the kiss we shared minutes ago.

But I play along.

Because for now, that's what she needs.

I watch as she picks up the menu already on the table and flips it open. I grab mine and follow her lead, scanning through the options.

"What's Milkshake of the Month?" I ask, raising an eyebrow and glancing at her.

Her whole face lights up. "Oh, it's a new milkshake flavor they come up with every month. It's always something crazy-but it usually tastes really good. Last time I came here, I had a Peach Cobbler Shake."

"A what now?"

She laughs softly, her eyes dancing. "Peach Cobbler Shake. I know-it sounds weird, but trust me, it was amazing."

"Alright... I guess I'll give it a shot." I glance down the menu again. "And that's all."

She frowns. "Really? That's it?"

"Yeah. I'm not super hungry." I close the menu and rest my elbow on the table. "What about you, love? What are you getting?"

She hums, flipping through the pages. "Hard to decide. I've tasted pretty much everything here."

I chuckle."Everything? Seriously?"

She nods, deadpan."You wouldn't believe how many times I came here after class. Especially after exams."

"Why?"

She shrugs, leaning back in the booth. "Comfort food. It cheered me up when I knew I failed."

"How do you know you failed?" I ask, frowning.

She rolls her eyes, still smiling. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not exactly the brightest when it comes to academics."

That sits wrong with me. I shake my head, leaning forward a bit.

"No, I haven't noticed that. You're brilliant, Soph."

"Don't." Her smile fades a little, her voice quieter.

"What?"

"Don't lie just to cheer me up." She avoids my eyes now. "It's okay, I know I'm not the smartest in the family. It doesn't bother me anymore."

She acts like she's reading the menu or maybe she really is-because the next thing she says is way too casual.

"I think I'll get the waffle fries and chicken tenders. The chicken's really good, you should try-"

"Soph..." I call her name gently, cutting in, but she still doesn't look at me.

"Yeah?" she answers, her voice steady, eyes fixed on the menu.

"Look at me."

I shift a little closer, just enough that I know she can feel the space closing. A beat passes before she finally lifts her head.

Our eyes meet.

Without a word, I reach across the table and take her hand, squeezing it the same way she did for me in the car.

She doesn't pull away.

"You are brilliant. Say it."

She blinks, clearly caught off guard. "I'm not."

God, she's so damn stubborn.

"That's not what I said." I lean forward, locking eyes with her. "Repeat after me: I'm brilliant."

She smirks, eyes narrowing in mock defiance.
"You're brilliant."

I let out a low laugh, shaking my head. "Soph..."

Before I can push her further, a voice interrupts.

"Sophie?"

We both look up to see the waitress who'd been eyeing us earlier. A blonde woman in her late fifties, with curious eyes and a knowing smile, now stands at the edge of our table. The minute she appears, Soph subtly pulls her hand from mine like it burned her.

"I knew that was you," the woman says warmly. "How you doing, sweetie?"

Soph gives her a polite smile. "I'm fine, Gabby. It's been a while."

Gabby smiles back, then turns her gaze to me with a sharp, amused look.

"And this is your..."

"Friend." I jump in quickly before Soph can answer, plastering on the most casual smile I can muster.

"Friend, huh?" Gabby raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. Her gaze lingers on me a second longer, then tilts her head like something's clicking into place. "Why do you look familiar?"

"That's because he's Ryan's friend," Soph chimes in quickly, saving me. "The one who moved to New York years ago?" She turns to me with a small smile, her eyes saying 'sorry.'

"Gray? You're Gray's son, right? The billionaire?" Gabby's eyes widen like she's just uncovered buried treasure. "Time flies-look at you! You got so big. And handsome, just like your father."

I force a smile, biting down the bitterness boiling in my chest.

"Thank you."

It always hits a nerve.

Because I do look like him. Same jaw, same eyes, same voice when I'm angry. There's barely any difference-and I hate that. I hate that the man I've worked so hard not to become is written all over my face like a curse I can't wash off.

"Gabby?" Soph says gently, saving me. "We'd like to order, please."

"Oh-right!" Gabby blinks, flustered. "Sorry for the detour. What'll it be?"

"We'll both take the chicken tenders and waffle fries. And we'll have the Milkshake of the Month too," Soph answers smoothly, like a pro at shutting down unnecessary small talk.

Gabby nods, scribbling it down on her notepad.
"Coming right up." She shoots us one last curious smile before heading off toward the kitchen.

The moment she's gone, I lean back in the booth and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Now the roles reverse.

I'm the one looking away this time, my gaze fixed out the window, watching nothing. I feel Soph's eyes on me, quiet and lingering-probably with the same worried frown I had earlier.

The silence stretches.

Gabby returns after few minutes, placing our orders down gently. Two plates. Two milkshakes. Her voice is a distant echo now as she mumbles something polite and walks away.

That's when I realize...

She ordered for me.

I hadn't even noticed. Too caught up in my head to hear her voice, but she noticed I didn't answer. And she took care of it anyway.

God, she's-

Soph doesn't touch her plate right away. Instead, she shifts a little closer to me in the booth-just enough that our legs touch beneath the table.

"I'm brilliant."

The words break through the silence like a soft knock on a closed door.

I blink and glance at her. "What?"

She smiles, eyes warm and bright-brighter than any light in this diner. "You told me to say it earlier, remember?" she says softly. "So... I'm brilliant."

That smile. That sparkle in her eyes. The one Ryan calls weird.

He doesn't get it.

He never saw what I see when she smiles like that.

"Yes, you are, baby." The words leave my mouth before I even think.

Her eyes widen just a little at the nickname, and I watch as she subtly glances around the diner. Making sure we're still under the radar. The next thing she does surprises me because she leans inand presses a kiss to my lips, then retreats just as fast-cheeks flushed, eyes pretending not to shine.

She clears her throat, straightening in her seat.
"So... um, let's eat." Another throat-clear. "Food's getting cold."

I smirk, watching her pretend like she didn't just wreck my ability to think.I stare at her fingers, the ones holding the fork, and all I can think about is how they felt gripping my jacket earlier... how they'd feel tangled in my hair, holding on for dear life while I-

I shift in my seat, jaw clenched.

She lifts a fry to her lips and pops it in without meeting my eyes. But I catch the way her legs cross under the table. The way her breath slows like she knows exactly what she's doing to me.

And suddenly, yeah-I'm hungry.

But it's not for chicken tenders.

Not even close.