The Monroe Legacy - G.3. Chapter 10 - Holding On To You

Gray had booked the first week after his move off, to unpack and relax but ended up spending most of it in his new kitchen, dabbling with ingredients and trying to figure out what to do about Rachel. The longer he thought about it, the more he was certain. He wanted to be with her, to see if they were something special, it felt like they could be.

His main concern was that she felt differently, thinking of her vehement rejection at the park still made him squirm with embarrassment. He could understand her surprise, he'd been surprised at the urge, but was the thought of them together really so repulsive to her?

As the days ticked down and Gray's return to work loomed, he still hadn't found the answers. Rachel hadn't called, hadn't answered his calls, he was now regretting his speedy abandonment of the park and her house, what must she have thought?

When Saffron arrived to check out the new place, Gray was all ready to pour out his heart when she produced something small and fluffy from a pet carrier.

'Happy housewarming big brother. I didn't like to think of you alone so I got you a little buddy from the shelter.'

Gray was about to protest when he saw the puppy's bright eyes peeking hopefully.

'Nobody wanted her...' Saffron wheedled, sensing her brother caving. 'She was all alone at the pound.'

Gray sighed and took the scruffy little dog.

'Hello dog' he said, resigned to his sisters good-intentioned meddling. 'Does it have a name?'

'She is called Tilly' replied Saffron, laughing at Gray's grimace, before wiping it away with her next remark. 'Rachel called me, she sounded a mess. She told me what you did at the park.'

Her tone was neutral and Gray busied himself with the puppy, inspecting its fur closely.    

'I wondered how long it would take you to see it,' Saffron went on, her tone soft, 'you and Rachel are perfect for each other, you know she can handle your worst and she deserves you at your best. Your kiss stunt may have rushed things a little, she seemed worried you were just after a physical relationship and lost interest as soon as she said no.

I know you're not that kind of guy, if she's honest with herself she does too. Which means she's scared. So man up, use those communication skills you finally found and tell her what you want.'

Gray gave his sister a tentative smile and a one armed hug as she went to leave. She was right, if he wanted to make things work with Rachel, to even have a chance with her, then he was going to have to ask for it and not panic and hide when things got hard.

It seemed that. Gray had not been the only recipient of a Saffron pep-talk that morning. By the time he'd found a blanket and a bowl for the puppy Rachel was at his door, looking as though she would rather be anywhere else.

'Saffron told me I should ask you up front what you wanted so I came before I had a chance to chicken out.'

Gray couldn't help the chuckle that slipped out. His sister was completely fearless and a total busybody. No wonder her acting career was going so well. At Gray's laugh Rachel had gone from nervous to pissed off.

'Oh that's nice Gray. Laugh in my face, it's not that ridiculous. You kissed me after all.'

Gray grabbed her arm as she turned to storm off.

'Rachel wait!' He begged. 'I'm laughing at the situation and my interfering sister. Not at you. I'm so glad you came over.'

'You are? Why?' Rachel was still suspicious, but at least she'd stopped trying to run away.

'Why? Because ever since the day you called me on my crappy behaviour at the Christmas party you've been one of the people I trust the most. Because every time I need someone to share a joke or a problem you're the one I'd choose. Because you didn't treat me like I was permanently broken. Because you showed me that you've been broken too. Because you're my best friend and I think you might also be so much more than that if you give it a chance.

Is that enough reasons for you?'

As Gray spoke Rachel's eyes widened, hopeful. And when he stopped she simply nodded.

Determined not to repeat the experience of the protest, Gray closed the gap between them slowly, giving Rachel time to back away. At the last moment before their lips touched he heard her breath catch in her throat and he knew she wanted this as badly as he did.

The kiss was short, sweet and gentle but it somehow felt more intimate than every kiss he had ever shared with Aisha. It felt right.

He pulled away and saw a new sparkle in Rachel's eyes. She had felt it too.

They took things slowly at first. Rachel didn't want to tell their colleagues until they were sure about being together and Gray just wanted to keep her to himself for as long as possible. Given his past he knew there'd be local interest and that the gossips would go to town.

So they dated quietly, dinners at home, evenings splashing each other in the hot tub. Rachel asked Gray to help her get fitter. He made it clear he thought she was perfect as she was but she was insistent. She said the weight had piled on after her split from her baby's father and that she'd kept meaning to work it off. Once Rachel had set her mind to something she would not give in and before long she was happier with herself and Gray was happy that she still had gorgeous curves.

The months passed and everything felt right. Lying in bed one night reading recipe books Gray tore off a corner, scribbled a note and passed it across. Rachel giggled and punched him in the arm.

'Say it out loud, you coward!'

Gray groaned dramatically.

'Fine. I love you. Happy now?!'

'Thrilled. I knew that already, but thanks for the confirmation!' Rachel went back to her book, a smirk on her face.

'What! Are you joking? That's all I get' Gray complained. Throwing his book on the floor he pounced on her and tickled her mercilessly until she admitted that she loved him too.

When the moment seemed right they told their co-workers who were unsurprised. It seemed that they had been less subtle that they'd thought. With everyone important now in on it, Gray and Rachel went public, attending the opening party for Jet's new ranch together and generally not caring who saw them together.

The local papers did take notice, though Violet's husband Derek worked to minimise the coverage. Gray and Rachel released a short statement to counter all the 'Missing Eva's Father Cuts Losses and Moves On' headlines. They said simply that  Gray would continue searching for his daughter, regardless of his relationship status and that Rachel fully and actively supported him in this search.

It had now been five years since Eva had gone missing and Gray wondered if he'd recognise his little girl if he saw her on the street. He thought about her every day and was in regular contact with the police team who kept the case open, though they weren't actively seeking new leads. Rachel was as good as her statement. She would help him monitor missing children's websites and helped him set up and maintain a website where people could report any information on possible sightings of his daughter.

So far they hadn't found anything but Gray no longer felt so alone. Living without Eva was like living without a big piece of himself but now he had Rachel to hold on to it didn't feel so much like the rest of him would fall away too.

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Read Chapter 11 - Second Chance at First Love now!