Grumpy Darling (The Darling Devils #2)

by Alexandra Moody

“I think he just coughed up a lung,” Cammie added. “Probably because dinner was spicier than Mom’s dirty books,” Parker joked.

“Take my advice, boys,” he said as he sipped on a glass of milk. “I love your mother, but marry a girl who can cook.”

laughing lightly at something Violet had said. All I could think was that I’d happily put up with terrible cooking every night for the rest of my life if it meant I could be with Paige.

“And, I just made it clear that if they ever hurt you, then I’d hurt them.” “Grayson!” “What? I didn’t think that would stop them from asking you out!” I mean, maybe a part of me had hoped that would be the result, but I couldn’t let her know that.

you don’t have to kiss the first guy you see either.” Although, while I was sitting right in front of her, perhaps that wasn’t the worst idea.

Just last week you were drooling over that guy on the Netflix show we were watching.” “And . . .” “Bon, it was a documentary about a serial killer.”

“Damien?” I gasped. Gray stiffened beside me. Bonnie’s number-one pick for my first kiss wasn’t just some new guy. He was also my first friend. My first crush. The boy who got away. And now he was back.

I’d never liked him, but he’d firmly cemented his name on my shit list the day of my eighth birthday, when he blew out my candles and stole my wish.

“Just visiting then?” I added hopefully. “Actually . . .” he replied, “you’re looking at the newest member of the Ransom Devils.”

Hearing about his parents did make me feel a touch guilty about the cold reception I’d given him. But then Paige reached out her hand to touch his, and I immediately returned to loathing the very sight of him.

“You don’t think friends can turn into something more?” That question was essentially the bane of my existence, and her asking it to me directly had me dreaming about sinkholes again. “No, I’m not saying that.”

All I wanted to do was pull Paige into my arms and kiss her myself so I could bring this nightmare journey to an end.

“You’ve been in love with her for years.” “No, we’ve been friends for years.”

“You don’t look at her like she’s just a friend.” “Of course I do.” “No, Grayson. You look at her like her like she’s everything.”

I’ll give you a clue. What did you receive the most penalties for last year?” “Interference?” I guessed. “Bingo.” Parker snapped his fingers.

Gray: Just wear what you had on at the game. You looked perfect. Me: I was wearing your jersey. Gray: Like I said . . . perfect.

As he spoke, I followed his gaze to where Violet was chatting with Matt on the other side of the room. Reed was staring at her with bright, wide eyes. He’d had that look on his face pretty much every day since they’d officially started dating.

My heart was breaking for her, and in my mind I was practically screaming that I wanted her. I’d always wanted her.

“And remember,” Parker added. “You’ve got us and the guys backing you up. I don’t see how this could fail.” I saw many, many ways this could fail.

I never understood how such an incredible girl could want anything to do with me.

Violet had turned Reed into such a softy. I’d never seen him act that way around anyone. He definitely would not have given up an afternoon skating to sit on a bench with a girl before.

But just as I emerged into the corridor, Cammie appeared at the top of the stairs, this time with Parker in tow. My younger brother’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning, while my sister’s filled with a menacing glee. “Told you this was worth the trip upstairs,” she said.

Paige loved all candy, especially gummy worms, but I’d never been a huge fan. I always ate one or two whenever she was here though, because I didn’t want her to realize I only bought them for her.

“Seeing something they want and knowing they can’t have it.” The way he was staring into my eyes had me wondering what it would feel like to be wanted by Grayson.

“Some girl driving you crazy, Gray?” I asked with a laugh I didn’t quite feel. It’s how I normally would have replied, but it was a struggle to maintain my usual lighthearted attitude. I was also way too invested as I waited for his reply. “Only you,” he responded with a playful smile.

Had I really decided to skip hockey practice to go shopping? Paige must have thought I’d lost my mind. Perhaps I finally had.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked as I approached Grayson’s truck. He responded by opening the passenger door for me. “I want to do everything with you, Pidge.”

“I think if you wear that dress for a second longer, I’m going to forget we’re just friends.”

Please don’t embarrass me, your teammates, or yourselves. Remember, your moms will probably read these interviews.

“What’s your idea of a perfect date?” “Just what kind of article is this, Paige?” “A fun one,” I replied with a smile. “So?” “A hike,” he replied.

Bouquets of flowers always filled me with a twinge of sadness. Why pick something so beautiful only to let it die in a vase? But when I took them from his hands, I realized there weren’t any real flowers. The bouquet was actually an arrangement of all my favorite candy.

I drew in a breath. This was it. Time to fly or fall.

“It’s not that,” she said. “I think I might have wasted my wish.” “What do you mean?” “Well, either I wasted my wish, or the stars work really fast,” she replied with a cautious smile. “I wished for you, Gray.

“No, Pidge. That was my first kiss too.”

“But . . . What? Who?” She blinked. “How is that possible?” “Why would I kiss someone else, when I was waiting for you?”

“Are you calling me your girlfriend, Grayson Darling?” “If you’ll let me.” “Then I better cancel my other date.”

“It is fun to poke the bear,” Parker agreed with a smirk. “Especially now that he’s unlocked boyfriend mode.”

If you’re ready to put in the work to get better, then Ryker will be here to support you.” I was speechless. He still wanted me. My dream was still alive.