Grumpy Darling: A Heartwarming YA Wholesome Slow-Burn Romance with First Kisses, Hockey, and a Happily Ever After (The Darling Devils Book 2)

by Alexandra Moody

Falling for your best friend was always dangerous, but this was the first time I thought my feelings for Paige might actually kill me.

Technically, that was true. I loved everything about Paige, even her crappy muffins. Apparently, love wasn’t just blind, it also had no sense of taste.

I couldn’t help it that every time she looked at me time seemed to slow, and I was briefly transported to an alternate universe, where my deep and secret feelings for my best friend weren’t completely one-sided.

I never felt invisible when I was around Paige.

She was the girl I wanted in my life forever, and even if that was only as a friend, it would have to be enough for me.

I’d known that since the first time I met him, when we were seven years old. We were at the town pool, and I found him rescuing a bee from the water. He’d fished it out so gently, before I helped him find a safe place to hide it in the rosebushes. It was clear to me then that Gray was someone special, and I’d be lucky to call him my friend.

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.

“You’ve been in love with her for years.” “No, we’ve been friends for years.” “Friends?” Reed shook his head at me. “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.”

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

I would rather eat another batch of Paige’s poisonous muffins than watch her kiss another guy.

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

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

It was clear I’d fallen for Grayson Darling, without even realizing it. I wasn’t confused anymore. I was in love with my best friend. And I think I had been for a long time.

“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?”

“But fighting is one of my strengths. I’m always going to fight for you. For us.”

“I’m so in love with you, Paige Price.” “And I’m so in love with you, Grayson Darling.”