Free The Kiss That Launched 1,000 Gifs by Sheralyn Pratt Page B

as you can before I do something we’ll both regret.”
    Phillip let out a frustrated sigh. “Grace, this is clearly coming out all wrong. I don’t want us to end on a note like this.”
    She got out of the car, so angry that she didn’t even feel her aching feet. “And yet, it is what it is.” She bent over and looked at him. “Have fun with your cute, little waitresses, Phil .”
    Grace hadn’t even made it a step when Phillip’s driver’s side door opened.
    “That’s not what this is about, and you know it,” he called after her. “It was stupid for me to try that angle, okay? It’s late, and we can’t end things on a fight, Grace. We owe each other more than that.”
    Grace walked as fast as her sore would carry her. “Really? You think I owe it to you to make this comfortable for you?”
    He followed after her. “Grace, I’m serious. If this relationship is going to survive, I need you to move in. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
    She spun on her heel and faced him. “And I’m saying that won’t fix a thing, Phillip. Not really. So if that’s a deal breaker for you at this point—”
    “It is,” he said without hesitation. “We’re passing the three-year mark together. It’s time to move in or move apart.”
    “While you keep your same hours and all our dates remain business trips?”
    His chin came up. “What? Now you have a problem with fine meals with high-end clients?”
    “When that’s all we do anymore?” Grace countered. “Yes, Phillip. I have a problem with that. If I moved in with you, the only time I would see you more often than I already do is when you climbed into bed each night. Tell me how that is a win.”
    “Do I really have to?”
    Grace stepped away. “Nuh-uh. That’s not moving things forward, Phillip.”
    He took a slow breath, as if calming himself. “There’s really no compromise here, Grace. We’re at a breaking point. Either we’re in or we’re out, but once a week isn’t an option.”
    Grace nodded, her heart feeling like it was pumping motor oil as she realized he was right. “If those are the terms, then we’re done, Phillip,” she said, voice calm and composed. “I deserve a man who doesn’t find every excuse to turn our dates into work functions and then expect me to act seduced at the end. I deserve a man who would rather be with me than stay at work micromanaging a fully competent staff. So have fun with your future of mixing business and pleasure with the waitresses at your restaurant. I hope one of them sues you for sexual harassment just so you know how disgusting you sound.”
    She spun on her heel and started away.
    “Yeah?” Phillip said from behind her. “Well, good luck finding a man that thinks once a month is good enough. Men have needs, Grace.”
    She spun on her heel and faced him, face flaming hot. “And you’re going to look me in the eyes and tell me that I’m doing less than you in showing that I care?”
    “Yes,” Phillip said. “I’m the one ready to take us to the next level, Grace. You’re the one who’s stalling and stepping back. You have been for months now.” He took another step forward. “A year ago, we found a way to see each other nearly every day. Now we text or call once a day and see each other maybe once or twice a week. Can you really not see how that’s a bad thing?”
    “Our schedules are opposite, and we’re busy,” she said, sticking to her guns.
    “Not that busy,” he said, taking yet another step. A few more of those, and he’d be kissing her. It was a dance they’d danced before. She and Phillip didn’t fight that often, but when they did, making up usually happened quickly.
    Grace folded her arms and stared Phillip down. “You’re not getting invited in tonight, so don’t even try it.”
    His chin came up. “And I’m telling you that if you don’t care enough to invite me in tonight, then I don’t see a point in putting any more effort into this