Becker's POV...

To my delight, Jack hasn't been home for the last three days. It's now Wednesday and I'm skipping school with Declan and Cohen to go support Greya at the guardianship hearing for her brother.

Greya and I haven't spoken much this week. It's not that we're avoiding each other, we've both been busy with soccer practices and Greya getting ready for today. She is nervous and excited. After today she'll be Chase's legal guardian and won't have to worry about child services anymore. I'm happy for her, this is what she wants, but at the same time I know she's sacrificing things to care for her brother. She really is the most selfless person that I know. I admire her so much.

The three of us quietly take a seat in the back of the courtroom with Fynn and Ari. Greya, Chase and Cohen's parents are up at the front speaking to the judge. We are the only ones in the room while the judge recites the laws and the words written on the guardianship paperwork. I can't help but picture my mother standing up there, a two-year old in her arms as she asks for Jack to be my adoptive father. I haven't told the guys or Greya what I've found yet, I'm waiting for Jack to return home so he can explain it to me first.

After a successful guardianship hearing, we all decide to celebrate at Greya's house before soccer practice. Fynn orders pizza since that's Chase's favorite meal, while the rest of us hang out in the back yard.

Greya's eyes are on me when Ari approaches her. "You really like him, don't you?" I hear Ari ask her. We both look away quickly, me pretending I didn't just hear that question. I would really like to know her answer but they both walk further away from me.

"Becker, wanna juggle?" Chase throws a ball in my general direction. "How did you know it was me?" I ask him. He shrugs, "I don't know...You have a certain smell, like mint gum." "Oh," is all I respond with. Good to know. "Alright, how about I let you keep teaching me how to juggle with my eyes closed?" He laughs and shrugs his shoulders again. "Okay, but it might take all day," he teases me.

My ribs begin to ache after about 45 minutes of me kicking at the air. Blindfold juggling is impossible, for me anyway. Chase runs off to find Fynn, so I decide to rest on a patio chair. Greya catches me massaging my ribcage when she walks over and takes the seat next to mine. "How are you feeling?" Her voice laced with concern and the perfect amount of sweetness; makes me smile every time.

"I'm good, a little sore is all." She doesn't need to worry about me, she has enough on her plate. What she does need is for me to be strong, show her I can be her rock.

"So, what were you and Ari talking about earlier?" I'm going for the teasing approach. We've always been comfortable with a little playful banter, and what better way to explore how she really feels about me.

Her cheeks turn a shade of pink as she tries to hide her face. Shy Greya is cute. "Come on Love, you can tell me," I smirk and then move my chair closer to hers. My right knee is barely touching her left one and it causes a pleasant sensation to run straight up my leg and into my gut. She doesn't speak and my brain doesn't have time to register what happens when she places her hand on my thigh and gives it a squeeze.

The tingling sensation fully erupts throughout my body. I glance down at her hand on my leg and then look up at her face, all while feeling completely shocked. She may not have said the words, but the hint of desire I see in her beautiful eyes gives me my answer. I move my hand and place it on top of hers because I need to know I'm not dreaming.

She rotates her hand under my own and laces our fingers together. This isn't a dream.

"Hmmm," we hear someone clear their throat. I look up to see Cohen staring at our locked hands. "Umm, we need to get going so we can make it to practice on time," he says to me. I nod at him. "We will be waiting in the car," Declan walks up behind them and they both go inside the house.

"I should be going too," she releases my hand and stands up. I wasn't ready for her to let go. It's like the flood gates of doubt open back up and all my insecurities threaten to drown me.

Feeling desperate, I reach for her hand again and turn her to face me. "May I come over later tonight? I really need to talk to you about something," I practically plead with her.

"Of course, Beck, anytime." She confirms with a warm smile. I lean forward and place a small kiss to her forehead. "Thanks, Love."

As I walk away, she throws more banter my way, "Beck, please be careful of your ribs at practice, I want to be able to score more goals than you on Friday, fair and square."

That's my girl.

Practice went fine later that afternoon. I took it easy like Greya suggested, even though coach was not having it. After noticing me clutch my ribs every so often, he finally backed off .

I met Alec at home after practice and to both our surprise, Jack was still missing. Relief rushed over me, knowing it was safe to leave Alec alone here while I go talk to Greya.

These past few hours away from her have been torturous. I can't stop thinking about her. The way her skin feels against mine when she delicately grazes her fingers across my cheek. I feel...wanted...happy, and all I care about is protecting her and making her happy too.

I'm not even sure I'm capable of giving her what she needs. I've never been loved, hell if I even know what it is. How is Greya supposed to love someone who can't be loved or touched. My mind and body only know abuse. What will happen when she wants to kiss me or sleep with me?

I trust her and want to be with her, so I need to try and pray that she's the girl who doesn't run.