I felt myself being swept off my feet and swung around our living room.

"GREYSON!" I squealed in between my laughter as he continued to spin us.

I was getting dizzy but catching those glimpses of pure joy etched across his face. How could I tell him to stop? And why would I ever want to?

Grey was spinning me fast enough that I almost felt like I was flying. And that weightless feeling, like gravity, couldn't hold me down. My heart was soaring.

While I hadn't given Grey the exact heartfelt confession that I've kept buried deep within in my soul, I gave him a sneak peek. And that felt like enough for now, but it wouldn't be all that he'll hear from me.

Grey spun us until it looked like he was getting deliriously dizzy himself, then he flopped on the couch, cradling me in arms close to his chest. He placed a kiss on my forehead, and gosh, I was a sucker for those forehead kisses. I was a sucker for everything Greyson-related.

Wow. My life just became a Jonas Brothers song. But we didn't have to talk about it.

My body relaxed against Grey's as I placed my head to rest on his shoulder.

Grey ran his fingers up and down my arms, and it gave me the best kind of goosebumps.

"Can I ask you something?" Grey said out of the blue.

"Hmm?"

"Why have you been so weird the last few days?"

My shoulders instantly tensed.

"Is it because we slept together? Cuddled up? Or has something else been bugging you? And if so, what is it?" I could tell by his tone of voice that he had been worrying about this. "You always like to distance yourself when something's bothering you, and I know that's what helps you think. But that's also what drives me crazy. I try to give you time to work it out alone and let you come to me when you're ready. Other times, I admit that I get impatient, and I find some way to persuade you into telling me."

That dang finger poked my rib and let out a giggle. Sometimes I wished his methods weren't so effective.

"Hmm." I agreed, thinking of all the times he persistently nagged the heck out of me to talk to him. "You could be so annoying sometimes." I scrunched my nose at him.

"Shush," Grey said with a soft chuckle. "Don't change the subject." He continued, "We've always been in this together, so talk to me."

I haven't mentioned my mom to Grey in years. I kept my thoughts of her locked away, and he knew that. But lately, it hasn't been that easy. I did want to talk to him, but it wasn't the right time.

Then there's the cuddling thing. I had woken up in Grey's arms feeling safe and cared for. Grey had one hand cradling the back of my neck as my head was snuggled into his chest, and the other rested on my lower back while our legs were tangled together. I could've stayed like that until he woke up. I could have enjoyed the moment that may have never happened again, but instead, I chose to tell myself to be realistic. My best friend would never want to be with me like that.

I got up from the bed and tried to create the space that I felt necessary to keep my heart safe. Trust me. I hated knowing that Grey was under the same roof as me 24/7, and we weren't spending time together.

"It was the cuddling thing," I muttered, it was the half-truth, but I prayed he couldn't pick up on that little fact.

"I figured as much," Grey said confidently. "What bothered you about it?"

Since our feelings were out in the open, as might as well say it. "I thought it was nice. So nice that I wanted it to be real. I wanted it to mean something more than you just comforting a friend."

Grey sighed, then maneuvered me in a way that I was now sitting next to him but with my legs draped across his lap. He angled his body towards me, so we were face to face. "It meant something to me. Everything I do for you means something more than friendship to me. Yes, I wanted to comfort you, but I also selfishly wanted to hold you."

Grey ran the back of his pointer finger down my cheek. I shivered, and he smiled at my reaction. "As if it wasn't obvious, I'm glad we are where we are right now. This was all I've ever wanted and more."

I leaned in and kissed him. It was a quick peck, nothing like how we were kissing earlier. But it was enough to let him know that I appreciated everything he said.

I took one of his hands in mine. "You think anyone will be surprised about us."

Grey barked out a laugh. "Psh! Nope. My mom gave us until Thanksgiving to get together."

My jaw went slack with surprise. "What do you mean?" My voice went high-pitched.

Grey grinned, clearly amused by the outburst. "She knows how I feel about you. She thought after months of living with you that I was bound to crack and tell you everything. She was right. Like always." He rolled his eyes, but I knew he was honestly happy about it all.

"What do you think my dad will say?" I blurted out as soon as the thought popped into my head. For the first time, I was eager to tell my dad about who I was dating.

But Grey didn't share my excitement. His face turned to stone, and I busted out laughing.

"I don't want to think about what your dad might say," Grey said dryly as he pinched the bridge of his nose, looking slightly distressed.

"Come on!" I slightly slapped his bicep. "Dad has always loved you."

"Yeah, I'm sure he did. But that's because we were childhood friends. Now that I'm dating his daughter, I'll probably become public enemy number one." Grey held up one finger. "Every dad likes that one guy friend that only seems to be a friend until they start dating their daughter." Agh, he dramatically threw his hands upon the air before slapping them on his face and slowly dragging them down. He kept his gaze straight ahead as if he was watching a video of a dark, dank future that only he could see. "I'm a goner." He shook his head slowly. "A dead man walking," he said sorrowfully, slumping back into the couch cushions.

He was being silly.

"I think your logic might be flawed." Then again, there have been some cases like that, but I wasn't going to confirm it for him.

"Nope. I'm speaking facts," Grey said stubbornly like he has already accepted that he wouldn't live to see our college graduation.

"Okay, how much do you want to bet?"

Grey rubbed his smooth chin. "Hmmm." He was acting as if he had to think about it deeply.

"Listen, my dad has known you for pretty much 80% of your life. He's watched us grow up together. He's been just as proud of your achievements as he's been proud of mine. He was never afraid to scold you when we both did something stupidly fun. And when you lost your dad, he tried his best to be the man you could talk to about anything if you needed to talk." I added a pause for dramatic effect. I'm also hoping these two microseconds would give him enough time to process the first half of my mini-speech that I had going on.

"You're right." Grey agreed faster than expected. "He's been the best male figure in my life, and I'm grateful to him for that."

I watched him stare off into the distance.

Yup, the speech was loading. I rolled with. "It was important for him to be there for you because you have always been important to him. Trust me. He loves you. He'll be glad it's you with me instead of me with a total stranger that he has to spend hours psychoanalyzing and giving them the third degree." I huffed, thinking of all the embarrassing and overprotective stuff my dad had in his arsenal to scare guys away from me.

"He didn't do that with James," Greyson replied gruffly.

James was the last person I wanted to insert into this conversation but okay.

"Um, well." I looked briefly looked away from Grey. "So I never told you this because I knew you would laugh, but he never liked James." I sped through that sentence.

Greyson gave me a blank look before the tips of his mouth broke out into a grin, then he tried to reign it back in, folding his lips together.

I couldn't even be mad. I almost told him to laugh it out and get it over with it.

"What didn't he like about him?" Grey asked calmly, but I heard the humor laced throughout his voice.

"I don't know," I shrugged my shoulders. I told him that when James came to pick me up for our first day, dad had opened the door before I could get there. James introduced himself, stuck out his hand for him to shake. My dad took one good look at him, slammed the door shut, then turned to me and said, 'I don't like that boy.'"

Greyson tried to covertly cover his mouth with hands as his shoulder shook with silent laughter.

"Go on," I waved my hand forward. "Let it out." I encouraged him, much to my dismay.

Greyson broke out in a laughing fit.

I decided to let him have his moment.

After what felt like a good minute, Grey wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye. "Please, Mia. Continue."

I went on to tell him that Dad said he disapproved of James. He also said that if I liked him that he'll let this one slide. But that the next guy he didn't like, he would leave them outside. So dad let him in and decided to be civil for my sake.

Grey's face became neutral. "After the break-up, he must have wished he wouldn't have let him take you out that night."

There was a bitter howl of laughter. "Oh yeah, he definitely wanted to go back in time and put his foot down, but it's whatever now. He's happy that I'm not depressed or crying my heart out over it. Now," I leaned forward, drawing his attention to me. "Back to what I was saying, dad's not gonna freak out."

Grey still looked torn about it. "He just might. Especially since I didn't ask for his permission."

I gasped, placing a single hand over my heart and leaning away from him. "Who are you?" I asked. "You know if the real Greyson got kidnapped by aliens and you're like a clone or a shapeshifter or something, this would explain a lot." I pointed out.

My fingers went to the back of his neck. "Where is the zipper for this human meat suit? Show me what you really look like, alien."

Grey captured my hands, putting them together. "I'm not an alien clone, whatever." He kissed my knuckles. "Listen, the loser buys dinner and pastries from the café when your dad freaks."

"If my dad freaks," I corrected him.

We were getting so addicted to those pastries. Soon I'd need to start hitting up the gym if I kept this up. Then again, it couldn't hurt to work out just for the sake of being healthy and not worrying about whether or not I had to stay a specific size.

My phone vibrated with another text from James. I forgot about him. He was practically the reason Grey and I were having this talk.

I opened the message and ignored whatever he wrote me. Instead, I typed back what I should have said from the beginning.

Me: I'm sorry, but I don't want to see you. I don't think there's anything left to talk about.

Me: Please, don't try to text me anymore. I've moved on, and I think you should too. Anyways, I hope you have a wonderful life, James.

I included that last bit to be nice.

Greyson kissed my cheek right after I clicked send.

"Would I sound like a terrible person if I said I'm happy he screwed up?" Grey asked with a lopsided grin.

I shook my head. "You're ridiculous. And since we're on the topic of break-ups, what happened with you and Katrina, for real. I know there's something else you're not telling me."

Grey paused, then launched off the couch. I almost toppled sideways, but I caught myself and glared at him. "Don't you want to hop in the shower? It's getting late, and you have an early morning."

I checked the clock on the wall. He was right, but regardless, I hated how fast he had changed the subject. "Fine," I grumbled, placing my feet on the floor.

"Great. Um..." Grey's eyes traveled down to the ground. "I'll finish getting dressed then." He walked backward in the direction of his bedroom.

I pouted. Did he have to? It took maximum effort to keep my eyes on everything from the shoulders up. But I failed miserably.

Looking away, I said, "Yup. You do that." I awkwardly gave him a thumbs up.

I watched him grab his towel and walk off. I waited until I heard his bedroom door shut before I got to my feet and dragged myself into the bathroom.

About 20 minutes later, I completed my nighttime routine, moisturized my freshly washed hair, put on my PJs, and I was more than eager to hop into my bed.

I pulled the sheets back and climbed in.

Should I text Grey goodnight? The thought crept into my mind.

He might be sleeping already. He hasn't made a peep.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand, and suddenly, a text came in from Grey. I smirked, opening it.

Grey: Sleepover?

Me: On the couch?

The couch was comfy, but it had nothing on my mattress.

Me: How about we just sleep on my bed? I suggested.

Grey: OR we can sleep on mine. ;)

What? Oh, wait! I forgot his bedroom set came in. I hadn't even checked it out yet.

I scrambled out of bed and flung the door.

Grey was standing on the other side with his fist raised. "You want to see my room?" he asked excitedly. "It feels like I've officially moved in." He reached for my hand, and we take a stroll across the hall. He opened his room door and stood off to the side, allowing me to enter first.

My eyes went wide as saucers. "DUDE!!" Grey had a king-size mahogany bed like the one back at home, in the middle of his room, and it was taking up the majority of the space. The bed was spread with gray and white cotton sheets, about four king-sized pillows, and one white fluffy-looking throw blanket was folded in half and draped across the edge of the bed.

"Wow!" Grey had a chest of drawers and a single nightstand with a lamp to the right of the bed. Other than that, the décor in here was pretty simple. Grey had three photos in silver frames, one of us, one with him and his parents, and one picture with the two of us and our parents. There were two other frames on the wall. Both of which had some of his favorite quotes. He probably couldn't fit anything more in here if he wanted to, but Grey doesn't like much furniture in his space, to begin with.

"You like it?" he asked, still standing behind me.

I ran over to the bed and dived on top of it. "OH MY GOD!" I laid across the mattress in a starfish position. "This bed feels like a cloud," I told him.

He chuckled under his breath. "Ready for bed?" he yawned.

I didn't answer him. I just lifted one end of the sheet and crawled under. Then I patted the space next to me.

Grey took the hint and got in. He didn't turn off the lamp. For a few minutes, we laid peacefully in silence.

I turned my head to him while he was lying on his back with one arm behind his head. I could tell by the pattern of his breathing that he hadn't fallen asleep yet.

I still couldn't believe this was real.

I thought last summer was a fluke. I had believed that that would be as close to Grey as I would have ever gotten, and I had to live with knowing he didn't want me beyond that. So after that night, I acted blasé about it. He didn't seem to mind, and that was all the proof I needed to never bring it up again.

"What are you thinking about?" Grey asked softly, interrupting my thoughts. He opened his eyes and turned on his side towards me.

"A lot of things." I wouldn't even know where to begin.

"Like?" he urged me to continue.

"Last summer," I whispered it like I was in fear of someone possibly overhearing me.

"Hmmm." Grey reached over, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear." I thought you didn't want to talk about that." he quirked a brow.

"I think now is as good as any. Especially since we're supposedly dating," I bit my bottom lip.

"We are dating. For the summer. Maybe longer. If you're lucky," he winked.

"Why are you making this relationship sounds like a summer fling or a trial testing thing." I sat up, bringing my knees to my chest, and wrapped my arms around them.

"Let's just take it one day at a time and not worry about that."

"Sure." I nodded. "So about last summer..."

Greyson exhaled a heavy breath. "There was alcohol involved. But I know that I don't regret anything. Do you?"

I didn't have to think about my response. I just knew. I knew it then, and I still felt the same.

Out of complete boredom last summer, Grey and I snuck a bottle of wine from his mom's cabinet. His mother had picked up a night shift, and my dad had been away at another one of those doctor conferences.

Now mind you, Grey's mom is not a big drinker, and she hardly kept alcohol in the house, but she hosted a bachelorette party one weekend when Grey was spending the night at my place. She had more than a little booze leftover from that night.

So Grey and I decided to play one of those drinking games.

Long story short, we ended up making out. I swear we weren't shit-faced drunk, only a tiny bit buzzed. And since we had already been on the floor in his room, naturally, we made our way over to the bed.

There was a moment when Grey's lips left mine, and I remembered whispering something about wanting my first time to be with someone I trusted, and someone I knew wouldn't hurt me. But it was more than that; I had wanted Grey for years. I thought he would have turned me down, but to my surprise, he didn't.

Grey said he wanted this with me too, and in that moment, I didn't care if it was the alcohol talking or what, but we lost our virginities to each other that night. I knew people at this age often complained about their first time being shit and how they regretted it. But what I had with Grey that night was... At the risk of sound cliché... it was so dang magical.

When I woke up the next morning with a slight headache, but luckily, I didn't have one of those hangovers where I was running for the toilet to throw up the contents from the night before. Grey seemed pretty okay, too, from the looks of it. He had been sleeping soundly when I got up, got dressed, and snuck out of his place at about 6 a.m.

I hadn't planned to leave things like that. I needed to think about my next move. But all my brain wanted to focus on was the fact that I had slept with my best friend, and that could have drastic consequences. I panicked and did the dumbest thing I could think of. I bypassed the whole topic and acted as nothing had changed. When I noticed it worked, I was beyond relieved. I didn't have to lose Grey.

All my feelings for him went nicely back into a bottle until now, when I shattered it.

"It was the best decision I ever made because it was with you. I wouldn't change any of it," I told him honestly.

"Confession?" Grey said.

"Hmm?"

"I haven't stopped thinking about it since then," he smiled sweetly.

I lost count of the number of times I found myself grinning like an idiot tonight.

There was something silly I've meant to ask while we're on the topic. "So as far as 'first' times go..." I trailed off, hoping he would catch on to what I was asking instead of forcing me to finish the question.

"What do you mean?" He looked at me, so curious and lost.

Oh crap. "I mean... Do you think that I was... that you... Did you feel like...?" My brain failed to put the words together, and I felt the heat, my cheeks threatening to turn crimson. I flopped on the bed and buried my face into the pillow. "Never mind. Forget it."

The horror. The embarrassment.

"You wanted to know how I felt about our first time." Grey easily worded my silent question.

So he did know what I was trying to say. Jerk.

He poked my side, and I flinched, blindly slapping his hand away with one arm.

"Stop it!" I shouted before he could take it any further, but the pillow muffled my words.

I lifted my head.

"Answer me," Greyson demanded softly. "Is that what you wanted to know?"

I couldn't meet his eyes. "Possibly," I mumbled.

He leaned over and brushed his lips against mine. Once then twice. God, these kisses were going to fry all my brain cells. "It was the best," Grey whispered. Then he placed a kiss on my forehead. "You were perfect. You are perfect, Mia."

"Thank you." I didn't know what else to say, and I felt kind of stupid after speaking it. But I loved hearing that. My heart was starting to swell.

"Okay," Grey yawned again, stretching out one of his free arms. "It's officially sleepy time." He extended his arm, and I curled up into him, getting cozy.

I'd get to do this all summer long. That thought made me absolutely ecstatic.

Maybe we'd last beyond the summer after all.

Maybe all those irrational fears of losing him as a friend and or something more would all fade away because I wanted to make this work.

And I knew Grey did too.