Piper growled at him. “Behave.”
“I am behaving.” Grant frowned. “He said to ask. That’s what I wanted to ask.”
“Really? You’d base any character assessment on what Hank Simpson says?”
“No, which is why I asked.” Grant studied the guy. “Simon’s a nice kid, but that could be because his mom is nice. She can bake, for sure.” Grant smiled at Becca, who smiled back. “So are you a douche or what?”
“Grant.” Piper glared. “Mitch is a wonderful person. He hasn’t thrown you out yet, has he?”
“A fair point.” Grant looked the guy over, not pleased to know Piper had had a crush on him before he’d gotten married. The ex pro baller still kept in shape. He had muscle and a face most women would probably find attractive.
Mitch eyed him warily. “You okay?”
“Ah, but maybe a little too much,” Grant murmured, referring to Mitch’s muscle. Piper liked a more streamlined kind of guy. Like Grant. He suddenly felt better about the guy. “I hear you used to play football. Ever try baseball?”
Mitch nodded. “I played a little in high school. But too much standing around for me.”
“Not enough physical contact, eh?”
“Yeah.” Mitch grinned. “Though I did like stealing bases.”
“Right. You have to aim just right to take out a second baseman at the knees while still getting safely to base.”
Mitch chuckled. “You ever play football?”
“I tried it once. But it was more Cade’s sport than mine. He likes hitting too.”
“Older brothers, right?”
Grant nodded. “You have one, I take it?”
“Yeah. Too bad you can’t meet him, but he and my sister-in-law and their newborn are visiting my parents in Washington for the holidays.”
Piper had left with Becca toward a massive kitchen further into the house. But Jenna and Simon sat playing with the dog and Ava.
Jenna glanced up. “Nora’s not coming? Bummer. I know she’d want to meet Grant.”
“Why?” Simon asked.
“Duh. Because he’s handsome and single. And she has some friends who’d want to meet him.”
“Oh.” Simon studied Grant and shrugged. “But he plays baseball.”
Mitch laughed, and Grant decided not to take offense and said, “Kid, you’re brainwashed by this guy.” He shot a thumb at Mitch. “But if you ever want to leave the dark side, come to me and I’ll help you out.”
Simon snickered with Jenna, and Mitch nudged Grant with an elbow. “Hey, I hear Piper showed you the Connor place. Want a tour of the house? You get similar views over there.”
“Yeah, sure. Must be nice up here, away from people.”
Mitch snorted. “People. They’re the worst, am I right?”
Grant grinned. “Yep.”
He loved the house, but the personal touches sold him more than the grand decor. Each room had been festively decorated, with another Christmas tree in a back room filled with books. Apparently, Mitch and his family had gotten together to decorate, making the holiday a fun-filled party while bringing the scents and sounds of Christmas forward.
“Never too early for the holidays, right?” Mitch asked.
“Right.” Grant smiled. “Guess I’ll get to help Piper with the house so it’s ready for Jared and the gang.”
