Grant’s condo sat in the middle of downtown Bellevue. They walked arm in arm out of the condo and past the concierge and doorman, both of whom offered warm good-byes.
“Dan and Ryan are good people,” Grant said as they walked toward the downtown park.
“They seemed to like you.” And they’d appeared surprised to see him with Piper, but then, perhaps she’d read them wrong. Or perhaps she wanted to see surprise in their eyes. Being with Grant, sharing intimacies and smiles, had turned her possessive, something she had no right to feel. It’s just the sex. Once we calm down, I won’t feel so jealous of his time.
They walked together without him being recognized. “Do you have people coming up to you a lot?”
“Yeah. The hat is working for me so far. Don’t jinx it.”
She grinned. “What’s that like? I mean, I think it would be intrusive after a while, but still, it has to be good for your ego. People want to take pictures with you, have you sign stuff for them.”
“It’s good and bad. I feel a responsibility to be nice to fans. Especially kids. I remember how I used to idolize pro ball players as a kid. I don’t want to hurt any boy or girl who loves baseball. But sometimes the pushy parents, and worse, the pushy women, get annoying. And then you have the fans who like to tell you how you should have played a game. That can be annoying.”
“I’ll bet.” One older man gave them a second look as they passed, but Grant didn’t stop moving, so neither did she.
“I’m so glad you came with me this weekend, Piper.” Grant shot her a warm smile. “I mean, it’s so great that Jared let me stay at his place, but I feel a little in the way. Here it’s just my house and my gir—” He choked. “Sorry, I meant, my great friend. That’s you. No Jenna to worry about if I steal a kiss. No brother nagging me to spend more time with the family, which is awkward enough, I have to tell you.”
“Oh, yeah, how did Thanksgiving breakfast go? You never said.”
He blinked. “Ah, well, it was nice, I guess. I still felt a lot tension, and I might spend some extra time with Alex next week. Do you think it would be okay if he came over a day or two? To give Cade and Ellie some time alone together.”
“That’s a terrific idea.” She beamed, proud of what a great brother he was. In a lot of ways, she and Grant were alike. They both loved their families, were dedicated to work, and enjoyed people. Though she thought that maybe he liked being around others less than she did.
Piper landed firmly on the extrovert line. Though she never minded time alone, she enjoyed being around others. “Hey Grant.”
“Yeah?”
“Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?”
He shrugged. “A little of both, though I usually recharge better when I’m alone.”
“So an introvert who doesn’t mind being the center of millions of views at work.”
“Yeah. I guess.” He smiled at her. “You’re definitely a people person. You have a magnetic personality.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.”
“Kind of clingy but in a nice way.”
“Excuse me?”
He laughed. “I’m kidding. Just wanted to get a rise out of you.” He leaned close. “And hopefully you’ll get a rise out of me a little later. I’m doing my best but having a tough time forgetting how you taste.”
“Grant,” she said in a low, warning voice.
They weaved around a few couples and families near the park, but the area looked fairly open. Whether the after holiday weekend or the cooling weather had kept folks away, Piper couldn’t be sure. But when Grant tucked her arm around his, she only knew she was having the best time.
They left the road and went down to the park, walking on the wide trail and enjoying the cold breeze and sunny sky.
“I like it cold,” Grant said.
“Me too. Hope’s Turn always gets snow, and I look forward to it every year.”
“I miss snow. We get icy rain and maybe a few flakes that ice over. It’s not a fun cold here.”
“Yeah.” She frowned. “You realize we’re talking about the weather.”
“Well, you said not to talk about sex, so I’m trying to keep it clean.”
