Ryder’s watching my every move with a look so dirty, I feel like even the kids are going to pick up on the heat between us.
I turn my attention to Cora. “And what about you, sweetie? What are you going to do while Luke is in school?”
I already know the answer to this because Ryder and I have been talking about it all week, but I want to hear if she’s excited. I can tell by the pout on her little face that she’s not.
“I have to go to the new babysitter,” Cora says, grimacing.
“Well,” I say lightly, flicking a glance up at Ryder, “I hope she’s fantastic. I’m sure you’re going to have so much fun.”
“We brought you something.” Ryder holds out a coffee cup and the paper bag.
“If this is what I think it is,” I say, trying not to think about the cookie I already have at my station. This is definitely a two peanut butter crisp day. “I’m going to have to find a way to thank you.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for,” Ryder teases. “I can admit when I have ulterior motives.”
“Dad, what’s an—”
“I’ll explain it to you later, buddy,” Ryder says, cutting Luke off.
I smirk at him, take the bag and the coffee, and lean close enough that I can murmur, “I can’t wait to show my appreciation.”
He chuckles, a low rumble in his chest. “I had another reason for wanting to visit you today,” he says.
I raise a brow at that and grin. “Hmm? There’s more?” I’d tease him and maybe even risk a discreet kiss on the cheek just so I could smell him, but a really attractive young guy, probably in his mid-twenties, walks up to the sidewalk, pointing at me.
He looks from me to Ryder. “Hey. Are you Gracie? I recognize you from the website.”
I take a step back from Ryder and squint into the sun.
I nod at the guy.
“I’m a couple minutes early. I thought maybe we could go over a few last-minute changes to the design.”
“Sure thing,” I tell him. I motion toward the door. “Check in with Echo at the counter. I’ll be right in.”
I turn back to Ryder, whose sexy grin is gone. “That’s your tattoo client?” he asks.
I laugh at his ridiculousness.
“Try not to fall for any of your clients until I get a chance to woo you,” Ryder says. I listen for any real note of jealousy, but I don’t detect any, which brings a grin back to my lips.
“Woo me?” I shake my head. “You’re lucky I only fall for almost-clients. Not ones I actually work on,” I say, meeting his eyes.
Well, at least that’s the rule now since the last client I worked on and then slept with ended in absolute disaster.
He sucks in a breath and smiles, his teeth so pretty that I wish I could feel them against my skin.
I look back at the shop. “I’d better get to work.”
“Have a great day, Gracie,” he says.
We stand there on the sidewalk, and I don’t know what we should do, but it’s clear we’re both debating something. A hug? A kiss?
But then Ryder looks down at his kids and gives me a look that promisessoon.
I sigh, knowing this is how it has to be.
10
