“She’ll fit in with this group,” Catherine snarks. “Those three often say the quiet part out loud.” She gestures to me, Kayla, and Anker.
“See, sweetie, it’s all good.”
Kayla releases a quiet sigh. “He just kissed the top of her head. He’s an honest to god DILF,” she whispers.
Stop, I mouth.
He goes on, “Remember saying inside words are okay when they are nice.”
Liana raises her head, “And telling people they are pretty is nice.”
“Especially when it’s true.” Ray looks from his daughter to me. “She is pretty… Very pretty.”
“Thanks.” Shifting in my seat, I blush.
“Look, Jensen, another subject to add to your court,” Anker teases, causing the flames claiming my cheeks to turn fiery.
“Of course,” Garrett mutters gruffly.
I’m not sure if the heat cascading within me is from the embarrassment from Ray’s compliment, or from my complicated feelings at Garrett’s clear jealousy. Apparently, it’s not just Miles he doesn’t appreciate… It’s any man showing me attention. It’s possessive. It’s barbaric.God, why is it turning me on?I have issues.
“Sorry. Now I’m saying the inside words out loud.” Ray clears his throat. “We should get back to my parents. I’ve gotta get this one to her moms’ later.” He plops Liana on the ground. “Enjoy your meal. Congrats on the race.”
“Thank you.”
“Bye!” Liana calls, skipping away.
“I hope to see you again, Jensen.” With a quick nod, he turns to follow his daughter.
“Please, please tell me he’s single, so Jensen can live out my single dad romance fever dreams with that Adonis.” Kayla whines dramatically.
“He is. Liana’s mom is his best friend. He donated the sperm, so she and her wife could have a baby. It’s not your typical sperm donor situation. Deridder is really involved and shares custody,” Anker explains.
“Yes! Yes! All this!” Kayla claps.
“I’m not sure how I feel about any of this,” Anker grumbles.
“Especially because I don’t think the single daddy trope is what Jensen is going for.” Catherine’s jest is wink-filled.
Perhaps her subtlety is waning a bit. Catherine is Team “Go for It” about me and Garrett. She and Kayla are up-to-date—minus what happened at the finish line. Kayla wavers back and forth. She cautions me to protect my heart, but also likes Garrett.
“What trope is she going for?”
Ignoring Anker, Catherine flicks her wrist and goes on, “Although, maybe hot single dad is a good option for Jensen. He seems respectful but not scared to make a move.”
“I have to…” Garrett rises, his chair’s screech loud. “Bathroom.”
“Just as I thought.” Catherine leans back in her chair, no doubt a triumphant expression covering her face.
I aim my narrowed gaze at my friend. It’s clear she hit her mark. Guess my bestie plans to prod both of us to “go for it,” and not just me.
Garrett moves away from our table so quickly that I barely register he’s left until Anker snarks, “Small bladders the older you get.” Garrett is mad. There’s no question about it. But at whom? Miles? He’s gone. Ray? He did nothing. At me? Besides us not yet having the conversation we need to have, I’ve done nothing. Himself?
Fuck this!Garrett doesn’t get to be a sullen child about another man showing me attention—no matter what almost happened at the finish line.
“Bathroom!” Unfolding my cane, I shoot up from my chair.
“Do you want?—”
