“We’re having an affair,” Andre deadpans.
Oli’s eyes blaze in Greyson’s direction. “I know he’s being a smartass, but I still want to punch you just from the image that puts in my head!”
“He said it!” Grey rolls his eyes. “So glad you both came over.” Grey goes over to his coffee machine. “Felix, do you want some coffee?” He looks back at his friends. “None for you two.”
I walk over to him, gently placing my hand on his forearm. “Sit. I’ll make it. I want you to stay off your leg today, okay?” It looks like he wants to argue, but thankfully he gives in.
Yesterday flashes back to me. The broken dish. If he hadn’t told me what he had while we fished, I’d be more frightened. Maybe I should be. I feel for him, though, and his sister. Their mother too. None of them deserved it.
None of us ever do.
“What are you two idiots doing here?” He rubs the sleepout of his eyes, and I wait for his coffee, my greedy eyes drinking him in. Grey is huge. He’s only a few inches taller than me, but his mass is impressive. He rarely wears a shirt inside, and my eyes thank him for his service. His golden-tanned muscles flex as he reaches for his phone and my eyes go to his chest. I think I slept on it briefly last night. His pecs are dusted with dark blond hair that travels down his stomach.
I feel something and look up to find Andre watching me, a smirk on his lips.
Coffee. Right. Time to make coffee. “We’ve come to formally invite you to our wedding.” Andre hands him the envelope.
“Invite him?” Oli shakes his head. “He’s going to be my best man. He has no choice.”
“Does Atlas know?”
“Uh no. And he won’t. I’ll let him believe what he wants until then. Of course he’s a groomsman. Hell, you two can be co–best men, I don’t give a fuck.”
“Who’s going to be Andre’s?” Grey opens up the cream envelope.
“Vanessa,” Andre says. “Colton is going to be a groomsman. Landon too.” Grey’s eyes flick up. “Goalie bros, man. I love him.”
“So does Grey’s sister.” Oli’s brows wiggle.
“What about Grey’s sister?” Alyssa walks in with Lianna, who runs to fling herself into Grey’s lap. “Lianna, be careful!” She stops short with her hands outstretched toward him.
“It’s okay, sweet pea.” Grey grabs her, lifting her onto his lap on the side with his good knee. “How’s my favorite girl?” He blows a raspberry on the side of her arm as she squeals then looks up at his sister. “She’s the only reason I haven’t changed my code on you.”
“Uh-huh, and she’s the only reason I haven’t gone to jail for homicide, so a win is a win, I guess.” She looks at Andre. “Now, what about me?”
“We were just saying how much you love Landon.”
“Hell yeah. Do you know how flexible goalies are?” She wiggles her brows as Grey gags.
“Well acquainted.” Oli smirks as Andre shoves his shoulder.
She laughs, then bites the corner of her lip. “I think he’s going to propose.” She covers her face. “I accidentally saw the ring. Don’t tell him I know, I just... I can’t believe this.” Grey stares at her then looks down at his coffee mug. “Grey?”
He shakes his head, trying on a smile I can definitely see is forced. “I’m really happy for you. I am. That’s amazing.”
“It’s a secret.” Liana holds a finger to his lips. He chuckles, pretending to bite it.
“What are you guys doing here? Last time you were here you were threatening me.”
“And last time I was here you were yelling at me.” She smiles. “This is a nice improvement.” She looks at me. “Is he behaving himself?” I bring my coffee mug to my lips and almost smile. Instead, I nod. She swings her attention back to Grey. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Yeah?”
“Can you please watch her for a bit? I have to go into school and Landon has practice this afternoon. Derrick’s mother is out of town, or she would. Just for a little, please?”
“Isn’t it spring break?”
“Yes, but I have to prepare some things for next week, and I’d like to do that without a seven-year-old saying Mommy every minute.” She smiles tightly.
