“Not physically,” I rushed to say. “That’s not what I meant. Danny’s said plenty of cruel things. That’s his favorite way to manipulate me. But he’s not physically violent. He definitely wouldn’t ever hurt Ollie. Mostly I’m just frustrated with his failings as a father. Ollie deserves better.”
Grayden studied me another moment. Then he said, “From what little I’ve seen of your son, he’s an amazing kid. Protective of you. It’s sweet.”
That made me smile, the tightness in my chest unwinding again. “Heispretty amazing. Sometimes he still acts like a little kid, wanting cuddles and bedtime stories. And then he turns around and seems to think he’s going to fight the whole world to take care of me.” My voice went soft. “I love him like crazy. I’d do anything for him.”
Tears pricked at my eyes, and I blinked them back. But before I could pull myself together, Grayden reached across the table and put his hand on my arm.
The touch was gentle, warm through the sleeve of my sweater. It lingered for a moment, his thumb brushing against the inside of my wrist, and then he pulled away.
“Ollie’s not the only one who’s protective,” he said. “The kidbehind the counter at Silver Linings this morning nearly bit my head off when I asked for you.”
I set aside the brief rush of pleasure I felt, knowing Grayden had been asking about me, and focused on his words. “That must’ve been Dillon. If he’s protective, it’s because he lost his older sister years ago. His father too. They died in a house fire.”
Grayden’s expression went serious. “Fuck. That’s awful.”
“It was ruled arson, and the culprit was never found.” I wrapped my hands around my mug again. I hadn’t even taken a sip, but it felt nice to hold. “Anyway, Dillon tries to look out for me and the other employees at Silver Linings.”
“Especially the female ones?”
“I know how it sounds. But it’s not like that.”
“Maybe,” Grayden said slowly. “Or maybe the kid just has a crush on you.”
I nearly choked on my tea. “What? No.”
“Why not?”
“I’m his boss. He’s eight years younger than I am. He’s not truly a kid, like you keep calling him, but he’s way too young for me.”
Grayden leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’m more than eight years older than you.”
The implication hung in the air between us, thick and weighted. Heat crept up my neck and into my cheeks.
“Dillon’s not interested in me,” I said firmly. “If he was, I’d shut him down.”
“Good to know. Are you seeing anyone else?”
“No.”
“That’s surprising.” Again, there was so much more meaning in Grayden’s tone than the simple words suggested.
Did he mean… Was Grayden flirting with me?
My heart was beating up into my throat, and desire spread all over my body as I imagined Grayden touching me. Tilting my chin with those thick fingers and kissing me. Nitro fuel for my former teenagefantasies.
There was definitely chemistry between us. I’d wanted him for a long time, and it seemed the attraction was mutual now.
If I’d met Grayden somewhere different, in some other life where he wasn’t Grace’s brother or Teller’s former best friend, I wouldn’t have a problem letting him know I was interested.
But when it came to sex, I usually liked to keep things simple. If I had a rare night to myself, I would find a handsome guy at a bar and go home with him. Get sweaty and satisfied, then say my goodbyes.
Falling into bed with Grayden would be anything but simple.
“So. The lease application.” I got up and grabbed the copy I’d printed from the kitchen counter. “I’m open to negotiation on the rent given the work involved in cleaning it up. It needs some drywall, plumbing and electrical repairs. This isn’t a small project. Are you sure you want it?”
“I’m handy, and I’m fine taking on a project. I think the original rent you asked is fair.” He was quiet for a moment, his jaw tensing like he was chewing on something he didn’t want to say. “Unless any of your neighbors has a problem with you renting to me.”
“The neighbors can mind their own business.”
