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“That’s okay. The girls are handling the chaos, but thank you for the offer. You might turn this place into a circus if the moms get a sight of you,” I say. “The dads, too. One of People’s Sexiest Men of the Year in our midst and all.”
I glance over at him, and he’s watching me. I’ve tried to ignore it, tried to not think about it, but there’s no point in denying the obvious truth: Shawn Holmes is hot as hell.
Tattooed arms, dark hair, light eyes that border on gray. Six-foot-six, with muscles in places I didn’t know people could be strong. He’s all-around handsome, but his smile is his most devastating characteristic. Wide and bright, it stops you in your tracks. It’s genuine and a little shy, like he can’t believe he’s lucky enough to live a life like this.
I only know Shawn—a household name every football fan across America adores—because of Maggie’s boyfriend, Aiden. They’re best friends, and when she started dating Aiden after a one-night stand and a photo shoot that went viral, I met the very famous and very attractive Shawn Holmes.
I was expecting someone arrogant. Cocky. A self-centered guy who likes to dominate a room and conversations.
He’s not, though. He’s kind. Level-headed, thoughtful and patient. He’s good with kids and stops to sign autographs for people who ask, not ever complaining about how long it takes. He loves his job, but he also works hard, not letting opportunities be handed to him on a silver platter. Shawn wants to earn the things he’s given, and I respect the hell out of him for it.
We’ve gotten close over the last twenty-one months, honorary aunt and designated godfather to Aiden’s daughter, Maven, and the single ones in our little group. He sends me funny videos he finds, and I’ll text him when he’s on the road, staying up late to hear about his games and consoling him with a pathetically stupid joke when his team doesn’t play well.
If I fall asleep before him—which happens almost every night—I’ll wake up to a photo of a city skyline at night—Manhattan, Boston, Oakland—the wordsgood nightwritten on the glass of the floor to ceiling windows.
“You need to stop with the sexiest man thing,” he says, and he leans over to flick my ear. “It was a headshot photo of me on the second-to-last page in the magazine. I wasn’t on the cover, and I’m pretty sure they spelled my name wrong.”
“What did they call you? Shawn Helms? You’re not on the coveryet,” I say. “When you win the Super Bowl next year, you might be.”
“You sure I can’t help with anything?” Shawn asks.
“No. I only have four patients this afternoon. I should be able to power through.”
“You know where I’ll be if that changes.”
I turn my head and smile at him. “I do. Thanks, pal.”
“You’re welcome.” He ruffles my hair then squeezes my knee. “See you tonight.”
I bring the piping hot cup of coffee to my mouth, and I grin.
I don’t care about his money or his name. He might be a god in the football world, but he’s also the guy who remembers exactly how I take my coffee.
I like this side of him best.
TWO
SHAWN
“Want a drink?”Aiden asks. He pulls down the hand mixer from above the oven and glances at me over his shoulder. “Beer? Whiskey?”
“I’ll grab a beer,” I say and head for the fridge, all too familiar with helping myself to whatever is inside. “Want one?”
“No, thanks. I have an early shift tomorrow. I’m getting too old; the hangovers hit harder than they used to.”
“True, but that’s not stopping me.” I pop off the top of a bottle and sit on a barstool at the marble island. “Where’s Mags?”
“Dropping Maven off at Katie’s. The kiddo is celebrating her birthday with her mom the next two days, then I have her over the weekend,” Aiden says.
“You and Katie should teach a class on co-parenting.” I take a sip of my drink. “Years post-divorce, and you two have never had a fight. Plus, your new girl doesn’t have any animosity toward your ex-wife. It’s remarkable, really.”
“Because Katie and I work better as friends.” He shrugs and clicks off the stove, extinguishing the gas burners. “She’s also attracted to women, and I love Maggie more than anything in the world.”
“Any thoughts of proposing?” I ask.
“I’ve been thinking about it more and more lately. Maven’s okay with it. She adores Maggie.”
“But you’re hesitant?”
