“Oh shit,” he says. “I’m so sorry.” He starts frantically grabbing various items of clothing that are scattered all over the floor.
Within no time, we’re both fully clothed and walking briskly toward the front door, trying not to make a sound. But as soon as Mason’s hand reaches for the handle. A little voice from behind us immediately stops us in our tracks.
“Hi, Mason. Are you here for my soccer game today?” We both turn around to find Luca standing outside his bedroom door with his dinosaur pajamas on. My shoulders sink. I can’t believe I’ve been caught sneaking a man out of my bedroom by my four-year-old child.What kind of mother am I?
If Mason and I are going to continue our arrangement, we need to be more careful. I haven’t dated anyone seriously since before Luca was born—which was Tyler. And the few that I have dated here and there have been either one-night stands or casual dates that never evolved into anything remotely close enough for me to consider bringing them home.
I sense this is going to get tricky real fast unless Mason and I set up some ground rules about when he can come over. It should be when Luca is at my parents’ house. That’s the only option that will keep this under wraps.
Luca skips down the hallway and right into my arms as I kneel to his level. Mason doesn’t speak. He lets me answer first. “No, buddy, Mason just came by to drop something off. He has to work at the restaurant today with Uncle Harry.”
“Actually, I don’t have to go in until later.” I hear him correct me from behind.
Luca’s eyes light up. “You can go!”
I cock my head to the side, looking back at Mason. My eyes are wide, and my brows furrow. “Are you sure Mason? I thought you said you had a busy day today,” I grit out through my clenched teeth.
Mason does not make eye contact with me and instead stares down at Luca. “Of course, I can go, if you want me to.” He’s now squatting down next to me.
Again, I flash him a side-eye, but based on his reaction, he isn’t bothered by it.
“Alright, buddy, why don’t you put on something to watch while I start your breakfast,” I say, giving him a quick hug.
As soon as Luca runs into the living room, Mason and I both stand up. “What are you doing?” I snap, crossing my arms at my chest.
He shrugs his shoulders. “What? I love soccer. And catching a soccer game sounds awesome right now.”
Saturday morning soccer games are my favorite. Luca loves it, and it’s so much fun watching him play. My parents come as well, having never missed a game.
I let out a sigh of frustration. “I don’t want him being confused. What we’re doing needs to stay between us. Luca cannot be involved. And that reminds me, we need to come up with some ground rules about where and when things can happen,” I add.
“Bailey, he only sees me as your friend and his Uncle Harry’s friend. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be complicated,” he insists.
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Fine. The game is at Lefler Park, and it starts at nine.”
His eyes flicker as he smiles wide, showing off his white teeth. “Perfect. I’ll see you there.” He opens the door to leave but not before turning around to say goodbye to Luca.
When the door closes behind him, I run my fingers through my tousled hair in complete dismay of the situation I’ve put myself in.
Chapter Sixteen
Mason
Ihave to admit that waking up with Bailey this morning did feel nice. A part of me wanted to stay and have breakfast with her and Luca.
I enter my condo a few minutes later stoked about going to a kids’ soccer game.
I played from when I was a child then through high school as well. I have such clear memories of my dad running up and down the field with me as I chased the ball when I was Luca’s age. Funny thing is his over-the-top soccer parent image did not falter once I entered high school. I’d scold him for embarrassing me, but inside, it always made me proud to have a supportive father.
It’s going to be hilarious watching these tiny humans run around the field, trying to kick the ball back and forth.
I don’t plan on heading into the restaurant until later this evening, giving me plenty of free time today. I put on a pot of coffee, then open my laptop to check my emails.
I’m only home a short time before my phone starts vibrating on my desk. Pivoting to my left, I see that it’s a call from Claire.I roll my eyes. That woman cannot take a hint. Who stays with a guy for almost two years, knowing he’s not that into you?
I can’t even count on one hand how many times I’ve tried to break things off with her, but she somehow always slithers her way back into my life. I’m not completely innocent in this scenario because I do reluctantly take her back each time she comes around. A dick move that’s probably given her mixed signals. But she was just so easy.
We’ve never been exclusive, and she’s been aware that I’ve slept with other women during the time we’ve been hanging out. Each time I get tired of one of the other women, there’s Claire on the sidelines like a golden retriever just waiting for me to give her attention again.
