“I … um,” is all I get out before I point to the cookies. “Thank you for this morning. I appreciate your help.”
He glances at the plate and then his eyes slowly take me in. They start at my bare feet, trailing up my legs to my shorts and sports bra and then to my lips and eyes.
I swear his gaze flickers back to my lips before he clears his throat.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
He grabs the plate and is stepping back inside when the door pushes open farther.
“Greer!” Grey cheers and comes out on the porch. “Are you having a better day today?”
I glance at Simon quickly and then back to Grey.
“What do you mean?”
“I had to come home yesterday to get my cleats, and I saw you crying from the front window. Did you have a bad date?”
“Grey,” Simons scolds him then looks at me. “You don’t have to answer that. It’s not our business.”
“Sorry,” Grey says, his cheeks turning rosy as he looks at the ground.
“Oh, it’s fine,” I say quickly. “And yes, it did. It actually didn’t go at all.”
“Why?” Grey asks.
“Grey!” Simons scolds again.
“It’s really fine,” I say. “I’m not sure. I didn’t get the chance to ask him.”
“What a tool.” Grey shakes his head.
“Jesus,” Simon whispers from behind his son. “Let’s let Greer get back to her day.”
“All right, do you want to come have a cookie with us?” Grey asks instead of listening to his dad.
“Oh, I made those for you.”
“But we can share.”
“Grey, she said no. I’m sure she’s had a busy day and is ready to get back to it.”
Grey nods, and normally, I’d just wave and leave myself, but honestly, being alone doesn’t feel so appealing right now.
“Actually, I don’t have plans. I could maybe have one cookie.”
I’m aware that Simon has tried to shoo me away multiple times by now, and somewhere in here, it seems I’m inviting myself to hang out with his kid. I don’t really care though. Grey is cool and I… need something to do.
“Perfect! Do you know football? Maybe you could pass the ball with me while Dad finishes up his day.”
“I’d love to.”
Grey runs inside, shouting for me to follow him and that he just needs to go to his room to get the ball.
“You really don’t have to play with him. I’m almost done with my workout, and then I have a couple of emails to reply to, and I’ll be free.”
“It’s fine. I need a distraction anyway.” I say and step into their house.
