“In fact”—he pauses to walk around me and sit on the workbench— “it gave me an entire night with Grey. No responsibilities no… anything but hanging out with my son.”
“Ah. Well, I’m glad.”
That wasn’t my intention, but I’m glad my need for a distraction helped him.
“It also made me realize that right now, I’ve made more commitments in my career than I care to admit. Commitments that are taking away time with Grey.”
I want to say something motivational or give him a hug. Going by the tension in his shoulders, he didn’t want to admit what he just said, but honestly, this is the most he’s ever said in a conversation, and I’m a little shocked.
“You’re a successful author, Simon. You just opened a new business. You work hard, and it shows. It’s not a bad example to set.”
He nods slowly. “I want to be a successful dad too.”
Oh, wow.
I will not cry in front of him, but that was so sweet.
I sit next to him. The bench isn’t small, but my leg brushes his wide frame. His attention falls to where we’re touching.
“Youarea good dad, Simon. One of the best I’ve ever seen.”
He looks up into my eyes, and for a split second, I swear his gaze flickers to my lips. But the motion was quick so I’m not sure it happened.
We sit long enough in the silence for my heart to race, for my cheeks to feel flush, and for the urge to kiss him to take over.
I’ve always been attracted to Simon but wanting to kiss him—that’s new.
I clear my throat and stand.
“Anyway, did you need something? You don’t normally come in here.”
I gesture to my studio space and cross my arms.
“Grey and I talked it over, and we’d like to know if you can help us over the summer.”
“Help you how?”
Simon rises to his feet, reaches into his back pocket, and pulls out his phone.
“Grey has football camp three afternoons a week followed by soccer, and a ninja warrior camp the other two days. When he isn’t doing that, he’s sitting at the house playing video games while he waits for me to finish work. Even then, it’s housework and cooking and the list never ends. I’d like to hire you to run him to those camps, help around the house, and hang out with Grey while I work. Then when the day is over, the only thing for me to do is spend time with him.”
He lets out a breath, almost like admitting all of that to me took a lot. Which I’m sure it did.
“Oh, like a nanny?”
“Essentially, yes. Grey is self-sufficient. But we could use the help, and I will pay you. Just give me a number.”
He steps closer, and his woodsy scent surrounds me.
I take a breath, loving the way he smells.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“I…” I don’t really have a reason.
“Look, I don’t trust a lot of people, and Grey likes you.”
