“Then I’ll give it to Grey.”
I cross my arms and stand tall. Greer moves her sunglasses to the top of her head and slowly takes me in.
I won’t lie—it’s like she’s looking right through me. Or reading my mind. Like she knows all the dirty things I want to do to her, and the look she’s giving me is her permission that she would let me do all those things and more.
Normally, I’d change the subject, but instead, I find myself walking down the steps to meet her on the sidewalk.
“I’ll pay you seven hundred a week. That’s final.”
“Simon,” she scolds me.
“Are you going to argue with me about everything I ask?”
She shakes her head. “Only if it’s worth arguing.”
“Do you want to tell me why you won’t take my money?”
“I’m just helping a friend.”
I rub my chin, never taking my eyes off her. “A friend.”
She grins. “Yep.”
“You won’t tell me why you don’t want my money, and you’re just helping a friend. What aren’t you telling me?”
She lets out a long breath. “Honestly, right now, I’m considering changing my mind.”
She crosses her arms and holds eye contact. A clear challenge. One I can’t afford to take part in.
“We’ll take my truck, and I’m staying firm on seven hundred.”
I pack my bag quickly, taking my computer and things inside, grateful she didn’t argue with me again. When I walk back to the driveway, Grey is whispering something to Greer, who’s crouched down to his level. She spots me, Grey spins to look at me, and smiles.
“I told her I wanted grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner.”
I don’t respond for two reasons. One, I’ve already told Greer she isn’t his maid, and two, yeah, that sounds like a delicious plan to me too.
I open the rear door for Grey and then do the same for Greer with the passenger door before heading around to my own.
We all load up, seat belts on, and are nearly out of the driveway when Grey starts with his questions.
“If you’re helping me and my dad, does this mean you don’t have a job anymore at your workout place?”
“I work at the studio and with you and your dad.”
“But why not work at the studio all day?”
“I work one-on-one with clients, and a lot of them work during the day, so mornings and a few evenings are all I need.”
“But won’t you be with us in the evenings?”
“Yes. Right now, I have two evening clients. I thought maybe you could come with me on those nights and join us if you want.”
“Like working out with a real personal trainer?”
“Yes.”
“Sweet! That’s so cool. Thanks, Greer.”
