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Instead of answering his question, she said, “I think it’s better we talk about this in person.”
As much as he wanted to know what was going on, Daniel let it go. He could get through a meal with his ex-wife and her new husband. “James said his event starts at noon. That’s not going to leave a lot of time for lunch.”
“Brunch, then. Why don’t we meet you in the hotel restaurant at ten? That should give us plenty of time to talk and still make it to the event on time.”
Daniel nodded even though Jessica couldn’t see him. “I’ll see you then.”
He disconnected, then slipped the phone back into his pocket. Wrapping his arms around Ali, he rested his chin on the top of her head. “That was Jessica, my ex-wife.”
“I know.” There was something in the tone of her voice he didn’t like.
“My youngest son, James, has a fitness competition next weekend here in town and his mother and her new husband are flying into St. Louis to attend.”
Ali didn’t comment.
He was done doing this when he couldn’t see her face. Taking a step back, he guided her to the edge of the bed and sat down. “James sent me two tickets. I’d like for you to come with me.”
She stared at him for a moment before answering. “You want me to meet your ex-wife?”
“You meeting Jessica is irrelevant.” He blew out a breath and admitted something he’d only recently admitted to himself. “I’d like for you to meet my son. Or rather, I’d like for him to meet you.”
“Really?”
Daniel smiled. “Really.” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “You said you wanted more than just us playing at the club.”
“I do.” She looked down at her hands, then back at him. “I just wasn’t sure if you’d be ready for me to meet your kids.”
He wasn’t sure he was ready either, but he wasn’t going to hide her. She wasn’t his mistress. “I’m ready if you are.”
Ali smiled and it lit up her face. “Tell me about James?”
The tension he’d been holding in his shoulders relaxed. “Out of all my children, he looks the most like me.”
“So he’s handsome.”
Daniel chuckled. “I told you how he’s obsessed with fitness. He measures out his food and drinks protein shakes on a regimented schedule. Especially when he’s getting ready for a competition.”
“Does he make a living by doing these competitions?” Ali asked.
“No. The competitions are for fun, he says, and bragging rights. He went to school for physical therapy and nutrition.”
She asked question after question, wanting to know everything from where he went to school to what he’d been like growing up.
As they’d continued to talk, they’d moved farther onto the bed. They lay on their sides, arms tucked beneath their heads, talking for hours.
When she’d run out of questions about James, she’d moved on to his other kids. She wanted to know everything and as a proud dad, he loved talking about them.
The light in the room began to fade and she grew quiet. “Have you finally run out of questions?”
“For now.”
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “Thank you for listening to me drone on about my kids.”
“I liked learning about them.” She scooted closer. “Plus, it gave me some more insight into you.”
“And what, pray tell, did you learn?”
“That you’re a big softy underneath that Dom exterior.” Her lips hovered over his, tempting him.
