Page 124 of Mended Hearts

I paced in front of his massive desk like a caged animal, resisting the urge to run my hands through my hair—a tell he'd chastised since we were kids.

“I understand, Griff. We'll address it promptly… Yes… That's fine. Listen, an urgent matter just came up. Let's resume this conversation on Monday... Thank you.” Greyson ended his call, removed his earbuds, and stood from his chair in one fluid motion, eyes locked on my face.

“Oliver, what are you doing here?” he asked. That wouldn't have been a question four months ago. Why did that tighten my chest? “Mattie and Beau…”

“They're fine. Everyone's fine.”

“You don't look fine,” he noted dryly.

Pain tore through my chest as I met his eyes, nearly choking on the confession. “I fucked up.”

Casually tucking his hands into his slack pockets, Greyson rounded the desk and leaned against its edge, observing my pacing with a furrow between his brows.

“Should Captain Reynolds be privy to this conversation?”

“What?” I scowled, realizing he might call in Jackson if I'd created a security threat or needed a cover-up. “No. Not like that.”

“Color me intrigued.”

Alright, Oliver, quick, like ripping off a band-aid.“Leighton's pregnant.”

Greyson's poker face was legendary, but his hazel eyes hardened, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he likely clenched his fists inside his pockets.

“Please tell me this is an episode of jealousy and not how I find out about a new niece or nephew.”

The imploring glare I shot him as I raked my hands through my hair was answer enough. He sighed, eyes closing briefly, arms crossing as he ran his tongue over his teeth.

“What did I tell you, Ollie? When have I ever warned you off a woman, except thisonetime?”

“You told me not to date Carly.”

“Different reasoning. You just had to go after her after I?—”

“It was Halloween, Grey.”

“He shoots, and he scores,” he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Is she keeping it?”

My growl was all the answer he needed.

“Of course, she is.” A dark chuckle. “Jameson is going to beat you to a pulp.”

“Given the meltdown I just had with her, yeah, probably. I'd be grateful if you'd do me the mercy and just put a bullet between my eyes now.”

A slight twitch of his lips. “Come on, it won't be that bad. Jameson's a beast; he'll make it quick.”

“And Axel?”

A humorless chuckle. “Now that kid is a little unhinged. Best of luck.”

“This your idea of a pep talk?” I bit out, chest heaving as I fought to steady my breathing.

“You didn't come here for a pep talk.”

“No,” I admitted, collapsing into the stiff leather armchair in the corner of his study.

“You came here for advice.”

“You're the last person qualified to dole out romantic tips.”

---