Page 164 of Silver Fox Puck

“So… do you still have a job?”

Grant smirks. “For now.”

I grin—just as his phone buzzes on the counter.

And when I see the name on the screen?

The lightness of the morning disappears.

Because it’s Lauren.

Grant sees the name on the screen and I feel every muscle in his body lock up.

“Lauren.” He does not sound happy. He’d told me about her custody threats. I can see how the thought of losing Olivia eats at him.

I notice the shift in him immediately.

My fingers, still lightly pressed against his chest, stiffen.

His jaw tightens as he reaches for the phone, his thumb hovering over the screen.

“Do you have to answer that?” I ask softly.

Grant exhales, eyes locked on the name.

“If I don’t, she’ll make my life hell later.”

I nod, but I don’t move away.

And for some reason, that makes it easier for him to answer. He puts the phone on speaker, holding me close.

“Hello Lauren.”

“Grant,” she greets, voice smooth and edged with amusement.

He doesn’t bother with pleasantries.

“What do you want?”

Lauren tuts. “Is that any way to speak to the mother of your child?”

His teeth grind. “Cut the bullshit.”

There’s a pause, then a dramatic sigh.

“Fine. I’ll get to the point. This little romance you’ve decided to flaunt all over the media? It’s not a good look.”

Grant stares at the floor, forcing himself to breathe. He won’t give her the reaction she wants.

“Let me guess,” he mutters. “You’re worried about optics.”

“I’m worried about Olivia,” Lauren counters smoothly. “And what kind of… instability she might be exposed to.”

The words land like a hit to the ribs.

I see something in his expression shift because my brows furrow.

I reach for his hand.

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