Page 58 of Unrivaled

She’s even added me to her collection, which apparently includes matchmaking with other members of the collection as well.

By the time the server clears our dinner plates, I’m starting to relax and think maybe everything with Ben and Grayson is fine. That they won’t call me. And it’s just as she brings out the dessert menu that I get the text.

Grayson: He won’t stop crying. All he wants is you.

My heart clenches as I read the text, imagining my sweet little boy crying for me.

I must make some expression that gives me away, because Anton asks, “Everything alright?”

Setting my phone down, I meet his eyes with a regretful smile. “No. I’m so sorry. I’m going to have to cut tonight short. My son …”

He holds up a hand. “Say no more.” He stands along with me, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. “I had a nice time tonight. I’ll take care of the bill. Is it alright if I text you later?”

While he’s a perfectly nice guy—as evidenced by this reaction, if I hadn’t already figured that out anyway—there are zero sparks between us. Still, I can’t quite bring myself to tell him no. “Of course. Thank you for dinner.” I give his hand a squeeze, then grab my coat off the back of my chair and head for the door. After shoving my arms in the sleeves, I pull up Grayson’s text again and type out my reply.

Me: On my way. Be there in ten.

That might be an overly optimistic estimate given how far Grayson’s apartment is from the restaurant here, but I’ll do my best to get there as soon as possible. My baby needs me. I won’t keep him waiting.

* * *

I throw the car in park almost before I come to a complete stop in front of Grayson’s apartment, catching myself in the seatbelt as I stumble out of the car in my haste to get to my son.

I don’t think he’s hurt. I’m sure Grayson would’ve told me if that were the case. But he’s crying. Grayson said he wouldn’t stop crying because all he wants is me. And I don’t want my baby crying for any longer than necessary.

My car beeps, signaling that I’ve locked it as I stride away as fast as my heeled boots can carry me. Once I’m in front of Grayson’s door, I hesitate. Do I knock? Do I just go in? Will it be locked? He’s expecting me, but maybe he locked the door and hasn’t had a chance to unlock it because he’s been trying to comfort Ben.He better be trying to comfort Ben.

I decide to knock and try the handle at the same time, but it doesn’t budge. Seconds later, I hear the distinctive clunk of a deadbolt sliding back, and then the door opens and Grayson’s there, filling all the space and taking all the air, my child looking impossibly small curled against his chest, supported by one muscular forearm.

Ben turns his tearstained face my direction, reaching for me with a wail of, “Mamaaaa!”

“Oh, my baby,” I say as I take him from Grayson, pulling him close. His arms cinch tight around my neck, and he buries his face in my shoulder, little hiccuping sobs of relief coming from him.

Grayson steps out of the way and gestures me inside with his head. I sink onto the couch in the spot I claim every time we’ve been here. Instead of going to his spot on the opposite end of the couch, Grayson sits in the middle, sinking down lower than I thought possible on that sagging seat. But he doesn’t seem to notice, because his attention is all on Ben.

His big hand covers Ben’s little back almost entirely, leaving only a small space for my own hand. And every time I pat between Ben’s shoulders—the only real estate available to me—I brush against Grayson’s fingers.

But I steadfastly ignore how his skin makes mine tingle in a way that was distinctly lacking with Anton, because nothing’s going to happen between us. I’m here for Ben.

“Shh shh shh,” I whisper. “Mommy’s here. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. Mommy’s here.”

His cries subside to sniffles, and he slides down into my lap. Grayson finally moves his hand away, and I’m able to rub Ben’s back all the way up and down like normal. Ben still has his head on my chest and one hand on my shoulder. “Want mama.”

“I’m here, sweetie. I’m not going to leave you, okay?”

He nods against me, and I look up to meet Grayson’s eyes over Ben’s head, not sure what I’m supposed to do now. “Sorry,” I whisper. “I know you were looking forward to an overnight—”

With a shake of his head, Grayson cuts me off. “Don’t apologize. I texted you, after all. We had a good night, though, didn’t we, bud?”

Ben nods again. “We had popcorn and watched a movie.”

“Oh yeah?” I shift so I can look at his face easier. “Which movie?”

“Mossters Inc.”

“Oooh. That’s a good one. Did you like it?”

He rubs his eye with his fist and yawns really big. He’s normally asleep by now, so no surprise that he’s getting tired. “Yeah,” he whispers. “Was kinda scary some, but Gray kept me safe.”

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