Page 66 of The Single Dads Club
A sweet, easy smile pulls at his lips as he runs a hand over the scruff along his jaw. “Good morning. Sorry, we’re a little bit slow getting started today.”
“Is this still a good time?” I say, holding back what I really want to ask.Is this seriously how good you look first thing in the morning? Because, fuck me running, this is not okay.
“Of course. We’ve been excited to see you all morning.” Squatting down to Grier’s level, Lexington lays a protective hand on her shoulder. “Do you remember Corrigan from yesterday, love bug?”
Grier blinks her bright blue eyes at me, starts to smile, then squeals and hides her face against Lexington’s arm.
“She’s shy around new people at first,” he says as he stands and motions me inside. “C’mon. I’ve already got the coffee ground.”
Following closely behind him, I step into a house that is shockingly put together for someone who’s only lived here a few days. Sure, there are still quite a few cardboard boxes stacked in the corners, and Grier’s toys are spread all across the living room rug, but the crisp, clean design he’s going for is already emerging.
I trail my fingers along the back of a pale ivory-colored couch. Bold choice for a man with a toddler.Not my circus. Not my monkeys.
“Okay, love bug, let’s pick out a toy to play with while the grownups are talking.”
Grier squeals as he scoops her up and carries her over to the center of the living room. “Bat.”
At first, I think maybe Grier is super into baseball or something, but then Grier jabs one finger toward a stuffed bat that looks more like a Halloween decoration than a toy.
“Bat, it is.” Lexington laughs, grabbing the bat and smirking in my direction. “My weird kid, right?”
I smile back, watching as he makes the stuffed bat flap its wings, earning giddy applause from Grier.
It’s crazy to see him like this. This big, muscular man, being so soft and gentle with his beautiful little girl. It almost makes me forget how awkward this whole situation is.
Until yesterday, I hadn’t spoken to him since he broke my heart a full decade ago. Now I’m standing in his house, watching him play with his daughter, who I just found out existed. Strange doesn’t even begin to cover it.
With Grier all settled, Lexington pushes to his feet, sweeping one hand toward the kitchen. “Shall we?”
Lord, let the espresso give me strength.
Chapter Six
Lexington
I show Corrigan into the breakfast nook that connects the kitchen and living room, where I can keep an eye on Grier playing while we talk. “Have a seat. I’ll just be a sec. Do you, uh, want any cream or sugar or anything?”
She just shakes her head.
“You sure? This new machine has a milk frother. It’s pretty crazy ... heh.”Shut up, you idiot.I might actually be dying here.
My chest aches when I look at her but I can’t tell her that. Can’t tell her how many times I’ve regretted what I did and wanted to beg for her back. But back then, I did what I had to do.
“Nah, black is fine,” she says. A beat passes before she adds, “But thanks for offering.”
I let the noise of the espresso maker cover my total lack of intelligent things to say.Holy shit, this is awkward. The other half of the best relationship I’ve ever had is in my house, looking even more beautiful than I remember—which is saying a lot—and is clearly still furious with me.
I keep glancing at her, and then get paranoid I’m being too obvious and drop my gaze again. But I can’t help it.
And if I’m not mistaken, ever since we met at the park yesterday, she’s also been sneaking the occasional peek at me too. I’m so aware of how close she is, how emotionally charged the air between us feels, and I can’t stop myself overthinking what it means every time I feel her gaze on me.
Just breathe, dude.
I pour and serve the coffee, then sit down across the small table from her. For a minute, we just sip our drinks, only Grier’s happy babbling breaking the silence.
Finally, Corrigan quietly murmurs, “This is good.”
I nod. “I’m glad.”
