Page 163 of Beauty
It isn’t often that the Revs and Bolts have days off that coincide, but when it happens, the entire organization tends to get together to celebrate. So even though we wanted to wait a couple more weeks before we hard launched our relationship, the way things fell into place for today was too serendipitous to ignore.
Since I pitched the idea to Sienna yesterday, she’s been quiet. And that’s got an uneasy feeling creeping through me. To be honest, she’s been quiet all week.
But she swears everything is fine and that she’s happy, so I have to trust that she’ll tell me if that changes. She’s had a lot on her plate with contract negotiations and her other responsibilities as CEO. Plus, she’s still considering what shewants to do from here. I don’t think she’ll stay on at Langfield Corp, but I’ll support her no matter what she chooses.
Though we can’t talk about contract negotiations, it’s obvious they’ve been rough. Ezra has made it clear he’s interested in drafting Huey Davis, but there’s no guarantee they’ll get him. And if they don’t, and they haven’t agreed to my extension, they’ll be putting their chances of success next season at serious risk.
My agent is hounding me about alternative options. He’s itching to get the deal done.
I’m just itching to get my hands on my girl again. And I’m dying to get our relationship out in the open.
The rest can wait.
“So she’s, like, your girlfriend?”
My son peers down at me, wearing a thoughtful expression as I kneel in front of him and tie his shoe.
We’re picking Sienna up in ten minutes, but I wanted to tell Ollie on my own. It’s best if it comes from me alone, and this way, he won’t be caught off guard. Although he adores Sienna, I never quite know what will come out of his mouth.
Chest tightening, I remove my glasses and use the hem of my shirt to clean them. “Yes,” I say, sliding them back on and looking him in the eye. “How do you feel about that?”
He breaks into a giant grin. “I knew it.”
A combination of surprise and relief rushes through me. “In a good way?”
He scoffs. “Of course. Sienna’s the best.”
Now I’m the one grinning. “You’re not wrong.”
“You’re not going to kiss her, though, right?” He scrunches up his face in disgust.
He often complains about how Ted is always kissing Jen in front of him. I actually think it’s a good thing that he’s growingup surrounded by people in healthy, loving relationships. But I won’t push it on him regularly if it makes him uncomfortable.
“If it bothers you, we’ll do our best not to do it in front of you. How about that?”
He presses his lips together and squints, like he’s really considering the suggestion. “I guess I can handle a little bit. But one or two kisses tops.”
With a laugh, I hold out my hand. “You got a deal.”
As we’re gathering our things to head out, he tugs on my hand. “Hey, Dad?”
“Yeah?”
He gives me one of those wise-beyond-his-years expressions. “You seem happier.”
Chest expanding, I ruffle his hair. “Ya know what? I am. I have you and Sienna, and I love our life here in Boston.”
“Me too,” he chirps, spinning in a circle. “Can I tell Sienna I know the secret?”
I chuckle. “It’s not a secret anymore. I wanted you to know first, but after today, everyone will know.”
He perks up, standing taller upon hearing that.
While I lock up, he rushes to Sienna’s door and knocks. I’m still striding over when she opens the door and he lunges at her, hugging her legs. “Dad told me you’re gonna be our girlfriend.”
I practically swallow my tongue, but Sienna only giggles. “Did he?” She eyes me, silently asking me how the hell she’s supposed to respond to that.
For as adorably bewildered as she is, she still looks damn sexy in a pair of distressed denim shorts and a black tank top. The weather has turned warm, and since we’re planning to spend the day at the park across the street from Beckett’s house, grilling with the team and her brothers and about a thousand kids, she’s dressed perfectly.
