Page 14 of Sighs By the Sea

“Georgie, please stay in your room until Maggie leaves,” Grayson says. Oh, there it was again. Maggie. Yum. I wonder how many pulse settings I can try out before I'm exhausted tonight…

“I don’t mind. What is it?” But I see the box. A giant Batmobile Lego set. My mouth opens as I take it in. Between the costume and the LEGO's, I take it that Georgie is a huge fan. My little heart is doing a happy dance. Seeing kids take an interest in hobbies I too enjoy is probably my favorite experience ever.

Reel it in, Maggie, don't scare them off by going full super nerd right now. “Wow, that’s um, something.”

“But Daddy says I can’t play with it.”

“Oh really?” I give an accusatory glare at Grayson. The wolf is snarling at me again. He doesn't seem to like it when I talk with his son. Or about. Or near. Or anything.

“Yes, I didn’t realize that it’s an adult set. I haven’t had time to help him with it.”

“Can I…?”

He shakes his head slowly. I turn back to George. “Sorry, bud. I’m sure Daddy will help later.”

“Possibly," Grayson says with a pointed look at his son.

I get to my feet. I can see that I’ve outworn my welcome and have gotten enough information for the time being.

“Well, Mr. Cardenas—”

“Grayson.”

My face floods with warmth. “Grayson. Thank you for entertaining me. Georgie?”

He looks at me, still fiddling with the box’s opening. “It was a pleasure. But I should be going. If you think of anything else…” I pull out my badge bifold and remove a business card. “Give me a call.”

He rises from the chair and strides over, taking the card and, without looking at it, stuffs it into his pocket. How in the world is that sexy? I have no idea, but it works. I bite my lip before realizing I’m staring.

“Night, you two,” I say as I head to the door. Georgie starts wailing behind me, and I hear my name. Did I do something wrong? Was it the LEGO thing?

“Daddy, why is Miss Maggie leaving?” Grayson scoops his son up.

“She needs to head home, buddy. She is probably hungry and—”

“We have food.”

“No.” Grayson says.

“Daddy. No burgers and no Maggie?” His lip sticks out about a full inch as he pouts and cries.

I cross the space between us and lean down, making me eye level with George. He looks so cute with the little tears stuck to his eyelashes. Placing a gentle hand on his arm, I give him a tiny squeeze. I'm hoping the move will help with stopping those adorable tears. “Sorry, bud. I really wish I could." His lip trembles, and I click my tongue. "You're breaking my heart, little man!"

I put my hand on my chest and pretend it's physically paining me. George cracks a smile. "There it is!" George looks curious, his tiny head tilting. "There what is?"

"Your smile! I was wondering where it went." I chuckle once, then stand. "Maybe I'll stop by another time, and we can tackle those LEGO's together." I give him a wink before turning around. "See ya, boys." I say, my hand already on the front doorknob.

“Stay,” Grayson says, his words clipped.

Though I hear him, I blink a few times before turning around. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I can cook.” He certainly can. I’m practically sizzling from his stare. Is he serious or just entertaining his son’s demands?

No. Grayson doesn’t cave for anyone, not even his son. He wants me to stay.

“Erm, okay.” His mouth twitches into a grin. That one, I’m certain, is all for me, and I'm fucking here for it.

Grayson

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