Grace (The Family Simon 5)

The place was nearly empty, most likely due to the snow, and Grace was fine with that. She spied a large man pouring beer for a couple guys at the bar—his handlebar mustache was something to behold. He nodded and returned to his customers. There were a few tables occupied but other than that, it was quiet.

A young girl appeared and directed them to a booth in the corner. Good. Grace liked the shadows and from this vantage point she could see the door. Josh slid across from her and immediately ordered two drafts and a plate of nachos.

“I might not be a fan of nachos,” she said, toying with her napkin.

“Of course you are,” Josh replied, flashing a million-dollar smile up at the waitress as she set down two mugs of beer.

Grace watched, amused as the woman’s cheeks deepened and she fussed with her notepad.

“Would you like anything else?” she asked, not taking her eyes from Josh.

“The nachos are fine for now,” Grace replied. “Can I have an extra container of guacamole?”

“Me too,” Josh said, digging into his draft.

“Sure.” The waitress toyed with her pen and smiled. “Just let me know if you need anything else.”

“Will do.” Grace smiled at her.

The girl took a step back and paused. “Are you…”

“I am,” Josh chuckled.

Her blush deepened. “So cool. I heard you might be coming to town for the fundraiser.”

He winked. “Make sure you come and say hi.”

She backed away, giggling like a schoolgirl and Grace watched her disappear into the kitchen.

“Impressive,” she said, taking a sip from her mug.

Josh’s eyebrow shot up. “Yeah?”

“I’d say it took no more than ten seconds for that girl to fall under your spell.”

He grinned. “So how long are you gonna take?”

Grace shook her head. “Nope. Not going there, Josh.”

“Come on,” he replied. “Give me a chance.” He leaned back and Grace was pretty sure his smile could melt most women’s panties. “You’re single. I’m single…”

She had to give it to him. He was one hell of a charmer.

“How do you know I’m single?”

Josh took a moment, his boyish smile near perfection. “Because no guy in their right mind would let his hot girlfriend head out to the middle of nowhere with someone like me.”

“Someone like you?” She laughed outright at that.

“I’ve been called irresistible.”

“Puh-lease.”

“Read it in a Sports Illustrated article. So you know, it must be true.”

“And that,

Mr. Hayden, is the reason I don’t date athletes. You’re all full of yourselves.”