Grace (The Family Simon 5)

That earned a smile and Matt rolled his shoulders, angling his head so that he could see the booth where Grace sat with Hayden. A fresh round of beers had just been delivered and the guy was all up in her business. Matt sure as hell didn’t like it, but then, it’s not as if he had a say.

“Fitz is cranky. He missed his nap and now he wants his dad and well, Beau is in another city and I’m just…” Her voice wavered a bit. Betty wanted everyone to think of her as tough-as-nails, but he knew better.

“Hey,” Matt said, lowering his voice. “I’m here, okay? We’ll get through the weekend.”

“I know.” There was a pause and a soft sigh. “I just needed to hear your voice I guess.”

“What time’s your flight?”

“We’ll be there by noon. Flying into the private airport just south of town.”

“You need me to get you?”

“No. It’s fine. I’ve got security.” He could almost picture her eye roll. “Beau insisted and I get it, but still, this is my hometown. I feel a little ridiculous.”

“He’s concerned about Fitz’s safety. I’d feel the same.”

“I guess. Anyway, I’m heading to Bobbi’s and the three of us are going to see Dad before heading to the arena. Not that he’ll know who we are, but…”

“Good.” He was listening, but his eyes were still on Grace. He watched her sneak a glance toward the bar—back to where he’d been standing—and Matt straightened up. Had she seen him walk in?

“So, just a heads up. Grace is in town for the fundraiser.”

Matt was quiet for a moment. Betty knew him too well—they had no secrets. He’d told her about his night with Grace and she’d given him proper shit.

“I heard,” he replied.

“Oh.” He could see the wheels turning. “I just found out. How do you know?”

“Because I’m standing in the Grill looking at her.”

“Oh. Shit.”

“It’s no wonder that was your kid’s first word.”

Betty ignored the barb. “You need to stay away from her.”

Matt rubbed the back of his neck, hi

s scowl deepening. He knew Betty was right. Grace Simon and Matt Hawkins were never going to be a thing. He knew he should have stayed away from her that night in Nashville. And yet…

He couldn’t help himself and glanced back to her booth. His heart sped up. Which caused his pulse to race. Which made him hot as hell, and he tugged at the collar of his jacket. Her eyes were on him.

“Matt?”

“Yeah.” Jesus it was hot in here.

“You sound weird.”

“Huh?” He tore his gaze from Grace’s and gave himself a mental smack. Get your shit together.

“You sound weird,” Betty growled into his ear. “You need to stay away from her Matt. She’s a sweet girl and nothing good can come out you two hooking up. Grace has been hurt before. She’s a fixer and you…”

“Can’t be fixed. Yeah. I get it.”

“No. I mean. You know I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.” She sighed in his ear and something inside him deflated. She was right. Of course she was right. He knew it. Hell, everyone in this damn town knew it.

“Don’t worry. I’m outta here,” he said abruptly.