Hot Judo Dad had a hot name too. Figured. I was hoping for a zing when I shook his hand, but alas no.
Apparently, all my zings were reserved for one particular sexy, suited pain in the ass.
Grant had a warm, manly handshake that didn’t crush, but he didn’t treat me like I was a weak and helpless sort either. “I’d be happy to treat you to an ice cream as thanks.” He moved b
ack.
“And have Bosco steal it?”
Bosco lifted his head and his spotted tongue lolled out.
“Considering Bosco isn’t supposed to eat bread, I probably shouldn’t add ice cream to his list of offenses, I guess.”
I grinned. “I have to get back to work anyway.”
“We took off our shoes and smushed our toes into the grass, Dad.”
“You did, hey?” He glanced down at my toes. “Should I ask why?”
“A little grounding exercise. Rough day at work.”
“Ah. I never thought of it that way. But I do the same, I suppose. When I have a rough day, I go for a walk.”
“See?” I rolled to my knees and stood up, shaking the grass out of my skirt. Another reason I wore black most of the time. Stains didn’t show so much.
“Can I go get our shoes, Dad?”
“Stay where I can see you.”
She darted off, her little feet kicking up in that carefree way kids had of running.
“Sorry about that whole thing. I do keep track of my daughter when I’m with her, I promise.”
“I won’t report you to CPS, don’t worry.”
“And why would you know those initials, fair Ryan?”
I hadn’t meant to blurt that out. There had been many a time I actually did worry about someone calling Child Protective Services on my mom. Not that she didn’t try her best, but not everyone understood Rainbow Moon’s version of parenting. “I work for a lawyer.”
“Ah.” He frowned a little, but Poppy came racing back before he could say anything else.
She held up my wraparound sandals. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.”
Grant’s eyes went hooded and he swallowed. “You work for a lawyer, you say?”
“I’m a temp.”
“Explains a little. You don’t look like any paralegal I ever knew.”
“Lowly admin, I’m afraid.”
“Never lowly.” His dimple flashed again. “My admin would de-ball me if I said such things.”
I laughed. “You sound like my friend Luna.”
“Sounds like I’d like Luna. We should all go for coffee.” He frowned. “Wait, that didn’t come out right.” He grabbed the back of his neck. “I mean, we should go out for coffee but if you’re more comfortable in a crowd—man, I’m out of practice.”