Their new team of staff members were efficient. Everything ran so damn smoothly. Skye hadn’t held back either this weekend. She had trainers scheduled around the clock for the entire month. Their YouTube filming schedule was also set. Their new studio was big. Greer had allocated funds to set up for in-person classes, giving the home user a bigger sense of community for their workout.
“He’s a force,” Dallas said about Greer. “He can move mountains. I felt like baggage today. He’s done so much for our company.”
“You aren’t baggage, at least per Skye.” Kailey’s singsong laugh had him smiling too. “She said you two made a pact when you were younger that if you weren’t married by the age of thirty-five, you would marry each other.”
He’d forgotten their childhood oath. Thirty-five had seemed so old. What a nice memory. “We did. In elementary school, I think. Greer told me you’re pregnant.”
Kailey’s eyes sparkled as her hand went to her belly. “I am. I’m nervous. Greer and I didn’t come from a loving home. We weren’t raised with a lot of nurturing and attention. It’s why I hang on to Greer so closely. He’s the only real one of my family. He’s the only one who’s ever been willing to get out and work with his hands. My grandfather hit it big in the oil industry. Most of our family lives off him. Greer’s an anomaly. How much he cares about the world is exactly how much our family doesn’t care.”
“That’s hard to believe with the way I watched him work this weekend. He doesn’t stop for anything,” Dallas said, casting a glance at Greer still arguing with Beau.
“That’s a huge understatement. Greer never stops. I’d guess he’s made more money in his short life than my parents have their whole lives. But Greer gives all his money away. He feels like that’s why he’s been put on this planet. My parents don’t respect him at all,” she said, lowering her voice to an almost whisper.
“Gives away?” Dallas asked in the same hushed tone. “I thought his investment company funded for-profit environmental businesses.”
Kailey nodded and leaned closer to Dallas to be better heard. “That’s right, but he donates and funds many charities. He doesn’t think of money like normal people. It’s a game to him. He could charm the jewels off a person. He’s like a modern-day Robin Hood. He doesn’t see it that way, but I do.”
On a small scale, Dallas had witnessed and connected with Greer’s generosity, how much Greer cared about people. He kept his gaze focused on Greer, watching him burst out in laughter at something Beau said. “He’s mentioned to me about the discord with your parents.”
Her chuckle said his words were an understatement. “Greer is the best man I know. My parents don’t value goodness. My brother’s never said it out loud, but I feel like they did a number on him. The way he’s dated in the past. The way he fills his plate so full, so he doesn’t have time to reflect. I’m not sure he believes he’s worthy of love.”
Dallas couldn’t help his involuntary burst of laughter. Greer was everything good and right with the world. Everyone had to love that man like he did.
“No, listen,” she said, her hand coming to his forearm. “I didn’t know how to give or accept love. I heard you met Ryan yesterday. I’ve spent a lot of time and money with him to figure myself out. Once I got right, I turned my attention to Greer to figure him out. I decided Greer doesn’t see himself as a valued, suitable partner for anyone. I came to that conclusion without Greer’s help. He wouldn’t participate. So, I could only guess.” Her little shrug made Dallas smile again, thinking about what Kailey said.
It was hard to believe Greer might not see himself as worthy of love. But Dallas could probably say the same thing about himself. The tightness in his chest grew as he realized they might be more similar than different. What an incredible thought.
“How much older is Greer than you?”
“Four years. I’m the youngest. There’s a brother between me and Greer. When I was in high school, I’d run away from home and go stay with Greer in his dorm room. My parents never even knew I was gone. I moved into Greer’s apartment his sophomore year. Again, my parents didn’t know I was gone. Greer’s always been my one, but don’t worry, I’ve decided I’ll share him with you.” Her elbow knocked him in the arm at her playful joke. “Has he told you about the Washington State project?”
“Bits and pieces,” he murmured. Kailey held all his attention now. He appreciated these little insights into Greer’s life.
“Get him to tell you about it. His face lights up the same way when he looks at you.”