Lace (Just This Once 4)

“Monte isn’t sure he’ll make it back in time for Alvin’s birthday next week.” She twirls a strand of her blonde hair around her finger. “I convinced Alvin to invite a few of his friends from school over for pizza and birthday cake, but he’s going to be heartbroken if his dad doesn’t show.”

I don’t blame the kid.

“It’s a week from tomorrow. You’ll be here, right?” Her blue eyes latch onto mine. “You’re Alvin’s hero, Alex. He’s named after you.”

I laugh. “Monte told me you named him after me and his oldest brother, Vincent.”

“Since when do you listen to my husband,” she scoffs. “Alvin looks up to you. You’re the reason he loves playing piano.”

“He hates playing piano.”

“He hates it this week,” she clarifies with a smile. “How can piano compete with baseball when his favorite team is headed to the World Series?”

I scrub my hands over my face. I don’t need the reminder that my nephew loves the game and the pitcher who won the series last year.

An autographed Trey Hale jersey was up for auction last week at a charity event I attended. I outbid every other person in the room. Even if the money hadn’t been going to a worthwhile cause, I would have paid whatever it took to get my hands on it.

Alvin worships Hale and the jersey was supposed to be the first gift I’ve ever given my nephew face-to-face.

That plan was screwed up by my need to fuck a random woman last night.

Phoebe and I both turn at the sound of Alvin’s bedroom door opening. “Mom, I’m done my homework. I’ll load the dishwasher and then can I play a video game?”

“I still can’t believe you sent him to do his homework after dinner. He had all weekend to get it done.” I stand and grab my empty plate. “You’re a hard-ass.”

Alvin picks up Phoebe’s plate and his. He looks up at me. “You have no idea, Alex.”

Alex. I’ve always been Alex to this kid. The uncle designation is reserved for Monte’s brothers. They’ve been in his life from day one.

“You’ll fill me in sometime.” I nod toward the kitchen. “Let’s get the dishes done so you’ll have more time before bed to battle whatever demon is in your game.”

“It’s not a demon.” He moves to walk in front of me. “I’m more into strategy games. I like things that challenge me.”

So do I.

That’s why I’ve been thinking about the woman from the lingerie store.

Olivia Hull is beautiful and gutsy. The no-nonsense approach she took with me was as much of a turn-on as an annoyance.

I’ll take her advice and head back to the club where I met the woman I fucked last night. I hope to hell I’ll have the Hale jersey back in my hand before this day is over.

***

“This was your idea, Alexander.” Jack Pearce looks down at the watch on his wrist. “You’re late.”

Tossing my friend a smile, I pat him on the back. “I was in Queens having dinner with my sister and her son.”

He hands me a bottle of imported beer as I take a seat next to him. “I took the liberty of ordering for you.”

I’m grateful.

After I hopped on the subway and made it back to Manhattan, I hit up my place for a shower and change of clothes.

I traded the black dress pants and white button-down shirt for a pair of dark jeans and a black sweater.

Jack’s dressed in a two-piece gray suit and white dress shirt. It’s his standard attire on any given weekday.

He’s sporting a light growth of beard and his black hair is in need of a cut. His green eyes are zeroed in on my face.