Page 6 of Hades

“He broke his wrist, but he’s fine,” Simon added in a rush. “I’ve got it covered. We’re at the hospital and the nurses gave him a round of painkillers already. He’s a little fuzzy now."

“I’m on my way,” I said, pushing my chair back as I rose to my feet.

“Jenny, honey, you don’t have to do that. Everything is okay. I promise.”

Simon’s reassurance made me sink down into my seat again. I was so relieved that I didn’t even think to scold him for calling me honey. Greyson watched me, eyebrows raised in a silent question.

All I wanted to do was get to my little boy. A broken wrist wasn’t a life threatening injury, but he was my son and he was in the hospital and my parental instincts were hitting overdrive.

“I knew I shouldn’t have called,” Simon said, his voice tinged with regret. “You’re supposed to be enjoying yourself tonight. I didn’t want you to worry.”

“I’m a mother, Simon. I’m always worried.”

Guilt gnawed at my stomach as I glanced at Greyson. This was going to distract me. I wouldn’t be able to focus properly with the knowledge simmering in the back of my mind that my son was in a hospital bed and I wasn’t with him.

After interrogating Simon on Casey’s condition for a few more minutes, I reluctantly hung up.

“Let me guess,” Greyson said. “Family emergency?”

“I’m so sorry,” I said, gathering my wrap and my purse. “I hate to bail on you. But my little boy—he broke his wrist. And my ex-husband said he’s handling it, but I just…I need to be there with my son.”

“Of course. Please don’t apologize. Your kids are top priority.”

I blew out a breath of relief, patting Greyson on the chest.

“Thank you for understanding. Can we schedule another date in the future?”

He gave a small smile and leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“I’m looking forward to it already.”

Greyson walked me out to my car and waited while I drove away. I glanced back in the rearview mirror, wondering if I would actually see him again or not. No matter how transparent I was about my situation over the phone before our date, it was an entirely different ball game to experience the reality of a divorced mother firsthand.

Just because Greyson seemed sympathetic didn’t mean he would actually stick around for the long haul.

I couldn’t worry about that now. Putting Greyson out of my mind, I headed to the hospital. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I spotted Simon standing by the double doors to the waiting room, cradling Mia in his arms as she rested her head on his shoulder.

My heart squeezed at how good he looked—strong and masculine, a protective father. With his dark curls, dark eyes, and black leather cut, the bad boy appeal that first got me hooked was still there.

“I knew you would ignore me and get here in record time anyway,” Simon said.

“Well, I felt terrible just sitting there at dinner, flirting and drinking wine, while my little boy was hurt. Where’s Casey? Can I see him?”

“He’s getting X-rayed at the moment. Then the doctor will call us back in when he puts a cast on. The only thing we can do right now is wait.”

I sighed and petted Mia’s hair. She gave a tired murmur, adjusting her arms around Simon’s neck. Ever since she was born, Simon spoiled her too much. I tried to tell him that he needed to stop being such a pushover around her, but my advice fell on deaf ears. She would always be Daddy’s little girl.

“Your date didn’t come with you?” Simon prompted, glancing past me toward the parking lot.

For some reason, it never occurred to me that Greyson might tag along to the hospital. Should I have invited him? That seemed…too much for a first date.

“No. Why would he?” I replied.

Simon frowned, shifting a dozing Mia in his grip.

“If this guy likes you, he should be by your side. No questions asked.”

I opened my mouth to protest then snapped it shut, gazing out at the parking lot. As if I hoped to see Greyson striding out of the dusky twilight.