“You’re staring at me, Trevor.”
“Was I? Sorry. Want to take a walk outside before dinner?”
“Sure.”
No hesitation. He liked that. He stood and led her out the side door and down the steps toward the pool. “It’s heated, in case you want to take a swim.”
“Okay, thanks. It’s still plenty warm outside. It might feel good.”
“Yeah. Especially after a hot game.”
She stopped, turned to him. “Your next one is tomorrow? A home series this weekend?”
“Yeah. Against Chicago. You’ll be there?”
“I will.”
They walked along the path between the backyard and the woods. He liked the quiet, the sounds of the breeze rustling the leaves of the trees. It gave him time to think.
“So you had a day off today,” she said as they walked side by side.
“Yeah.”
“What do you do on your rare days off?”
“I spent some time on the phone with my lawyers, hashing out some business deals. Talked to my football team in Tampa.”
“They’re under way now,” she said.
“I know.”
“Does it pull at you, knowing you’re missing the start of the season?”
He shrugged. “Not much I can do about it. There’s only one of me and I can’t be two places at one time.”
She paused and tilted her head up to look at him. “Are you sure? I mean, you are a superstar and all.”
He laughed. “Yeah, that’s me.” He liked that her sense of humor seemed intact.
When they made the turnaround on the path, he said, “Come on, let’s go see if Hammond has those steaks ready.”
“Okay.”
“Oh, I have one more phone call to make. Meet you in the kitchen?”
“Sure. I’ll just take our drinks in there.” She stopped at the sunroom, picked up the tray, and left the room.
Trevor took a minute to grab his phone and give her mom a quick call.
“Why, hello, Trevor.”
“Hi, Miss Ginger. I don’t have much time, but wanted to let you know Haven’s here.”
“How is she?”
“She seems okay. She hasn’t been here long, but we had a short talk. She seems in good spirits and doesn’t appear to be down or anything.”
“Oh, that’s a good sign.”
“I’ll keep you posted, but I intend to keep her busy.”
“Good. She needs that. And thank you again.”
“I’ll do what I can, Miss Ginger.”
“I know you will, honey. I’ll talk to you soon.”
He hung up, then went into the kitchen to find Haven in deep conversation with Hammond about how to season the perfect steak.
“Now, Miss Haven, if I gave up all my secrets to Mr. Trevor’s guests, what would he need me for?”
Haven laughed. “In other words, you aren’t going to tell me what that amazing smell is? If I had to guess, I’d say garlic.”
Hammond smiled. “Not saying a word. Taking that recipe to my grave.” When Hammond spotted him, he asked, “Where would you like to eat tonight, Mr. Trevor?”
“In the eating area is just fine, Hammond.”
“You two go ahead and take a seat. I’ll be serving up the meal in just a few minutes.”
They went into the next room. Trevor held her chair out for her. She slid into it and lifted her gaze to his, and she didn’t look happy. “This isn’t a date, you know.”
“No, but you are a guest.” He sensed her being defensive, though he didn’t know why. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t be respectful?”
“I guess not. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He was about to ask her if she was upset about something, but Hammond came out bearing a tray with their salads.
“Miss Haven already told me her preferred dressing,” he said, laying dressing to the side. “When you finish these, I’ll bring your steaks.”
“Thanks, Hammond. I assume you made some extras to take home to you, Lyla, and the grandkids?”
Hammond grinned. “You know I did.”
“Why don’t you go ahead and take off before those steaks get cold? I can serve them up.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind? I’m happy to serve you dinner and clean up after.”
“Go ahead and have dinner with your family. I’m pretty sure Haven and I can take it from here.”
Haven nodded. “We can. And thank you for fixing dinner. I already know it’s going to be fantastic.”
“I expect a full report tomorrow on how you liked your steak,” he said as he made his way toward the kitchen. “You two have a great night.”