The thought of that made him feel panicky and overheated. He tugged at the neck of his sweater. During the time he’d spent with Emma and Simone today, he’d done a pretty good job of forgetting about the situation with his father, but that, too, weighed heavily on him tonight. “What would you do if you were me?”

Wade laughed. “I’m the last one you should ask for romance advice.”

“Why’s that?”

“The only woman I’ve ever felt something for is married to someone else. What do I know about how to deal with things like this?”

“Who is she?” Gray asked, intrigued by the rare glimpse at Wade’s private life.

“No one you know.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It is what it is,” Wade said with bravado that sounded forced. “Have you told her how you feel about her?”

“Only that I want to see her again.”

“Might be worth putting it all on the table if you’re determined to make it work.”

“Too soon.”

“Is it?”

“For her, it probably is. She’s reserved and cautious.”

“Makes sense. She has a lot on the line with a daughter to think about.”

Before Grayson could reply, Ella plopped down on the sofa next to him. “I was over at the apartment today and took most of my stuff. I left things like sheets, towels and pans that I don’t need. If you don’t want them, let me know, and I’ll donate them.”

“Sounds good, thanks.”

“You’re taking over the apartment at the Abernathy place?” Wade asked.

“That’s the plan.” Or it was the plan as recently as two days ago, Grayson thought. Now he didn’t know anything for sure except he wanted more with Emma. With that in mind, he caught her eye in the kitchen and tipped his head toward the front door.

Her face turned bright red before she shook her head to say not yet.

Amused and aroused by her, he turned his attention back to his cousins, both of whom were watching him intently. “What?”

“Got some plans, cousin?” Ella asked, her eyes dancing with amusement.

“Maybe.”

“Good for you,” she said. “I love Emma. She’s so sweet, and that daughter of hers is a trip.”

“Couldn’t agree more. They’re both great.”

“What’re you going to do about it?”

“Hell if I know. I thought I had my shit all figured out, and then wham.”

“Can I say one thing?” Wade asked, his expression more intense than Grayson had ever seen it.

“Sure.”

“No matter what happens, don’t have regrets,” Wade said. “Regrets are tough to live with.”

His cousin seemed to speak from experience.

Ella’s eyes softened with compassion. “Wade…”

“That’s all I want to say about it. Don’t have regrets, Gray.”

“I hear you. Thank you.”

Colton came over to the sofa. “Gray, come help me take Will’s dogs out.”