AllFreeNovel
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Well, shit, how am I going to feel?
“Vander didn’t show,” he points out.
“I see that.”
“Where’s Nour?”
“His sisters in town. Been a while since they’ve seen each other.”
“From what AJ said, it’s been years.” He shakes his head. “She’s a vet. Has an interview with CeCe.”
“CeCe looking to expand?”
“Whit said she wanted a more flexible schedule.” He smiles as Danny heads toward us. “Love will make you look at things differently.”
“Hey, Coach and I were talking about roasting a hog for the little get-together after the series in Arlington. What do you think?”
“I think that’s a big job to take on when you could be drinking beer in the stands, rooting against one of your state’s teams and for the Jags.”
Danny laughs. “Good reason as any to roast a damn hog.”
“We’re due for a loss.” Pope shrugs.
“Bite your tongue, man. I want that ring.”
***
Before heading to bed, I could tell Gwendolyn was tired and suggested she should turn in. I told her that I’d get everyone settled. I swear I saw that temper flare for a second, but Ms. Deb piped in and offered to help me.
Whit went with her to check on her wound and gave me the thumbs-up when she came out.
“She in bed?”
“She is, but that doesn’t mean her mind is not going a mile a minute. I wish she could turn me off just for a second.”
I fight back a smile.
“Oh my God.” She smacks me.
I try not to laugh as I defend myself. “I didn’t say?—”
“And I don’t wanna hear it, but if it works, go put your girl to sleep.”
“I second that.” Ms. Deb laughs.
“I’ll third it, even though I haven’t a clue as to what you’re talking about,” Mom says, holding up a glass half full of red wine.
“Just like you didn’t know what was going on above the garage in the game room,” Dad pipes in.
“Shit, I forgot about that.” I laugh. “MVP baseball on the PlayStation. She kicked my ass ninety percent of the time.” Before taking a drink, I look at Danny and whisper, “Let her win. Played for sexual favors. No better way to find out what your girl likes best.”
He holds out his fist, and I tap it.
***
When I walk into the room, the bed is empty, and the door to the balcony is open. My pulse quickens for the few steps it takes to get close enough to see her standing there, leaning against the balcony, in pajama pants and one of those cardigans.
Placing both hands on either side of hers, I lean in and kiss her cheek. “This one’s new.”
