Page 32 of Penalty Kill

I already told him about wanting to see the world, but I guess I didn’t tell him the whole story. “I grew up on the same street both my parents did. My mom’s parents lived two blocks south, and my dad’s parents lived on the other side of town. None of them left; they didn’t ever want to. Their whole world exists within a twenty-mile radius.” Just the thought of my hometown made me feel claustrophobic. “It was the kind of place people never got out of, and I couldn’t stand that possibility. I left the first day I could and never looked back. I didn’t want to get trapped. I wanted to see everything. Experience as much as I could. I want to be a part of the world.”

He didn’t say anything for a minute. “I understand that. I get to see and do more than a lot of people because of my job, but at the same time, I don’t have very much control over what happens. I could get traded, or injured, and things would completely change.”

I cringed. “That’s terrifying.”

“It can be, but I don’t focus on that. I just do my best to appreciate what I have right now.”

His eyes lingered on my face and I felt my whole body warm.

“I’m done,” Finn announced and broke free of his towel. Milo followed a few seconds later, and they both jumped into the pool.

We played together for a few hours before the boys got bored and wanted popsicles. Brandon and I didn’t get any more alone time together, but I couldn’t be bothered by that. I wasn’t here for him. The stolen moments were nice, and I definitely savored them, but my attention was meant for Milo and Finn.

After we all showered and cleaned up, I searched the fridge for something to cook for dinner.

“Looking for ideas?” Brandon came up behind me, nearly pressing his body against mine. So close I could feel his warmth.

“Ah. Yeah, but I can give you guys some space if you want some alone time with them.” I turned enough to see his face. His eyes trailed up my body before reaching my eyes.

“No. Stay. I’ll grill burgers, if you want.”

I nodded and tried to move out of the way, but I was boxed in. His arm slid across mine as he reached in and pulled out the meat.

He finally stepped back, and I heard the back door open. I could finally breathe. I wasn’t sure if this was all in my mind, or if he was purposely teasing me.

Everything was innocent enough. Of course he was going to be shirtless while swimming, and I might have just been in the way. He could have asked me to move instead of rubbing against me, but I didn’t mind.

I was losing it. Definitely. He wasn’t interested in me like that. He saw me as his sons’ nanny.

One year. I just had to survive one year, and then I was off to my grand adventure. No getting attached. I had to remember that. All of this was temporary.

“I forgot to give this to you.” His voice made me jump. I hadn’t heard him come back inside. When I turned, he had an envelope for me.

“What is it?” My name was handwritten beautifully on the front.

“I’m not sure. Emma asked me to give it to you.”

I broke the seal and pulled out a silver and teal baby shower invitation. “Oh wow.”

I would have never expected to be invited. She and the Pride had been great about including me at the game, but this was a personal thing.

“What is it?” Brandon peered over my shoulder.

“I’m invited to Chloe’s baby shower this weekend.”

He huffed out a laugh. “I can pretend I forgot to give it to you if you want.”

I gasped. “No way. It’s so sweet that they included me.”

He shrugged. “Careful, they’ll pull you into the dark side.”

I laughed and rolled my eyes. “You’re very dramatic.”

He held up his hands. “Just offering you a way out. I know those women can be a lot to take, especially when they’re all together. Don’t come back crying, saying I didn’t warn you.”

“What do you think is going to happen at a baby shower?”

“You never know with them.” He walked back outside shaking his head.