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“She seems full of sass.”
“Both of our kids are. I’m guessing that the men are in Taye’s office. Let’s check.”
I followed her down a hall toward the back of the house, then she knocked on the door before she opened it.
I strolled in after her, my gaze on Kane.
He stood and offered me his chair. “Um, Brie, meet my dad.”
I finally looked at the man behind the desk, and my eyes nearly popped out of my head.
“Coach?” My attention bounced between the three of them. “Coach is your dad? I had no idea.”
Coach stood, smiling warmly. “We don’t make a habit of announcing the relationship since people would assume Kane gets special favors. But welcome. It’s nice to officially meet you. My wife and son are big fans of yours.”
Heat crawled up my neck and cheeks. “I’m a fan of them as well.”
I glanced at Mrs. Cooper, who was beaming with pride at both of her men.
Over the next several hours, I spent time with Kane and his family, hearing how he had adjusted to his new life and focused on football. Although Coach never said anything, I suspected Kane had filled him in on our past together. With his occasional serious, sideways glances in my direction, it seemed that he was concerned about Kane’s career with me around again. I wasn’t sure if it was me or because I brought up Kane’s past. Either way, I would prove him wrong and support Kane every step of the way.
“Are you ready?” Kane asked, taking my hand.
“Yup.” I patted the overnight bag I’d packed when we stopped by my place after dinner with his family.
Kane strolled into his home, and I followed him in. “Did you get an alarm system?” I laughed. “I think I’ll look at your windows and doors. Ya know, make sure everything is locked.”
Kane wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me against his muscular body. “You can check anything you need to. I’m just glad you’re here.” He placed a sweet kiss on my mouth.
“Me, too, but I’m nervous since your bedroom is upstairs, and I didn’t bring my handcuff.” After Kane had shared details of his past and how it affected him, I was less self-conscious about the restraint, but it still bothered me.
“I’ll hold you all night long. You haven’t had any night terrors when I’ve stayed at your place, so I think you’ll be fine. Just remember you’re safe.”
“I know.” Dread wrapped around my chest and squeezed tight. I was grateful that Kane had confidence in me. I couldn’t say the same since I wasn’t able to control the nightmares.
Kane led the way and showed me the upstairs. The evening I’d broken in, I’d seen the main floor but not the second one.
“How are you feeling about the game Saturday? Your dad seems concerned that I’m in your life and bringing all the baggage of our past with me.” I set my bag on the desk in Kane’s room. His king-size bed was centered against the far wall beneath the windows. I stared at them, my heart jumping into my throat.
“Brie?”
My gaze shifted to the dark wood floors as I wondered if I would be safe at his place. “I don’t trust myself, Kane. The window is so close to the bed, and …”
“Babe, I seriously think you’ll be okay. I would like you to try to sleep without your cuff, but if you’re going to be worried and stay up all night, that’s not going to work either.” Kane walked over to his closet and opened the door. He removed a box from the top shelf and dug around for a minute. “Here. This is your backup. I picked it up a few days ago.” He handed me a wrist cuff and chain similar to the one attached to my bedframe.
I sighed, relief overtaking me as I sank onto the edge of his mattress. “Thank you.” I chewed at the imaginary hangnail on my thumb.
Kane set the cuff on the nightstand. “I never want to put you in a situation that’s not okay with you, babe. So, if you want to try to sleep without the restraint, I’m going to be next to you all night. I’ll take care of you. If you aren’t ready, then I’ll help secure it. There’s no pressure, Brie.”
I glanced at him, butterflies fluttering in my belly. Kane had proven over and over again that he would do anything to show up for me. I loved that about him. I loved the man standing in front of me.Holy shit.For the first time in my life, I was head over heels in love. That scared me even more than sleeping without the cuff.
“I want to try it without the ball and chain.” I mustered up the most confident smile I could manage.
“Okay. I’ll get it ready, though, in case you wake up and want to secure it to your wrist.”
He walked over to my side of the room, then knelt. “It was a big night, huh? I mean, with my family.” Kane took my hand and kissed my palm, sending tingles through me.
“Yeah. There were a few surprises for sure. Your sister and the fact that Coach is your dad. I understand why you keep that one quiet. But you’re amazing on the field, and even if it was public knowledge, no one could discredit you due to your talent. I just wonder why I didn’t put it together earlier.” I ran my hand over his dark hair, the soft strands tickling my palm.
