Page 55 of Stay with Me

Dwayne launches the ball toward me, and I catch it. I take off for the end zone, but strong arms wrap my waist and lift me off my feet. Knight’s laugh rumbles through me as he holds me to his chest.

“Hey, I thought we were playing touch football,” I holler when he finally places me on my feet, and I spin to face him.

He lifts his brow. “I did touch you,” he says and turns to saunter off.

“Oh, this is how we’re playing,” I mumble to myself.

The next time I’m tossed the ball, I know exactly where Knight is. I take off running as fast as my legs will carry me. I know he’s coming for me, but I move at top speed.

When his long legs bring him within arm’s reach, I pause, reverse directions and spin around him causing him to fall on his face when he goes to grab me again. I get to the end zone and can’t stop laughing. If he were playing touch football like we’re supposed to be, he more than likely would have stopped me.

My team surrounds me, and we have a celebration. I find Knight standing with a salty ass expression on his face and his arms folded over his chest. I toss him one of those winks he’s been giving me, and a tiny smile turns up one corner of his mouth.

I guess we can be friends.

* * *

Knight

I’m so fucking glad this game is over. It was all fun and games, plenty of laughs until Rem’s sweat started to make her T-shirt see through. She’s always talked that shit about having small tits.

Small my ass, they’re big enough to have a bounce and her nipples have been straining against the yellow bikini top she has on under that shirt. And here, I thought those tiny shorts were going to drive me crazy. I still don’t know what made me ask them to play.

“Knight,” she squeals when I wrap my arms around her and lift her off her feet.

Her laugh warms my soul. I’ll admit, other than being turned on the entire game and being pissed that my brothers and cousins could see through her shirt, I had a great time. I haven’t heard Rem laugh this much in … way too long.

Yet another reason I’m beginning to realize how much I resent being an undercover cop. My life gets so lonely, and I get lost in the person I have to become for the job. There are times I question myself and who I am.

Rem is my reminder. When I’m with her, I’m always who I want to be. The woman grounds me. I need that now more than I knew.

I’ve had time to reflect on my chat with my mom. She had a point. I need to be me with Rem and show her how I really feel.

“Come have a few beers with me. We can drop off our rides and take an Uber someplace.”

The words are out before I can think about it. I place her on her feet and watch her face as she chews on her lip. I know the moment she’s about to say yes.

“I’ll meet you somewhere. I need to go home and shower first,” she replies.

“Cool, I’ll send you a text when I’m heading out.”

She looks into my eyes, a war happening within hers again. I’m probably pushing too fast, too soon. I hold my breath, not saying a word. I need this time with her.

“Cool.”

I blow out a relieved breath and nod. Now, not to fuck this up tonight. We’re friends.

CHAPTER 22

You See it Too

Bishop

“So we’re all going to ignore that?” Kegan says as he points to the door Knight and Reminisce just went through.

I shake my head. I have no comment. That’s none of my business. Saga wants to get in the middle of it, but I know my brother. He’ll get what he wants eventually.

“I’m not ignoring anything. It’s none of my business,” Dwayne says.