Page 39 of The Sweet Spot

“Oh, just the one I had with Aunt Amelia, telling her about our condo swap. I made sure she knew it was your idea and that you really pushed for it because you’re such an amazing brother that you wanted to be able to look out for Caitlin.”

Maddox opens his mouth, about to cut me off, but I don’t let him.

“You see, your mom and dad really don’t like that Caitlin is stuffed into a three-bedroom apartment with Ares and Nixon and that Bellamy and she are sharing a room. But oh man, did your mom love hearing that you were going to let Caitlin and Bellamy take the two extra rooms in the penthouse.” I pat his back and smile slowly and sweetly before I take the remote from him and hit play on the show. “Your mom is super proud of you, by the way.”

Maddox grinds his teeth before he picks his cupcake back up and pops the whole damn thing in his mouth. He takes his time chewing, then finally looks at me with a shake of his head. “Well played, Brynnie. Well played.”

“Checkmate, Madman. Checkmate.”

BRYNLEE

Murder podcasts are as close to an actual crime as I’ll ever get. I’m too much of a coffee whore to survive in prison, and the way my hair sheds, there’d be traces of my DNA everywhere.

—Brynlee’s Secret Thoughts

Deacon

You awake, red?

Am I awake?

The better question would be why does that one single word, even if it’s just in a text, send goosebumps dancing down my arms? Oh right. Because it’s Deacon saying it.

Brynlee

Barely. It’s been a long day. How did shopping go?

Deacon

Kennedy seemed to enjoy some of it, so that’s a win. She’s going to bring a lot of her things from Isla’s house. My kid’s probably one of the few little girls in the world whose skin crawls at the thought of a room full of new things. She doesn’t really like shopping. Everything Isla picked up Kennedy hated.

I think it’s the idea of moving here that she hates.

Brynlee

I’m sure it’s the idea of the move, not the idea of living with you that’s bothering her.

I turn on my side and then swipe the FaceTime option, needing to see him.

He’s been gone for days, and it’s felt like so much longer.

Stupid fucking emotions.

How can I be so desperate to see a man I hadn’t seen in years until last month?

“Hey,” he answers softly with a beautiful rasp to his voice. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you tonight. Kennedy asked me to read with her before bed, and we went for a few chapters since we’re getting close to the end.” He runs his fingers along his jaw, and I stare at the veins bulging there, unsure I’ve ever found hands sexier than I do right now. “What are you thinking about, crazy girl?”

“Nothing,” I murmur, attempting to ignore how incredibly hot I find this man.

“How about you come over here and tell me that.” And damn, that voice is not helping things at all.

“I’m already in bed,” I tease and flash the camera over my body, lying in my cool sheets, wearing nothing but a cropped tank and cheeky panties.

“Wait,” he stops me, and the heat in his eyes is molten. “Slow down with the camera. Let me enjoy the view.”

The sound that catches is sleepy and more than a little turned-on. “Shame you’re not here to see it in person, husband,” I tease, enjoying the way he reacts to the sight of me. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt possessive over a man before, but I could definitely see myself being possessive over this one.

“Give me your address, Brynlee,” he orders, and why... Why does that sound sexy?

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