Page 10 of Finally Home

I gently slide my hands down her arms and thread our fingers together, squeezing softly. “He’s a grown man, Starling.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I press a finger over her lips, earning me the cutest grunt of frustration. “I know you worry. I know you’ve been doing your best to take care of him, but you and I both know that man can take care of himself and has been for a long time. Trust him to tell you when he’s ready for you to know.”

She sighs softly, and the way her breath fans over my finger causes a stir below my belt that I quickly turn to try and hide.

Clearing my throat, I walk towards the door only to peek back over my shoulder and catch her staring at my ass. “Why don’t you get dressed, and I’ll make breakfast?” I ask, intentionally ignoring the embarrassment on her face. “Then maybe we can hit up the training facility later, and you can meet some of the team.”

Her eyes light up, and I once again marvel at just how much she loves baseball. When we were in college, if she wasn’t studying or at my house, she was with me at the field. She started out in the stands and would study while I practiced, but eventually she got to know the team and became our unofficial good luck charm, attending every game she could to cheer us on. Archie definitely has it right when he calls his daughter ‘Starshine’.

Even the coach liked having her around. Said her positivity rubbed off on the team and made us play better.

Heading into the kitchen, I peek in the fridge and see my parents have everything I need to make Wren’s favorite huckleberry pancakes. I grab all the ingredients and throw them together as plans for the next four weeks swirl in my mind. The season doesn’t start until early next month, so aside from some scheduled events and an endorsement shoot or two, all my time will be spent making sure my girl has the time of her life and never wants to leave again.

Game on.

CHAPTER 4

WREN

You will not lust over your best friend, Wren Andromeda Reid.

The words are a mantra in my mind as I watch Rhodes leave his old bedroom. His joggers showcase his muscular ass perfectly, and I discreetly wipe my mouth to make sure I’m not drooling. He’s always handsome, but in the golden light of the early Carolina sun, he looks like some sort of saint. It’s almost sickening how pretty he is.

My cheeks flame when he catches me ogling his toned backside, and I quickly avert my gaze, hurrying to get ready the second he’s out of sight.

The day I met Rho I was so flustered by his looks, I didn’t realize until too late he had friend-zoned me, and after that I had to work dang hard to tamp down my attraction to him. It got easier to ignore as the years went on, and then when I met and eventually married Derrick, I forgot about it altogether.

Rhodes went from somebody eighteen-year-old me lusted after every day to my friend and the most important person in my life after my dad, and it needs to stay that way. Not only do I not need another relationship anytime soon, but I also cannot lose him.

I take a quick body shower and fluff up my naturally straight hair before putting on some tinted sunscreen, mascara, and blush.

I’m digging through my suitcase when my phone dings a dozen times in rapid succession, so I hurriedly throw on my jean shorts and a Siren’s hoodie, knowing it’s likely the guys blowing up our group chat. I check my notifications and snort a laugh when I see some of the texts.

Jamie

We would know if the plane crashed, right?

Wes

Wren is fine. She’s probably sleeping, moron.

Jamie

Well that was rude, Wes. Are you spending too much time with Asher? Is that why you’re so mean to me?

Asher

Can y’all shut the fuck up? It’s too early for me to play referee.

Wes

Oh shit. Daddy Ash is mad.

I’ve just finished tying my high tops when my phone plays “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge. I roll my eyes, but I also can’t help but giggle. The guys back in Seattle chose their own ringtones on my phone, so even before I answer, I know it’s Jamie I’ll see on the other end of the video call.

“Hey there, Baby Reid,” he crows. “Why the fuck are you ignoring the group chat?”

“Yeah, Wren! One day gone and you’ve already kicked us to the curb? I’m hurt.” Wesley’s dramatic tone is clear through the phone, and I snort.

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