Page 147 of Stolen Bases

The silence between us stretches. “He knows, doesn’t he?”

Fuck, I hate this, but I won’t lie to her. I promised her no lies, ever. “He knows.”

“Okay.” She sighs.

I can imagine her defeated face, eyes glassy as she nibbles on her lip. I press down harder on the accelerator.

“Be safe. I’m not going anywhere. I love you, big guy.”

Fuck, I really needed to hear that.

“I love you, itty bitty.”More than I ever thought possible.

“Cam?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Congratulations. I’m so proud of you. You’re amazing, you know that, right?”

Tears well in my eyes, and my chest pinches. She thinks so highly of me, and I’m about to ruin it. “I don’t know about that, but thank you.”

“I know it. I’ll see you soon.”

My throat closes, choking me, as the fear of losing her sets in. I clear my throat, hoping she doesn’t hear my voice crack with emotion. “See you soon, baby.”

It’s a small miracle that the highways and streets of L.A. are clear, allowing me to make it to Malibu in record time.

When I walk through the door, Talia is sitting on the couch, phone in hand, wearing the purple butterfly crop top she loves to sleep in and a pair of short-shorts. She looks so beautiful like this. Simple. At home. Comfortable.

I close the door with a snick, getting her attention.

When she looks up, her eyes widen in shock as she takes me in. She’s up and rushing towards me in a flash. “Oh my god, Cam. What happened to your face?”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” I drop my bag at the door and take off my cleats.

In my rush home, I didn’t even bother to change out of my dirty uniform and cleats. The only thing on my mind was getting toher. It should be me who tells her everything that went down with Nico.

She turns my face in her palms, inspecting my swollen lip and bruised jaw. “It’s not fine. You’re hurt. Did my brother do this to you?”

I don’t bother answering. I just grip her wrist and kiss the inside.

“Cam?” she asks again, her big gray eyes begging for an answer.

I nod, confirming her suspicion. The unmistakable pain in her eyes kills me.

Nico may have hit me, but I did this. This whole vendetta is my fault, and it’s going to cost me the most important thing in my life.

I push the thought away for the time being. It’s selfish as fuck, but I can’t tell her the truth yet. I need a little more time with her before she can’t stand the sight of me.

I kiss her forehead, inhaling the sweet, calming scent of her shampoo. “Shower with me?”

Lip between her teeth, she nods and places her hand in mine. We don’t bother speaking as we enter my bedroom and make our way to the bathroom.

I chuck my hat onto the counter before reaching into the shower. I turn the water on, letting it warm up.

Talia stops me as I reach for the top button of my jersey. “Let me.”

I drop my hands to my side and let her work. With care and purpose, Talia helps me out of my uniform until I’m naked before her. I’m a confident guy—hell, I know how I look—but right now, in front of the woman I love, I’ve never felt more vulnerable. I’m bearing not only my body to her, but my heart and soul as well.

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