Page 85 of Stolen Bases

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tonight, baby.”

“See you tonight, big guy.”

The line goes dead, and I bring my phone to my chest, letting my eyes fall closed. Breathing in and out, I slowly bring my heart rate down.

Talking to Cameron is like getting on a rollercoaster, only better. The twists and turns on Cam’s ride are filthy words that send my lady bits into a tizzy, and I am so here for it.

twenty-two

Cameron

The green sauce inthe pot bubbles, splatters my shirt, and burns me through the fabric. “Fuck!”

“Ooh, Uncle Cam said a bad word,” Rhys shouts in the background. “Now, you owe me a present.”

“Why should I buy you a present?” I lower the heat on the pot like Rylann instructed and step back, giving my attention to my iPad propped up along the side of my stove.

Rhys shoves his face in front of the camera. “You live too far to put money in a swear jar, but you can still send me presents.”

My sister-in-law stifles a laugh as she tousles his shaggy hair. “Okay, enough of you, little mister. You don’t need more presents, and I need to finish helping your Uncle Cam make the sauce for enchiladas.”

“No fair. I want to talk to Uncle Cam. He’s my favorite.” My nephew pouts, and I swear my heart melts.

Rylann catches the look on my face, and she shakes her head.

What?I mouth.

She glares at me, but she knows she’s helpless. A present will definitely be on its way to him soon. I spoil Rhys. So what?

“Do me a favor, little man. Sit on that stool, and you can help your mom boss me around. You know what to do next, right?” I ask, ignoring Rylann’s evil eye.

He nods, a grin on his face. “Yes. Put a cover on the pot and let it sit. Then, put the chicken from the crock pot into a bowl and shred it.”

Rylann’s eyes mist over—her irritation with my indulging her son with gifts forgotten—as she watches Rhys instruct me on cooking the chicken and prepping the rest of the ingredients for her famous enchiladas.

An hour later, I have the cheesy goodness prepped and ready to go into the oven.

“Thank you for helping me.” I wipe the sweat off my forehead and take a sip of my water.

“You’re welcome. This was fun,” Rylann says as she wipes down the kitchen counter. She looks off screen, checking where Rhys disappeared to before speaking again. “I don’t mean to pry, but what’s the fuss over dinner for? Or should I say who?”

Busted. Not that I was being stealthy. I just didn’t bring it up. Eli is the only person who knows about Talia. It would be nice to get Rylann’s point of view on things.

“Are we alone?”

“Yes. Jace is still at work.”

I shake my head. “I’m not worried about my brother. It’s your big-mouthed best friend I’m wondering about.”

She throws her head back and laughs. “You’re right; she has a big mouth. But I love her. Scarlett took the girls to dance class. Your secret is safe with me, Cam. Now, tell me about her.”

“She’s … special.”

“What’s her name?”

“Um. Let’s not use names.” I rub the tension forming at the back of my neck. I don’t know if Talia will be at the family picnic this weekend. It’s probably best if I don’t say. I can’t have anyone slipping. It’s bad enough Eli knows and will watch me like a hawk. “It’s complicated. We shouldn’t be together.”

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