Page 45 of The Foul Out

With another breath, this one steadier, I pulled back and tipped my head back.

He watched me with an expression so earnest I couldn’t help but take him at his word. I was too tired to question him, anyway. Too worn out from treading water alone.

Slowly, I nodded.

One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Cam’s over there. Take Sam and go.” He released me and tipped his head toward the black Escalade parked in a spot designated for guests. Right where it was supposed to be.

“I can’t?—”

“You have a meeting. I have a free day.” The small smile turned into the kind of smirk he often wore when he was photographed by the media. A playboy expression that saidI always get what I want. “All I have is a lot of time on my hands and a competitive streak that just won’t die, so if Piper wants totry to beat me in a battle of wills about school, then I say good fucking luck.”

I snorted, but my mouth unwillingly pulled up in a smile.

“Seriously, you have a busy day. I’ve got this.” He held his hand out, palm up.

It took me a moment to realize he wanted my keys, and when I did, I was tempted to say no. Because this was my job as a parent. But the truth was that I did have a meeting. And I was mentally drained, which meant I was at risk of giving in to Piper. And if I did that, I could guarantee tomorrow would be impossible. Once Piper knew she could win, she would fight that much harder. So instead of arguing, I passed him my keys.

“And don’t worry. I got Medusa handled.”

“Medusa?” I paused with my hand on the door handle.

He pointed to the woman who was standing on the steps leading to the school’s entrance, her face set in a firm scowl. “You can’t tell me you didn’t notice the way she tries to turn people to stone with that glare.”

With a laugh, I shook my head. Then I opened the back door. “Come on, Sam. We’re going to ride with Mr. Cam.”

Sam climbed out, hauling his booster seat with him, and took my hand, his expression one of relief.

We’d only taken two steps when I turned back. “Kyle.”

He looked my way.

“Thank you.”

His smile was surprisingly humble when he gave me a quick nod. As Sam and I headed across the lot, Kyle climbed into the car with my daughter and quietly shut the door.

“Next stop, Little Fingers,” Cam called as I buckled Sam into his booster. “That,” he said as I climbed into the passenger seat, “is for you.” He pointed to the cup in the console between us. “Kyle seems to think you like his kind of coffee. Whipped cream and all.”

I rolled my eyes but picked up the cup and brought it to my lips. The truth of it was, I kinda did. There were a lot of things I was starting to like about Kyle Bosco, and that meant I needed to be really careful.

Unknown: Did you get her inside? Or are you still sitting in my car?

Me: Who dis?

Crabby: More than one person handed over a set of car keys to the great Kyle Bosco today?

Me: Good to see you got your sass back Crabby.

Me: But yes, she’s inside the school building and your car is in your parking spot at Boston Lights with the key on the back wheel.

Crabby: You’ve got the magic touch today huh?

Kyle: I am always magic baby.

Crabby:

Me: I think what you’re trying to say is thank you.

Crabby: Yes. It actually is. Thank you Kyle.

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