Page 84 of The Foul Out

“What?” she asked. “I’m doing the balance thing.”

I smiled. “You are.” And she had no idea how gorgeous she was. That was just one of a thousand things that drew me to her.

“Then eat your tacos. You were the one who insisted you needed food.” With a roll of her eyes, she took a bite.

The moment the flavors hit her taste buds, her eyes softened, and something like joy hit her face. Yeah, she needed more of that feeling. In all aspects of her life. I enjoyed watching her savor every bite of the taco, even while finishing all of mine in a few mouthfuls.

“Wait.” She tipped her head, holding half of her second taco aloft. “That’s my phone.” Dropping the taco onto her plate, she hopped up. Then she ran from the room.

“Hello?” she said, her voice already laced with stress. “Yup, coming.” She flew back into the room with her phone in her hand. “Sorry. Piper is melting down. I have to go.” She scanned the room, stopping when she caught sight of her leggings. If she hadn’t been rushing around like her hair was on fire, I might have enjoyed the view as she bent to step into the damn things. Her Uggs were on, and she was moving for her purse when I stood and caught her arm.

“Wait.”

“I really have to go.” She yanked her arm back, but I held tight.

“Not like this.”

Her brows slammed together, that defiance that lived within her flaring to the surface, along with true panic for her child.

“Crabby.” I pulled her into my arms and hugged her. It took a second for her to relax against me. “I get that Piper is upset. But taking two minutes to get yourself together won’t hurt her,” I mumbled against the crown of her head. “So slow down, put on a bra, and”—I hated these next words because I really loved her in my clothes—“put on your own shirt. Maybe a coat too, since it’s below freezing.”

Swallowing audibly, she glanced down at herself and then at me. “It’s not like he’s?—”

I put my hand over her mouth. “Turns out I’m not as evolved as you are, and I’m not chill about the fact that other people ever have gotten to touch you. So let’s not go there,” I growled.

My hand still covered her mouth, but those amber eyes danced, like maybe she was smiling. She pulled on my arm, and I lowered my hand, settling it just above the curve of her ass.

“Are you jealous, Kyle Bosco?” Her tone was exponentially lighter. Damn, I loved it, even if it was at my expense.

I dropped my hand lower and gave her ass a squeeze. “Apparently, I’ve become somewhat possessive, but it’s your fault. This was never an issue for me until I met you.”

Her smile grew.

“So, for my peace of mind, will you put on a damn bra?”

She pulled away and headed across the room, and when she found her bra and shirt, she turned back to me and pulled my henley over her head.

My mouth watered at the sight of her pale breasts dusted with freckles. In response to the cool air, or maybe to my attention, her nipples pebbled. But before I could cross the room and run my tongue over them again, she slipped her arms into the straps of her bra. Dammit. And when she clasped it, then tossed her shirt over her head, I wanted to cry.

“Happier?” she asked.

“Not at all. But Piper needs you, so you can take a raincheck on the rest of the night.” I opened her coat closet and found her black coat. Once she was in front of me, I held it up and let her slip her arms in. “I’ll clean up and lock the door behind me.”

“Thanks.” Expression soft and full of gratitude, she lifted onto the balls of her feet. She gave me one more all too quick kiss, and then she was gone.

After a sigh, I pulled out my phone.

Me: Need a ride home.

Cam: That bad, huh?

Me: No, everything is perfect. Pipe just needed her, so she had to leave.

Cam: Did you talk about JJ?

Me: No. I’ll get there eventually.

Cam: Not smart.

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