Page 39 of Bae

“Look at the big castle. You wanna come in here with Daddy?”

Nova practically dove out of my arms when he reached through the mesh doorway.

“What the hell are you wearing, Critter?” B remarked, holding her out. “A dress? How are you supposed to bounce in a dress?”

Nova laughed. She was wearing a pink dress with a full skirt that looked like a tutu. Over top was a small, white cardigan with a hot-pink flower on the side.

“She looks like a little princess in her castle.” I admonished him.

B kissed Nova sloppily on her belly, and she laughed. “Rome! Hold my girl.”

Romeo appeared and lifted Nova into his arms. She grinned up at him as he pushed the dark strands of hair off her forehead. “Looking pretty cute today, sweetheart.”

My throat constricted, and I tried to tear my eyes away from the sight. Somedays—most days—it didn’t bother me to see Romeo and his niece.

Today it hurt.

It hurt a lot.

Thankfully, Braeden’s form filled my vision, cutting off the sight of Romeo with a baby in his arms. “Get in here, tutor girl.”

“What?” I gasped. “No way.”

“No choice,” he ordered and held out a hand.

I lifted my chin stubbornly.

I must not have done a very good job intimidating him, because he threatened me. “Come willingly, or I’ll toss your tiny ass in here.”

I flung out my hands and allowed him to help me inside. Obviously, it felt odd underfoot because the floor was filled with air and sank under my weight.

I planted my feet a little wider than normal, trying to maintain my balance. Braeden let go of my hands but kept his out, expecting me to fall.

When I didn’t, I grinned at him.

I caught the last-minute flash of orneriness in his eyes, but it was too late. He leapt forward, bouncing right in front of me.

I shrieked and lost my balance. Braeden laughed, caught me around the waist, and jumped as high as he could. He didn’t let go of me. Therefore, I went up in the air with him.

“Braeden James!” I yelled as we hit the floor and wobbled around.

B threw his head back and laughed, pulling me in for a hug.

My already unsteady stomach felt even more so now. Served him right if I barfed all over him.

Nova was clapping and making a bunch of babbling sounds. Romeo laughed. “You wanna bounce, too?”

Nova tried to get down, so Romeo put her on her feet, facing him, and held her hands. Her little body shook as she tried to stand, and he bounced just enough to give her a wobble.

She laughed like it was the greatest thing ever.

Romeo grinned, the kind of smile I’d only ever seen on him. The azure in his eyes sparkled as he watched Nova while they “bounced.”

Without thinking, I leaned into B a little farther. Braeden’s arms tightened around me, serving as a wake-up call.

I stiffened and pulled back. He let me go and didn’t say anything.

“I should probably take Nova back to the house. Ivy’s mom was pulling up when I came out.”

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