Page 113 of The Way We Score

“We’re not too far from Miss Gina’s. Let’s go for a swim. She must’ve invited us ten times by now, and I think floating in a pool might help.”

“We don’t have our suits.”

“You’re wearing a jog bra. You can just wear your underwear and take them off for the drive home.” Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I lead her out to my waiting truck.

“Are you trying to get me out of my underwear?”

“Always, Liv.” Holding the door, I help her in then run around to the driver’s side.

Minutes later, Miss Gina is greeting us at her front door in a robe, and I feel like shit again. “Were you in bed? I’m sorry, Miss G.”

“Nonsense!” She waves a hand in front of her face. “I was listening to an audiobook about a maid in a big mansion where her boss might be trying to kill her. I’ll probably be awake all night.”

“Miss Gina!” Liv’s voice is hushed. “Why would you listen to something like that when you’re all alone in the house?”

“FOMO.” Her flat response almost makes me laugh. “Everybody’s talking about it, and I couldn’t resist. If you two would like to sleep over in the guest cottage, I wouldn’t mind at all. In fact, I’d welcome it.”

Liv glances up at me, and I shrug. “We didn’t really bring anything to sleep in.”

Miss G’s lips twist with a frown. “I probably have something that would work for Liv, but you’re a special size, Garrett.”

“Wow…” I pat her narrow shoulder. “That’s the nicest way anyone’s ever called me huge.”

She instantly frowns, crying out in protest. “Garrett Bradford, you are not huge. You’re simply taller than the average man, and from what I understand, you’re very fit. Liv’s a lucky girl.”

She arches an eyebrow, and I glance at Liv.

Liv only smiles, slipping her hand into the crook of my arm. “I definitely am, Miss G.”

“Well you don’t want to stand here talking to an old blind lady all night. The pool should still be warm from our water aerobics class, but you know how to adjust the control?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Liv steps forward to hug our hostess. “Thank you, Miss G. You’re the best.”

“Just remember, you promised to bring that baby to see me when she gets here.”

“Be careful what you wish for,” I tease, but she only waves her hand as she leaves us at the ornate, wrought-iron and glass door leading out to the flagstone patio.

Liv’s sweet voice is calmer than during her laughing fit at the birthing class, still I feel like I got a little peek behind the curtain. Stuff’s brewing behind her super-controlled façade, and it’s stuff she hasn’t shared with me.

I’m ready to hold her close and get to the bottom of it.

25

Olivia

Twinkle lights adorn the delicate trees lining the patio, and dim lights shine in the depths of Miss Gina’s Italian, blue-tiled pool.

I’ve been doing water aerobics with her and Rachel twice a week for a month, so this is the first time I’ve been able to relax and appreciate its luxury.

The moon is a fingernail overhead, and I’m floating in perfectly warm saltwater, with my back against Garrett’s chest and his strong arms around me.

My insides are way less jittery, and after my breakdown earlier, I feel like I could crash. “Maybe we should spend the night here. I’m exhausted.”

“I have no objections.” His voice is quiet beside my cheek. “I’m sure it’ll be as elegant as everything else here.”

My eyes are on that sliver of yellow hanging in the vast expanse of blackness overhead. I wish we could see the stars.

Garrett’s hand slides down my arm, and he kisses the sideof my head. “Talk about birth-class backfires.” I can tell from his tone, he’s approaching with caution. “What happened back there?”

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