Page 91 of Sometimes You Fall

“Do you think he could be looking for you in Carrington Cove?”

“Maybe, but that would mean leaving his life down in Georgia, and that man cares about no one but himself.”

I brush a hand through my hair, eyes fixed on the woman across from me. “God, Scottie.” My mind is racing with so many thoughts, but the one that prevails is the one I choose to voice. “You’re so fucking strong—do you know that?”

Her brows draw together. “Not surestrongis the word I’d use, Grady. I put up with too much shit for too many years…”

I reach across the table for her hands, clasping them in mine and intertwining our fingers. “But you left. You planned, made sacrifices, and took risks for your son.” Shaking my head, I continue, “You’re exactly the mother Chase needs, and I couldn’t ask for a better mother of my child. You’re fucking amazing.”

Tears form in her eyes. “I don’t feel amazing.”

“How do you feel?” I say, lowering my voice so only she can hear it.

“Scared, Grady. So scared of repeating my mistakes.”

“The only way that happens is if you trust the wrong people.” I take her hand and place it over my heart. “Do you feel like you can trust me?”

She swallows hard, her voice a whisper. “I want to.”

“I can work with that, Scottie. That means we’re already halfway where we need to be.”

***

“Um, why is there only one bed?” Scottie glances around the room as I bring in the last of our bags. The hotel room is a mix of rustic and modern with finished wood details and iron accents.

And yes, there’s only one bed.

“This was all they had left. Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

Scottie huffs out a laugh. “Ha. Um, you’re a liar because I’ve been a victim of your biting.”

I glance at her over my shoulder as I hoist her suitcase onto the stand in the corner. “Eager victim, or enthusiastic participant?” Her cheeks flush, confirming what we both already know. “We’re adults, Scottie. We can handle this, right?”

Grumbling, she walks to the bathroom, shutting herself inside as I fight the pleased grin on my face. I take a moment to unpack a few things while Scottie uses the restroom and when she emerges, she stares back at the bed like it’s a volcano preparing to erupt. “I’m gonna take a shower.”

“Okay.” Gesturing to the bed, I say, “I’m gonna see if there’s a movie or show on that we can watch before we call it a night.”

She nods, grabbing a change of clothes from her suitcase and her toiletry bag before heading back to the bathroom. I hear the water turn on and instantly, all I can think about is her naked, covered in soap suds as water cascades down her changing body, wishing I was in there to appreciate it—a body I can’t stop fucking thinking about worshiping and owning again.

“Jesus, Grady,” I mutter to myself, contemplating how the rest of the night is going to play out. After Scottie’s confession in the restaurant, I feel like I’m on high alert. I know her ex has no idea where we’re at right now, but the idea that the man could show up at any time and cause more strife in her life makes me want to take matters into my own hands—not only for Scottie but also for Chase.

That kid has become as much a part of my life as Scottie has in the past month, and when we get back home, I have to do something to make sure I don’t lose them too.

Any man that would let either of them go is a fucking idiot as far as I’m concerned.

They’re mine now though, and that’s all that matters.

I turn on the television, flipping through the channels, hoping there’s something for us to watch that could help Scottie feel more at ease. A rerun ofFriendscatches my eye, so I stop there, loving that no matter how many times I watch this show, it never gets old. Ironically, the episode on the TV is the one with Rachel’s baby shower, which just seems fitting given our circumstances.

“Just so you know, I know what a Diaper Genie is,” Scottie says, coming out of the bathroom, drying her hair in her towel. “This episode always makes me laugh.”

Fuck, she looks so sexy—no makeup, oversized t-shirt and small shorts that barely peek out from the hem of her shirt. And her nipples—they’re standing at fucking attention, enticing me.

“I’m glad one of us does,” I say, trying to conceal my growing erection as I adjust myself on the bed. But hell, I’m always fucking hard around this woman, so it’s not like I can hide it completely.

“Did I tell you that Astrid offered to throw me a baby shower?”

“No, but that doesn’t surprise me.”

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