Page 97 of The Chase

“Shouldn’t she be asleep?”

“I was getting ready to feed her. Actually, she was screaming her lungs out about thirty seconds before you got here. She literally just settled.”

“Liar. This beautiful angel could never scream her lungs out,” I retort as I tickle one of Jamie’s socked feet. “Look at how sweet and calm she is.”

Jamie chortles in delight.

“Fuck off. She’s acting sweet and calm because we’ve got company. She’s a little terror in real life. Aren’t you, darlin’?”

The baby gazes at her father with pure adoration.

Tuck immediately caves. “I take it back,” he tells his daughter. “You’re not a terror. Fitz, entertain the princess while I prep her bottle.”

That’s no hardship. I bounce Jamie on my knee and tickle her tummy over her pink onesie while she makes the cutest noises. Damn, this kid is frickin’ cute.

“So what’s going on?” Tucker calls from the kitchen. “It’s not like you to show up out of the blue. Especially on game night. That shot to your eye looked brutal, by the way.”

“You saw it?”

“Yeah, I was flipping between your game and Garrett’s. His is still on. Second period.”

“G’s playing tonight?” I look over at the TV, but a commercial for laundry detergent is flashing on the screen.

“Yeah. He has a series of road games coming up. Playing LA tonight.”

“What’s the score?”

“Two all. G’s looking good.”

“One of those goals his?”

“No. One assist, though.”

“Sweet.” I’m thrilled for the success Garrett’s been having in his rookie season with Boston. He’s so frickin’ talented, and he also happens to be a genuinely decent guy. A bit cocky, sure. Definitely a smartass. But he’s got a big heart, and he’s a good friend.

“Dammit, Fitz.” Tuck’s southern drawl rears its head as he chastises me. “You managed to distract me again. Why aren’t you celebrating tonight’s W at Malone’s?”

I shrug. “Wasn’t in the mood for people.”

“Okay. Then why aren’t you at home?”

Because one of my roommates gave me a BJ tonight, and I don’t know how to act around her.

“I…It’s complicated.” I keep my gaze on the top of Jamie’s head. “Dean’s sister lives with us now.”

“I heard.” Tucker’s tone is cautious. “How’s that working out?”

Well, she gave me a BJ tonight, and I don’t know how to act around her.

“Pretty good.” I keep my own tone vague and smatter kisses on Jamie’s soft cheek, making her giggle again. But it isn’t long before my baby shield is taken away from me.

“You ready, little one?” Tuck drawls. “Mama pumped this yummy goodness out just for you.”

I snort loudly.

At the sight of the bottle, Jamie’s face lights up. A few moments later, she’s sucking happily on a nipple. With a pillow propped under his elbow and a contented baby in his arms, Tuck grins at me.

“She still into you?” he asks.

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