Page 53 of Outplayed

Hot-headed, pain-in-the-arse me.

“I can’t believe I’m even suggesting this, but fuck….” It sounded like he coughed and maybe even gagged a little. “You need to give him a chance, honey. Because if a woman looked at me the way you were with him, I’d think I’d won the damn lottery. Not sure what happened between you two, but, Christ, is it worth walking away from?”

“No,” I whispered.

“Just make sure we stay in contact. Despite the prick you like, I still want to have you in my life.”

I laughed. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“Take care, honey.”

“You too, Jim, and thank you.”

He didn’t say anything back. The line went dead, and my mind was finally clear.

I didn’t want to lose Travis.

Sculling back my coffee, I grabbed an apple and bit down while I walked around collecting my phone, keys, and bag by the front door on my way out.

Travis wanted to talk. I hoped he meant whenever because I was about to pop into his place. On the drive, I quickly rang Warden.

“Yeah?” he said, picking up the phone.

“I won’t be in for some time.”

“You good?”

“Yes, ah, I just have to go see Travis.”

Silence.

“Warden?”

“It’s on again?”

“Yes.”

“He fucks with you, I’ll break him.”

Smiling, I shook my head. “Nobody will fuck with anybody.”

“See you when you get here,” he said, ending the call. I noticed he didn’t agree with me.

As I pulled up to the gate, the guard didn’t even walk out of his station. Instead, he gave me a chin lift and pressed the button. The gates swung open a moment later. I must have been given an open invitation.

Once parked just near the front of the house, I got out and went to the front door. It swung open before I had to knock. Travis stood in it wearing jeans, a black tee, and his feet were bare.

“Violet, is everything all right?”

My gaze drifted back up to his face. Blood pumped faster throughout my body. I was near dizzy standing in front of him, knowing I was about to commit to this, us. “Yes.” I nodded.

He studied me, his brows dipping in confusion. “Did you want to come in?”

Without a reply, I stepped closer. He moved out of the doorway. “Is Izzy home?” I asked. It had been so long since I’d seen her, I’d missed her a great deal.

“She is. She’s upstairs with Trisha getting dressed. They’re about to head out. Trisha’s taking her to the salon to do her hair.”

Smiling, I said, “That’s sweet.”

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