Page 26 of Teasing

After what feels like half a lifetime, he nods. “Do you have any questions?”

I look around the kitchen and sigh with relief when I find the coffee pot. “A few, actually. Is the coffee fair game?”

Maverick’s head shakes the slightest bit. “I figured you’d want to know how to work the EpiPen.”

“I told you the other night, I know how to use them. My sister is allergic to bees. I’ve given her shots twice. And I know to use two if we need to. Better to not risk it.”

His jaw tightens, clearly not convinced. “Any others?”

I lay the binder carefully on the dark granite counter and run a hand over it before looking back up at him. “I know you said you’re extremely protective of Rosie’s identity. What am I supposed to tell people who ask who she is?”

His dark-blue eyes narrow and harden. “Why will you be around anyone who’ll need to know who my daughter is?”

“Well first, you agreed I could take Rosie to my father’s assisted living facility.” I lean back against the island and mirror his stance. Of course I’m an entire foot shorter and miles lessintimidating than my new neighbor. “They’re going to ask who she is as soon as I show up with a child at my side. I’m not trying to be pushy, but I need to know how you want me to answer that. I’d also like to take her on some fun adventures around town.”

Maverick eyes me skeptically.

“Calm down, Cujo. I was thinking strawberry picking or peach picking, or maybe to the farmers’ market to pick out fruit for an allergy-friendly pie she can help me bake. There’s no reason she needs to be cooped up in her castle like Rapunzel all day.”

The muscle in his jaw pulses again as he thinks about that. “I’d rather you not give her last name, but if she introduces herself, you don’t need to stop her. It’s not that I’ve tried to hide her existence. It’s just... my family is high-profile. Both the Kingstons and the Beneventis are. I never wanted the world to invade my child’s privacy. When you’re a professional athlete, the world thinks you owe them something. Everyone thinks they’re entitled to the details of your life. And I don’t want that for Briar Rose, just because she happened to be born to a football player or a Kingston or a Beneventi. It’s not fair, so I’ve avoided it. But I’ve always tried to do it in a way that wouldn’t make Rosie fearful or unwilling to make friends.”

And there he goes, being an incredible father again.

Yup. Still swoony.

“That makes sense.” I dare to hold his stormy stare for a moment. “I’ll try to avoid using her last name and just introduce her as my friend Rosie when I have to introduce her.”

That seems to soothe some of his concern momentarily. But then his eyes narrow, and my skin prickles. “My turn. Who was at your house last night?” Maverick straightens and waits while I process his question.

“Excuse me?” I almost laugh in his face. There’s never anyone at my house.

“The car was still there this morning. It was the first time I’ve seen it,” he grumbles.

Oh. I forgot that quickly. He means—wait... “What do you mean, you’ve seen? You’ve been watching my house?”

“You’re fucking right I have. If I’m trusting you with my daughter, I need to know you’re not going to bring assholes around her.” His voice booms off the vaulted ceiling, and my stomach knots.

“Want to do a background check too?” I close my eyes, wondering what he’d think if he examined my life. What would it look like on a page?

“Emmie...” His voice is strained, like this is a hard conversation for him, and I want to laugh. If he only freaking knew.

“You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re going to meet my new houseguest today at your practice. When you do, make sure to say hi for me. He might be a little confused though because I didn’t tell him about Rosie. I wanted to talk to you about it first.” My words are cold and condescending. I don’t like that he was watching my house or that he thought I’d bring bad men around?—

Little feet slap against the dark slate floor as Rosie runs into the kitchen. “Emmie. You’re here.”

I squat down in front of her. Her dark brown hair shoots up in every imaginable direction, and a pillow crease is imprinted on her cheek. Definitely signs of a good night’s sleep. “Why, good morning, little rose. I am here, and I have all sorts of fun planned for us today. Do you want to have some fun?”

She nods, her eyes growing wide before they swing her father’s way. “Morning, Daddy.”

Maverick looks from her to me, then grumbles something about being the first person she should say good morning to before he kisses the top of her head. “I’ve got to get dressedfor work, sweets. Listen to Emmie and help her make your breakfast, okay?”

“Sure.” She giggles as she takes my hand in hers.

Maverick’s eyes stay locked on that one simple movement for one beat, then two, before walking out of the room.

“Okay, kiddo. First things first. Can you help me find the mugs? I need coffee.”

Maverick

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