Page 49 of Teasing

“If you guys don’t go, he’s going to kick your asses, so you better get going. Rosie and I will be fine.”I snicker, and the three of them stop and stare.

“Hot nanny cursed.”

Oh my God. I want to die when Jamie’s words finally register, but judging by the look on Maverick’s face, Jamie might be the one about to die.

“What did I fucking say, man?”Fury laces Maverick’s tone and his motions as he signs the words.

But it’s Ryker’s smile that catches my eyes.“Hot nanny said fuck last week.”

“Oh, come on. This cannot be a nickname that sticks.”I argue but don’t really mind it.

Maverick forgets Jamie and turns to me, intrigued. “You said fuck?”

I nibble my lip and try not to flush.

“Why?” he pushes, and even though he’s not signing, Ryker is obviously reading his lips.

“Your girl doesn’t like snakes,”the traitor tells them both, and without thinking about it, I give him my favorite universal sign—two middle fingers. Then belatedly, I look to make sure Rosie isn’t looking—which she’s thankfully not—before all three guys laugh at me.

“You spend an awful lot of time outdoors for someone who doesn’t like snakes,” Mav points out.

Jamie chuckles, and I already know whatever is about to come out of his mouth isn’t going to be good. “Don’t say it. Whatever it is you’re thinking. Just don’t say it, Murphy.”

“Aww... Emmie. That’s it. It’s official. You’re in the circle. You called me Murphy.”He wraps an arm around my shoulder.“We’ll celebrate after we kick Buffalo’s ass and get home. Now, we’ve got to go.”He looks over at Rosie.“See you tomorrow, squirt.”

“Bye,”she calls out, never taking her eyes off the TV.

“Call me if you need anything.” Mav holds my gaze, and I swear I could get lost in his eyes. “You’ve got my parents’ number. And the doctor’s number?—”

I put my hand on his bicep and squeeze.

Wow, even that’s muscled and hard. Damn.

“I’ve got the binder with all the names and numbers and rules. We’ll be fine. I promise. Now go. And maybe take care of my brother for me.”

The way this man’s eyes scan my face is like a caress I can feel all the way down to the tips of my toes before he nods. “See you tomorrow night, Em.”

“Bye, Mav.” I chance a peek at Rosie, who’s still not paying attention to us and listen to the front door close behind Jamie and Ryker before I lift up on my toes and press a gentle kiss to his cheek, then walk away.

How is it possible this man can scare me as much as he does and also make me feel more like myself than I have in such a long time?

Maverick

Just got to the hotel. We’re grabbing dinner, then we have a team meeting.

Emmie

Rosie and I just ate. She’s showered and changed into her PJ’s. We’re about to read a story before she goes to bed.

I snap a picture of her sitting on the couch in her pink butterfly pajamas with Butters curled up on the couch next to her, snoring.

Maverick sends back a picture of Ryker, Jamie, Camden, and him waving in an elevator.

Emmie

Camden’s going to dinner with you?

Maverick

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