Page 60 of Teasing

“They’re with Mom. Did Camden tell you the news yet?” I ask, knowing he didn’t. Knowing Dad isn’t sure how old any of us are or what we’re doing, even if he recognizes me now, at this age. “He’s playing for the Philadelphia Kings, Daddy. He’s playing for your team.”

Dad’s entire face lights up with pride, followed by confusion. “I think... I think he did tell me that. I must have forgotten. The Philly Kings. My boy is a King.”

“My daddy is a King too,” Rosie tells him proudly, the biggest smile she has shining back at him. “So are my uncles.”

“It’s the best team in the world, tiny rose,” he tells her, and I have to look away. Have to hide the lone tear that manages to slip past my defenses and down my cheek. “We bleed black and gold, don’t we, Emmie?”

I wipe my face and turn back. “We sure do, Daddy.”

We sure do.

Maverick

The guys and I are just getting out of my truck when Camden pulls into the gravel driveway next to us. Word came down today that Mason is out. He won’t be coming back. A career ended by a single hit as much as a culmination of all the hits he’s taken over the years. Camden’s battling it out for the starting QB spot after a career of playing backup. The pressure is on.

“Hey, man. We’re about to grill,” Jamie yells, and Camden stops next to the SUV.

Camden shoulders his bag and shuts the door. “Do you guys always know what you’re doing for dinner?”

He walks our way, and I smack the back of Jamie’s head.“This asshole is always thinking about food.”

What?”Jamie groans.“I’m hungry.”

“I’m kinda hungry too. You sure you don’t mind?”I wish every school offered ASL the way Sugar Hill High did. Even Kroydon Prep didn’t offer it. But Camden and Emmie sign like it’s their own brother who needs it to communicate, not mine.

“Nope,”Ryker tells him.“We’ve got plenty, and besides, now maybe Emmie will stay, and Maverick will be happy.”

Camden doesn’t look surprised, but he doesn’t look thrilled either.

I shake my head as Jamie and Ryker head in but stay behind. “Go ahead and ask.”

He doesn’t miss a beat. “What’s going on with you and my sister?”

“What’s going on withyouand your sister?” I counter.

“We’re figuring it out. Why? What has she told you?”

“Listen, I’m a dick, but I care about your sister. She’s incredible. She’s kind and sweet, and stronger than she lets on. But she’s hurting. I might not know it all, but I know enough, and I’m pretty sure Emmie needs your help, even if she won’t admit it.”

He stops dead in his tracks as the color drains from his face. “She told you?”

In this moment, Camden doesn’t look like my new QB. He doesn’t look like a guy I’m squaring off against. He looks hurt. He looks like Emmie.

Son of a bitch.

“About your dad... yeah. Come on, QB. Let’s eat something and get you a drink. It’s gonna be a long week.” We walk side by side into the house and both drop our bags by the door. An old eighties song is blasting through the speakers as we make our way through the house and into the yard where Ryker is dancing with Rosie on his feet, and Jamie is twirling Emmie around the patio.

“Murphy,” I call out, and the shit-stirring ginger’s smile practically swallows his whole face. “Hands off my woman.”

“Your woman?” Jamie asks as he twirls Emmie in a spin by his side. “You his woman, Em?”

I move into their circle, forcing them to stop and offer her my hand, not giving a shit that Camden is behind me. “Up to you, Em.”

Her green eyes glow golden in the setting sun as she places her hand in mine. “I think I am,” she whispers.

“You think?” I wrap an arm around her lower back and press her palm to my chest as we pick up the beat, fully aware everyone in the yard is watching.

“I’ve never been anyone’s before.”

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