Page 23 of Teasing

“If you’d stop talking for a minute, that’s what I’m trying to find out,” I snap.

A guy gets out of a black Lincoln Navigator and throws a duffle bag over his shoulder. He’s big. Not as big as me, but there aren’t many guys who are. This is the first time I’ve seen someone else at Emmie’s house.

“He’s kinda hot,” Lilah coos excitedly.

“You’re married,” I snap.

“I’m married, not blind. I can appreciate a hot guy, Mav. And that dude is hot. Not as hot as my husband.” She looks at me, appraising. “Maybe not as hot as you.” She shrugs a shoulderand picks up one of the boxes I dropped. “But hot enough. Is that your neighbor?”

“No,” I growl and slam the door, then say a silent thank you when I don’t hear Rosie. Lilah was right—she did just go down for a nap. My daughter has, thankfully, always been a great sleeper. “My neighbor is a woman, not some guy. She’s also agreed to be Rosie’s new nanny for now. I don’t know who the hell that is, but she better not bring him around Rosie.” I look down at the rest of the presents, then back at Lilah. “What the hell is all this, Tink?”

She flashes me her million-dollar smile. “Presents for Rosie from Fiji.”

“What the fuck can a five-year-old need from Fiji?” I know better than to ask but do it anyway, then tune her out while she tells me about her honeymoon.

Who the fuck was that guy?

Does Emmie have a man she didn’t mention?

And why the hell haven’t I seen him before?

We’re going to have to talk about this shit tomorrow.

Strictly for Rosie’s sake.

Emmie

There’s a knock at the door before it creaks open, and I jolt. “Emmie... you here?”

I stare at my MacBook screen for a second before answering Camden, possibly in shock he’s actually here.

It sounds like he kicks the door shut behind him, and I tense.

“I’m in the living room.” My voice shakes, and I can’t help but be annoyed with myself as butterflies take flight in my stomach. Once I toss my laptop aside, I manage to stand in time for my big brother to walk into the room, but neither of us move. It’s like we’re frozen in time in a space I know he never wanted to be in again.

Camden drops his black leather duffle bag to the old couch and steps forward, pulling me against his chest and holding me there until I eventually wrap my arms around his waist and give in to the tears threatening to drown me.

“Don’t cry, Emmie. Please don’t cry. I never know what to do when you cry,” he laughs sadly.

“I don’t cry that much,” I stammer out over my stuttered breath. “They’re good tears this time.” I lift my face and wipe my cheeks. “Happy ones. I promise.” And they are. But we both know they’re mixed with heartbreak. There’s no way they can’t be, even if neither of us wants to talk about it.

“I’m home.” His words are hesitant as he pulls me back against him and rests his chin on my head with a heavy sigh.

It feels like a lifetime since this was Camden’s home.

Since we stood here, arguing over what to do with Dad.

I swallow my emotions before they can overwhelm me and push away, looking for something to do. Anything else I can focus on. “Are you hungry?”

“Nah. I’ve got to grab a few suitcases out of the rental car, then I’ll probably go grocery shopping. Training camp starts tomorrow, and I’m only gonna get one chance to make an impression on the coaches.” Wow... I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Camden look nervous, but he definitely does now.

“Umm... speaking of the team.” I think about the guys next door and how close they all are and wonder if they’re going to be nice to my big brother or if they’ll close ranks when the new guy shows up. Not that Camden will be the only new guy there, butstill... “Well, a few of your new teammates live in the old Banks house.”

Camden’s eyes dart to the windows that look out over Maverick’s house. “No shit? Which ones?”

“Maverick and Ryker Beneventi and Jameson Murphy.” My nerves ratchet up again, only this time, I don’t even know why. It’s not like it should matter to me if they all get along. But for some reason, it does.

“Really?” He seems surprised.

---