Page 72 of Headed for Home

“Sure thing,” he drawls. “I happen to know my way around the bases. Not too bad with a ball and bat either.”

“You can’t just…” My words trail off as I flounder for why this isn’t the best idea since I went to Bean Me Up five Saturdays ago.

“I can,” he murmurs into my ear. “Let me do this.”

“But why would you? You’re a professional. This is T-ball we’re talking about.”

“For starters?” He nods toward Charlie. “Look at your son.”

My little boy is beaming like he swallowed pure sunshine. “I get to play! Thanks, Rake.”

“You bet, Cheese. We’re gonna go undefeated.”

The kiddo glances at his sister who appears just as clueless. They share a shrug before refocusing on Drake. “Huh?”

“You’ll see.” My boyfriend extends an arm for a high-five, which Charlie is fast to slap.

But I’m not convinced this will go well. “Do you have any coaching experience?”

“Beauty.” The nickname is paired with a cluck of his tongue. “I’ve got this.”

“My kids might’ve convinced you that entertaining them is easy but there are only two of them. You’re talking about a dozen in an open field.”

“It’s fine,” he insists.

“You don’t expect me to accept that answer,” I laugh. “Natural instincts only get you so far. Those children are going to eat you alive.”

“I’ll bring the utensils.”

A grin appears, spreading with the warmth in my chest. “I can’t believe you’d do this for him.”

“For us,” he amends. “We’re a team, right?”

“You’re my MVP,” I exhale.

“Love the sound of that, beauty.” Drake’s palm reclaims its rightful place on my thigh. “Makes me think you’re ready to depend on me to be there. Rely on me to be an equal partner. Believe in me to show up. Trust that I’m in this with you.”

“Whew,” Paisley presses a hand to her forehead. “Marry him or I will.”

“Don’t let him slip away,” my aunt reiterates.

“I wouldn’t dare.” My stare falls headfirst into the unconditional devotion reflecting at me. “He’s stuck with us. Endgame style.”

Ipace the length of the cramped space while waiting for Cassidy. My boots clomp on the scuffed concrete, disrupting the silence. Excitement thrums faster in my veins when I glance at the clock. She should arrive any minute unless her bedtime routine for the kids got derailed. Not that it matters. Her instructions were simple and explicit and I plan to follow along. Even if it takes hours.

Okay, fine. That might be pushing it. But I have every intention of holding out for what’s to come.

The scent of leather and wood combined with anticipation creates a concoction that goes straight to my head. A restless energy buzzes in my veins like a caged beast. Hunger snaps its jaws when quiet footfalls approach. The hurried stride drifts along the length of my spine and I groan.

Cassidy appears in the open doorway. A single lightbulb illuminates the tack room and traces her curves in a soft glimmer. The first thing I notice is that her hair is free fromthe braid I’d been fantasizing about tugging throughout dinner. Glossy waves cascade around her shoulders, the auburn set ablaze from the glow above. My fingers flex as I imagine getting a tight grip.

But then I notice her sly grin is painted in a fresh coat of red. The color is so shiny, appearing wet. My cock jerks at the sight.

“Hey, trouble.” The sultry caress in Cassidy’s tone gets me harder than a fence post.

I widen my stance to alleviate the pressure behind my zipper. “Hi, beauty.”

She seems to be vibrating with the same barely restrained desire that’s thrashing through me. “You stayed put.”

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