Page 56 of The Double Play

“Hm, good to know,” I say and take a step out the door. “Sleep tight, Raven.”

She murmursyou tooas I shut the door behind me. I walk across the hall to what’s become my room. There’s a yellow quilt on the bed that I brought from home. My Nintendo Switch is on one nightstand, and my lip balm, hand cream, and water bottle are on the other. The maid service still keeps everything pristine, but it looks like someone lives here now. It’s weird to think that someone isme.

I go through the motions of my nighttime routine, then crawl into bed, snuggling up beneath the fluffy duvet. My mind starts to go over every detail of the past few days. The good, bad, and everything in between.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes.

Emmett: Goodnight, Wildflower.

I bite my lip.

Hazel: Goodnight, Emmett.

Emmett: You’re supposed to already be sleeping.

Hazel: Why would you text me if you thought I’d be sleeping?

Emmett: For you to wake up to.

I don’t think I’ve ever smiled this big in my life.

Hazel: So why not a good morning text?

Emmett: I plan on saying that in person.

I tuck my head under the blankets and quietly squeal, kicking my feet. I draw on my limited supply of courage and type out my reply.

Hazel: I’d prefer your goodnight be in person too.

Emmett: Meet me in the backyard?

My head pops out from beneath the covers. He wants to meet outside?Right now?

Hazel: Be there in five.

Hopefully that’s enough time to feel ready for a secret rendezvous beneath the stars. My stomach swoops as I picture him staring down at me with his mesmerizing dark eyes. I could have fivehoursto prepare myself for the sight and it wouldn’t be enough.

Chapter twenty-six

Emmett Foster

Iclosemyeyesas a warm summer breeze sweeps across the yard. It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to sit out here at night. I used to a lot more; after I first got the house, I was battling through single parenthood. I’d sit in the very chair I’m in now, with a baby monitor on the coffee table in front of me, and stare up at the stars.

Tonight I’m not escaping life, though, but waiting for it to walk out the back door. I thought when I laid down earlier that I’d done a good job resisting her today, but then she answered my text and all I could think about was seeing her. Suddenly morning seemed too far away, and I wanted her to myself before the day began and we both had to give our time and attention to those we care for again.

The sound of the door creaking open has me looking over the back of the chair. Hazel gives me a timid smile as she approaches. She’s wearing her sunshine pajamas, the ones she got to match June. They both wore them tonight, and I thought June would never settle down because of how ecstatic she was.

Hazel wraps her arms around herself, and I’m glad I had the forethought to bring a blanket. The night breeze brings goosebumps every time it blows by.

“There’s a blanket for you in the chair,” I tell her as she walks around to take a seat next to me.

“Thanks, I didn’t realize it would be so chilly.” She sits down and pulls the blanket up over her bare legs. I swallow at the sight. Yeah, the blanket was a good call.

Her head tilts back against the chair. She watches the stars and I watch her.

“It’s beautiful out here.”

“Mmm,” I agree.

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