Page 221 of Branded
Tall wasn’t necessary.
Beth was small and curvy, and that made for all sorts of interesting creativity to get our bodies to connect in all the right ways.
“Good list,” Theo muttered, thankfully jerking me out of my head before I could be caught daydreaming about Beth. The guys might be acting semi-cool about the news of my relationship with her, but if I was caught mooning over my woman, the shit-giving would be relentless.
And yeah, maybe they were being cool because I’d been fucked up by Monica, so they were treading cautiously. But, also yeah, I was going to take advantage of the kindness.
It wouldn’t last long.
The teasing would eventually commence, and I’d need to buck up, dish out, and deal.
For now, I’d enjoy the break.
And for the record, Cas didn’t seem to disagree with Smitty’s list, but…he also wasn’t about to let our teammate play matchmaker either, saying, “Let’s talk about Raph and?—”
“Ready to move out, boys,” Roger—our equipment manager—called, popping his head into the room, letting us know the bus was out front, ready to take us to the airport.
The man really did have perfect timing.
I shrugged into my jacket, picked up my bag, and tossed it over my shoulder, the locker room fading, the gossip and teasing less of a concern.
Because the bus being ready meant we’ be on a plane soon.
Which meant we’d be home soon.
Which meant I’d be with Beth soon.
Which meant?—
Smitty caught my arm as I moved past him.
Then the second miracle of the night happened—Smitty spoke quietly. “I know I asked you if you were sure before.” A breath. “But I see it now.”
“See what?”
“See what you can both give each other.”
Oddly touched, I sucked in a breath.
A smirk. “And really, I’m just glad you got your head out of your ass.”
Now that was a typical Smitty compliment.
But it was still one of the best I had ever received.
Thirty
Beth
I was exhausted.
Always exhausted, though it wasn’t from growing two babies.
I was exhausted because I’d just finished talking with Marin.
My first session.
God, it had been painful.
