Page 57 of Home Field Advantage
“You’re overthinking it,” Lily says, as if she’s reading my mind. “Take it one day at a time.”
That’s always been easier said than done because I’m always over analyzing everything to try and keep some resemblance of control in my life.
“Yeah, you’re right,” I admit.
“Now, let’s go inside and enjoy this night together,” she says with a hand on my shoulder.
I nod and offer her a weak smile.
My sister might be right, but what happens if I give Dallas all of me, I fall head over heels for him, and then he leaves? Then I’ll be left picking up the pieces of what I feared all along. Even though Iknowhe’s leaving, would I be left feeling like I wasn’t enough?
Feeling like I wasn’t enough to make him stay?
“Did you want me to set up the boom box?” Nan asks.
Griffin glares at her. “What do you think?”
“You’re a changed man. I was hoping you were open to some music tonight. But I guess not.”
“You guessed correctly. This is just dinner, not karaoke night at Seven Stools.”
“Can be one in the same and you allow it.”
“I think the boom box is a great touch,” Tucker chimes in. “Good friends. Good music. Good mood,” he draws out the last word.
“Speaking of good friends,” Lily asks. “Where’s your new bestie?”
“He’ll be here. He would never let me down,” he says with conviction.
My insides continue to swirl with nerves, but the last few minutes have been laced with anticipation, too. I hate that I find myselfwantingto see a man. Is this what having a crush feels like? Jesus, I need to get a grip.
The doorbell rings, and everything in my world pauses. I stop breathing as my head turns toward the hallway leading to the front door. Lily leaves to answer it, while I don’t move from where I’m sitting on the stool in the kitchen.
I force myself to relax my beating heart, but it does no good, because seconds later, Sage emerges with a stuffed rabbit in her hands that looks like it’s seen better days. She seems nervous as she scans the room. When her eyes land on me, she lights up. She smiles wildly and comes rushing over to me, wrapping her tiny arms around my waist where I sit.
“Miss Barlow,” she almost whispers. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
I put an arm around her shoulder as she tightens her hold on me. She’s definitely nervous to be around new people and is clinging to the comfort of a familiar face.
“Who’s this you brought with you?” I ask, noticing the small stuffed rabbit in her hand.
“Daddy told me this is a dinner party with friends. And Mr. Marshmallow, beside you, is my favorite friend, so I thought I would bring him with me. He also makes me feel less nervousaround a lot of people. But I don’t need him anymore now that you’re here.”
I breathe out a relieved sigh. As much as Sage finds comfort in me, I think I see it in her, too. I remember being her age and having a stuffed animal, which was my comfort item. It went everywhere with me.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” I say.
Lifting my eyes, I find Dallas staring at the two of us from the archway connecting the hallway and the kitchen with a wooden slab with various meats and cheeses on it in his hands. He’s rooted there with his eyes laser-focused on the two of us while Tucker says something to him that he’s most definitely tuning out. My breath hitches with the intensity of the stare, but I don’t allow him to see the effect he has on me. Scanning him from head to toe, I notice he’s wearing dark wash jeans and a dark green checkered flannel. I never once pegged Dallas for the type of wear flannels, but seeing it on him and how he has the sleeves rolled up just enough to showcase his strong forearms isn’t helping right now.
I bring my bottom lip between my teeth, but catch myself. However, Dallas catches the move before I can stop, and the corners of his lips twist into a grin as he averts his gaze to the ground, shaking his head while making his way in my direction.
Dammit.
“Daddy, look who’s here.” Sage beams, bouncing where she stands.
“Hey, Poppy.”
Two words. A simple greeting that has me practically melting in my seat with how he says them.
