Page 76 of Cougar

Bass’s brows jerk upward and he blinks a few times. “Why?”

“I don’t know. I got caught up in the moment, I guess. I’d had too much to drink, and I just kissed him. And Cam, he… he kissed me back.” I point my finger at him. “And a few weeks ago, he told me I was sexy.”

“Why are you freaking out? It was just a kiss.”

“Not to me,” I argue.

“Do you have feelings for him?”

I sigh. “I have mixed feelings for him.”

“Meaning…?”

“There’s something between us. I like hanging out with him. I like that he calls me after his games to check in. I’m not in love with him or anything like that. I just… I don’t know what it is.” I wave him off and turn to look out the window. “I like him, I guess. We’re friends. And he makes being back in Heritage a little more bearable.” I look over my shoulder at him. “You’re judging me, aren’t you? It’s only been seven months since Marcus—”

“Absolutely not.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Marcus would want you to be happy. You know that. Just be careful until you’re certain this is whatyouwant.”

“I don’t know what I want. I didn’t expect to feel like this.”

Bass smirks. “I didn’t expect Lisa. Sometimes people just surprise us.”

* * *

Cam

“Not so fast, fucker,” Liam calls out. Just as I turn, he leaps in my arms. “A bet is a bet.”

“I’ll get the door,” Deacon, the Heat’s first baseman, chuckles as he reaches for the door.

Cheers erupt as I carry Liam bridal-style into the bar and lower him to his feet. Clasping hands, we bring it in and slap each other on the back.

Jay runs over and wraps her arms around me. “Don’t worry, Cam. I’ll wear my Tornadoes shirt whenever you’re not playing against Uncle Liam.” She snickers.

“You better.” I tug lightly on one of her braids.

She turns and jumps on Liam’s back. “My baby,” he cheers, and she smacks his chest.

“Don’t call me that,” she chides. “You’re like ten years older than me. I’m not your baby, you freak.”

Liam pushes out his bottom lip in a fake pout. “Your mom calls you her baby. Mimi does, too.”

“Because I am my mom’s baby. Duh.” She rolls her eyes and I chuckle. “Mimi calls me baby girl.”

“Can I call you baby girl?”

“No. I’m almost eighteen. It makes you sound like a pervy uncle.”

“What about Princess?”

“Pretty sure that name is reserved for Bass.” She looks over at me and winks before she adds, “And Zach calls me babe, so that one’s off-limits, too.”

“Oh?” Liam narrows his eyes at me. “Well in that case, I’m going to punch Zach.”

She throws her head back and laughs. “Leave Zach alone, Uncle Liam. He loves me.”

“He does,” I agree.

“Fine,” Liam huffs. “But you’re still my favorite girl.”

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