Page 85 of The Pocket Pair

I glide my finger over her bottom lip. Then I slide that same finger over the swell of her cheekbone to the corner of her jaw, not stopping until my finger is just underneath her chin. She blinks up at me with bright eyes. With hope.

There’s nothing I want more than to be a man worthy of hoping for. Even if I’m not sure I’m a safe bet.

“I didn’t allow myself to have feelings or think about you that way. If I had, I’m not sure how long ago I could trace them back. Because here’s the thing, Tiny—I always saw you. Not the way I see my sister. And not the way I see Lindy. Not the way I saw anyone I ever dated either. It’s different. You’re different.” I suck in a breath. “Now that I’m admitting this, I’ll admit something else—I’m scared.”

Her smile holds the slightest edge of teasing in it, but her voice is gentle. “What are you scared of, deputy?”

“Everything. I’ve never done this before—something real. I haven’t ever felt like the stakes were so high. I don’t know what to do or say. But I do know I’ll probably screw it up. Likely more than once.”

“Well, I’ll forgive you if you forgive me for all the things I’ll mess up.” As though she can see the argument forming in my head, she says, loudly, “I will mess things up.”

I lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, a feeling of awe channeling through me at the reality of kissing Val. “I’d like to see you try.”

* * *

Once Val and I finally stop kissing on the balcony and walk inside, it’s to applause, hoots and hollers, and Patrick Graham trying—and failing—to dump a bottle of sports drink over my head.

“I’m not a coach, this isn’t a cooler, and I didn’t just win a game,” I grunt, struggling to grab the bottle from Pat’s hand. Blue liquid is flying in arcs from the bottle, and I’m trying my very best not to get any on Winnie’s white couch. Val darts away and out of range.

Pat grins, almost managing to wrest the bottle away. “Oh, I’d say you won big, brother.”

“Stop. Both of you.” James steps in between us, somehow managing to grab the drink without spilling another drop. He glares at Pat. “Clean it up. Rags are under the sink.”

“Aye aye, captain.” Pat heads off toward the kitchen, while I brush my hands over my coat.

“I didn’t start it,” I say when James swings his glare my way.

“I know.” He takes a swig of the drink, then makes a face. “Also, in addition to making me provide the mistletoe—”

I hold up a finger. “Fake mistletoe.”

“Fake mistletoe,” he concedes. “In addition to that, Winnie told me to threaten you about taking care of Val. But I don’t think I need to threaten you, Chevy. I don’t think you’d be stupid enough to break her heart.”

“The last thing I want to do in this life is hurt Val,” I answer honestly.

“Good.” And with a quick nod of his head, James is off.

My eyes scan the room, until they land on Val, who’s standing with Winnie and Lindy and Kyoko, watching me. They’re ALL watching me. Winnie gives me a head nod, Lindy just smiles, and Kyoko offers me a thumbs up. While Val has a goofy grin and two pink cheeks as she waves. I wave back, and they turn away, probably going back to gossiping about me.

“If my sons are giving you too hard a time, just let me know.” Tank Graham is suddenly beside me. And while I’m not intimidated by Collin, Pat, or even James, I find myself straightening my shoulders.

“Yes, sir.”

Tank laughs. “We’re both adults. No need for formalities.”

“Yes, si—Yes. Sorry. Hard habit to break.” I clear my throat. “As for your sons, I think I can handle them. But I’ll add you to the favorites list on my phone. Just in case.”

“Good. And while I’m sure my boys have provided congratulations or threats, I’d like to offer something else.”

My throat is suddenly dry. My mouth too, when Tank throws an arm over my shoulders and pins me with an intense look.

“I know what it’s like to be without a father in your life. Or without a father you can count on.” His jaw flexes, and he pauses for a moment, then continues. “If you need support, I’m here. If you need the kind of advice and counsel I keep hoping my boys will ask for, it’s yours. Anytime, Chevy. Relationships are never easy. The good ones are worth fighting for, but no one can fight for them alone. So, consider me your backup. Call me anytime.”

Val expended enough tears to cover the whole town of Sheet Cake today, and I’m not about to add mine to the mix. And yet I feel a stinging sensation behind my eyes and in the center of my nose warning me that I’m on the verge of embarrassing myself. Especially when Tank squeezes me a little harder, pulling me in close to his massive frame.

I can’t manage a response, but he seems to know this. With only a quick nod of his head, Tank crosses the room to talk with Judge Judie and her husband, Burt. While I stand here alone, trying to pretend like not one but two people have knocked me right off my feet today.

I still might feel unsure of myself, but I’m sure that after kissing Val, I won’t ever be the same.

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