Page 75 of The Scout

“Claire, are you coming?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“I see. Okay.” He let his gaze roam over all of us before turning and walking away.

We all let out a collective breath. Cash gave Jimmy a quick hug and smack on the back, as guys did. “I’m proud of you, Son.”

“Not sure what got into me. I just thought about what he did.” Jimmy looked at me. “That slap was killer.” He laughed and I reluctantly joined in.

“Like you, I don’t know what got into me.”

“I do. You’re a badass,” he said.

“Language. But you’re right. I kind of am.” I winked, and thankfully the air was lighter again.

“Here’s some money. Go to the diner. It’s on me.”

Jimmy looked at the one-hundred-dollar bill in his hand. “Wow, okay. Thanks.” He said quick goodbyes to everyone and hustled away.

Cash put his arm around me, leaned down, and whispered in my ear, “You are a badass, and that was a total turn-on. Can we ditch everyone?” I shook my head. “A quickie under the bleachers for old times’ sake?”

I pushed him away, laughing. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Yeah, ridiculously in love with you.”

Finally admitting to him what I’d known all along, I smiled. “I love you too.”

“I know, but it’s good to hear it.” I playfully smacked his firm stomach, and he kissed my temple. “Let’s get out of here.”

Chapter25

Cash

School was over, Hannah was on vacation, and Jimmy had left for camp, but not until after I’d had an amazing Father’s Day with my son. It didn’t even matter that I didn’t call mine because Jimmy made up for it tenfold. We went to breakfast, and he gave me a framed picture of us that Hannah had taken at the last game. It was one of my best days.

Then there was his mother. Ever since Hannah told me she loved me again, all I could think of was making her mine forever. How could I not? We were perfect. And since Jimmy had been away, I’d been staying at her house.

While she was in the shower, I decided to get my workout in. As soon as I stepped outside, the humid summer air clung to my skin. I set up my favorite workout playlist on my phone, stuck my earbuds in my ears, and clicked play.

The beat dropped, and I started to jump, the rope effortlessly gliding over me as if it had a life of its own. Every so often, I’d cross it in front of me, swing it to the right, then left, then continue jumping. Shirtless, I let the morning breeze brush against my skin, providing relief from the humidity. Still, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and my heart pounded in sync with the music. I pushed myself, jumping higher and faster.

As the playlist neared its end, I slowed my pace, catching my breath. Grabbing a small towel, I mopped up the sweat, starting with my face, chest, then arms. I walked around the deck, slowing my heart rate with each step.

I headed into the house, and the air-conditioning felt like a balm to my overheated skin. Getting a glass out of the cabinet, I filled it with water and chugged it down. Glancing upstairs, I wondered whether Hannah was still in the shower and whether she wanted company, but my phone rang, and when I saw Cal’s name flash across the screen, I tapped the green phone icon.

“Little early for you to be calling, isn’t it?”

He chuckled. “It would be if I were in Utah, but we just landed in Charlotte.”

“Why are you in Charlotte? And who’swe?” As soon as I asked that, I knew. “You and Thor?”

“Dude, I couldn’t leave him. Plus, come to find out, this dog is a total chick magnet. The flight attendants loved him, especially Gretta. She flies in and out of Nevada. Total babe. Got her number for when she comes to Utah. Then there was Vanessa. Met her in the airport lounge. Great tits, sweet ass, and legs that could wrap around me twice.”

I ran my hand along my jaw. “I’m happy for you. You never answered my question.”

“We’re coming to see you before heading to Tennessee to see my cousins tomorrow. I have something that I think you want.” I heard a female voice, and then Cal chuckled. Thor’s name was mentioned, and then Cal laughed and spoke to who I assumed was the woman near him: “You got it. I’ll call you.”

“Yo!”

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