Page 93 of A Little Twist

Pinky frowns. “She never gives me lavender baths with bubbles, and sheneversings to me.”

“Not that anyone could sing like you.” My heart leaps at the sound of Alex’s smooth voice.

Standing quickly, I do my best to smile because I want to cry, and I willnotdo that.

“Hi…” My voice is breathless. “How’s it going?”

His dark brow lowers, and he’s so deliciously grumpy. “I’ve had time to think about things, and we need to talk.”

“Okay…” I look around the lawn. “Where’s Jessica?”

“We left her at the house.” His voice is flat.

“Jessica wasn’t in the mood for cartoons tonight.” Pinky pulls my arm. “What’s this?”

Swallowing my emotions, I drop to one knee again, handing her the small red-and-white box. “I got some Cracker Jack for you and the boys.”

“Cracker jacks!” She jumps up and down, shaking the box. “Does it have a surprise inside?”

“Yes.” I give her the other two. “Take these to Owen and Ryan.”

She grabs them and starts to run. “Don’t step on people’s blankets!” I call after her.

When I look up, Alex is watching me, and the heat in those sexy hazel eyes takes my breath away. He’s in jeans that stretch over his toned thighs and a short-sleeved navy tee that shows off his round biceps. He’s so perfect.

His eyes slide down my body, like he’s remembering me naked, and my bottom lip slips into my mouth.

Clearing my throat, I cross my arms over my chest. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Our arrangement.”

I’m about to ask him to explain when Drake strolls up, gloating like he won some award. “Folks are getting really excited about Redford Park.”

“Drake, would you give us a minute?” I can’t keep the annoyance out of my tone.

“Always so warm, Cass.” His eyes narrow. “I’m surprised to see the two of you together. I heard you got the boot from the baby mama.”

Heat burns in my cheeks. “Who told you that?”

“It’s so like you to lie about being engaged.” Dismissing me, he turns to Alex. “You’re a good man to put up with her shit.”

“We discussed this.” Alex’s jaw clenches, and I see his arm start to rise.

Stepping between them, I hold Alex’s wrist. “Don’t. It’s not worth it.”

“It might be.” Alex doesn’t flinch. His muscles are tense and ready, and fire is in his eyes.

I can’t help it, but I love him so much for it. He’s always ready to defend me.

“Whatever.” Drake exhales a huff as he starts to go. “I don’t get you, man. We could’ve been good friends.”

Alex watches him leave. “Like I’d ever be friends with that asshole.”

His eyes lower to mine, and it’s heat in my veins. His body is so close, our chests are almost touching. We’re caught in each other’s gaze, and I want to slide my hand into his, threading our fingers and holding on forever. I want him to kiss me.

I think he might, but Pinky’s loud voice interrupts us. “Look at my surprise, MC!” She holds up a pink, plastic poodle, and I make a surprised face. Then she grabs my arm possessively. “Come on, the movie’s starting!”

“MC?” A faint smile is on his kissable lips.

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