“D-man.” Sam may be talking to my son, but his gaze is still on me. “We’re on for ball.”
“Awesome.” Drew disappears upstairs, leaving the two of us standing in the entryway, electricity pulsating between us. His grin widens, pure trouble.
“You’re loving this, aren’t you?” I ask, voice low.
He takes a step closer, close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off his skin. “Well, I could deny it, but what’s the point? Like I’ve said before, I love sleepovers.” He winks, then—because he’s Sam— he smacks my ass as he walks past.
I freeze, torn between laughing, scolding, and dragging him back. He glances over his shoulder, his grin pure sin.
No matter how much I try to keep this casual, it’s like the universe is conspiring against me—one teasing look, one playful touch at a time.
And maybe, just maybe, I don’t even want to fight it anymore.
24
SAM
As I jog up the walkway to Olivia’s house, my stomach somersaults in anticipation. It’s been a week since I last saw her, and I miss her like crazy. Again, I’m only able to stay a night. I need to get back for Bas.
Originally, my visit was supposed to be only a few hours tomorrow, but I couldn’t fathom that. I want—need—to spend more time with her.
Now that I’m done with staying in hotels—thank you, Drew and Paige—I plan on taking every opportunity I have to spend time with her. She’s expecting me tomorrow for a few hours, but I’m surprising her with a sleepover. I can’t wait.
Except she isn’t the one to open the door.
Drew does. His eyes widen when he sees me, more shock than surprise, and definitely not the happy kind. There’s something else there too. Worry. Maybe guilt. What’s going on?
“Hey Sam, Mom’s not here.”
That catches me off guard. “Okay. Isn’t that her car in the driveway?”
He nods but doesn’t elaborate. The awkward silence stretches long enough for me to feel it in my gut.
“All right. No problem. I’m surprising her. I was supposed to come tomorrow, but thought I’d come a day earlier.”
I step past him into the house and head toward the kitchen, trying not to read too much into his stiffness. “Is it okay if I get started on dinner? Have you eaten?”
“Uh… Sam, ah…” He rakes a hand through his hair, searching for words.
I stop, turn, and wait. “Spit it out.”
“My mom’s out for dinner. Not sure when she’ll be back. It might be late.” The kid’s nervous, stumbling.
It’s like he’s trying to tell me something without saying it out loud—and I’m missing the damn memo.
I scrub a hand over my face, leaning against the counter. “Okay. Is she out with the girls? Jonah?”
“I have no clue, man.” And there it is—a lie, clear as day.
I don’t know Drew that well yet, but I’ve been around long enough to spot a tell. He won’t meet my eyes, his Adam’s apple jumps, and he swallows like he’s choking on the words. Something’s up.
He slips past me into the living room, grabbing his phone like it’s a lifeline. His thumbs start flying across the screen.
Is he texting Olivia? Warning her I’m here?
“Drew, what gives, man? You want me to go?”
Startled, he shakes his head fast. “Shit, no. Sorry. Just distracted.” He shoves his phone into his pocket, forcing a grin. “So, what are you cooking? I’m starved.”
