“Why do I think that came from you, Loco Lawrence?”
She didn’t speak, just waved Mikey in with the gloves, to more groans.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Macy called a break at lunchtime, and Newman stripped off the multiple layers he wore and breathed a sigh of relief when he was down to a bare torso and had pulled on a pair of shorts.
They ate on the grass in front of the trails, and Newman watched Hope as she tidied her gear. He’d seen yet another side of her today. She was methodical and serious when she was behind the camera. She’d moved them around with military precision, and touched him without a thought. He’d felt it, however, all over his body. He watched her closely, and thought that once was not going to be enough with this woman. She fired him to life, challenged him, and he wanted more of her. He wasn’t sure if he was alone in that or not.
“Just go over there and kiss her. We won’t look.”
“What?”
“Hope. You’re looking at her like she’s your last meal.”
Buster, who’d arrived later with food, was seated beside Newman, devouring a chicken and potato salad sub. His eyes may have appeared lazy, but everyone believed that to their detriment.
“The hell I am. Now shut up and eat.”
His friend laughed softly, but said nothing further. When Brad produced a ball, the men got to their feet.
“No bruises!”
“Aw, come on, Macy, where’s the fun in that?” Tex said, accepting a pass from his brother.
“You play, Hope, you were good at catching a ball in school,” Annabelle said. “Unfortunately, I have to sit this one out.”
“What? Why?” Jake moved closer to Annabelle and looked her up and down. “You sick or something?” He touched her forehead.
“No.” She swatted his hand away.
“Then why aren’t you playing?”
“Tell them, honey.” Tex moved to her side.
“We just found out yesterday. I’m going to have a baby!”
Silence settled for about a second, then everyone spoke at once. Branna shrieked. Brad whooped and hugged his brother hard. And Newman thought it was a wonderful thing. He kissed Annabelle on the cheek and hugged her gently.
“You’re going to be a kickass mother, girl.”
“Do you think so?” He saw the uncertainty. Annabelle had been raised without good role models, so to her mind she had a lot to learn.
“I know so. Plus, you got all of us.”
“I really do, don’t I?” Her smile was blinding.
Newman nodded, then gave Tex a chest bump.
“Pretty weak excuse, it has to be noted, Annabelle. But seeing as we have to have a token female for the PC brigade, you’re it, Hope,” Newman said. She was a few feet away, watching the excitement but not joining in. Socially awkward, his mother would have called her.
She backed away, shaking her head. “Ah no, thanks.”
Newman started making soft clucking noises, then did the chicken walk.
“I’m not chicken. I just don’t want to do it!”
“Sure, you hold on to that belief, sweet cheeks, if it makes you happy.”
