Josie’s face tightens. “Is this because of my diabetes?”
“Fuck no. It’s because they’re a gang, Josie, that does bad things to sweet people like you.” I run an agitated hand through my hair. This fun little investigation of hers is taking a bad turn, and I don’t know how to handle it.
Chapter Twenty-Two
JOSIE
The entire way back home, we are both quiet. My mind is racing with all the things we learned tonight and the possibilities of what that could mean and how it would fit together. Cole isn’t the only missing high school boy.
Each time I glance over to Bam, I can tell he’s on edge, and I don’t like it. He normally has jokes and easy smiles or, well, just appears cool in general. Those are his vibes. Now I’ve put him in this headspace, and all he’s doing is trying to look out for me.
“Hey,” I say the second we’re through my front door, turning to face him. “I’m not going to do anything without you being involved.” I know he’s really trying here with me. I was shocked when he told me we could go to the next court together. He gave some, and I should do the same. That’s what being a team is about. Well, I think. It’s new to me too.
“I can’t lose you, Josie.” His face is so solemn. “You’re all I have. Sure, I’m close to Niki and his family, but that’s his family.” Bam’s words hit me inallthe feels.
“You’re saying you’re starting to think of me as your family?” Gah, how can I be upset after he just laid that on me? I can’t.
“Yeah.” His hands cup the back of my neck, his body encasing mine.
“What did I tell you about falling in love with me?” I tease. I’d been joking. I didn’t actually think Bam would fall for me, but it’s clear he has or close to it.
“Impossible not to.” Yeah, I think I might be in love with him too.
“I know.” I give a dramatic sigh, making him finally give me a smile. “I got all the feels for you too,” I tell him because I’m too shy to say the L word.
“The feels?” he says playfully, but it makes me wonder if he might be shy about it too.
I bet he doesn’t get told that often, if at all. I don’t end a call without my dad and me saying it to each other, and when he’s home, you sure as heck don’t leave the house without saying it. It’s like an unspoken rule.
“Okay.” I shrug one shoulder, peering up at him. “It might be more than the feels.” I slide my hands up his chest. “I love you.” That playful smile he has drops.
“Josie—”
“You’re supposed to kiss me or something.”
“Oh, I’m going to do more than fucking kiss you.” His hands drop to my ass, picking me up. I wrap my legs around him as he carries me toward my bedroom. His expression has turned hungry and intense.
He takes my mouth in a kiss that shows he feels the same way that I do. It’s both possessive and tender at the same time.
“Bam.” I moan his name as he presses me down into the bed, pulling at his shirt. “Clothes off,” I manage to get out between kisses.
“You too, rebel.” He stands back up on the side of the bed. I scurry to my knees to pull off my shirt, wanting to watch him strip. The man’s body is a piece of art. I never understood people’s fascination with art or the crazy money they’d spend onit, but I could understand wanting to stare at Bam all day. I could get behind that. “Josie?—”
“Okay.” I hurriedly strip out of the rest of my clothes. “Hey, not fair!” I call when he pounces, pinning me back down to the bed. “You still have your boxers on.”
“Not trying to scare you.” He kisses my neck.
“Nopers. It’s my turn.” I push at his chest. The man doesn’t budge, except for his brow, which rises. “You could at least pretend,” I huff. He gives a slight nod, and I push his chest again. Bam rolls, taking me with him so I’m now straddling over him.
“Damn, rebel. I should let you pretend to push me around more if this is the view I get.” His hands cup my breasts; they fully engulf them. I love the way this man looks at me.
“This is about me exploring you.” I run my hands down his chest, feeling every hard line of him. It’s the first time that Bam has let me explore his body.
“Have at it. I’m just going to hold these for you.” I snort a laugh. I love how he can always make me laugh in these moments that could make me feel shy. Bam might not be aware of it, but he has a calming effect on me.
I suck in a breath when he starts to brush his thumbs back and forth on my nipples, making them harden more. It makes me wonder how it might feel for him, so I lean over, kissing his cheek and then make my way down to one of his nipples.
I swirl my tongue around it before sucking it into my mouth, flicking my tongue back and forth. A groan rumbles from his chest, so I move to the other. I rake my teeth across it, and Bam’s whole body jerks.
