I had totally forgotten about the twins’ birthday party at my dad’s house. Jodie had sent me the invite earlier this week.
“You’re going?” I asked in surprise.
His eyes softened a bit, like he didn’t really want to answer truthfully. “I’ve been to all of them. He invites the coaches and if any of the guys on the team want to come, they are welcome.”
“Oh.”
Yeah, the answer stung, but I pushed it aside just as another pound vibrated against the door, followed by Landry’s voice.
He glanced at the front door before sliding open the patio door. “I’ll see you there?”
It came out like a question. Like he wanted me to reassure him about what we just did. The line we just crossed going full speed.Caution to the wind.Shockingly, I didn’t regret it. I’dneverbeen kissed like that. It was scary, and crazy, and risky. But I wanted it.
“See you tomorrow,” I confirmed.
He grinned, spinning around to brace his hands on the frame of the door, the movement rippling his forearms.Swoon.
He tilted his chin, signaling me to move closer. “Come here.”
Rolling my eyes, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his for a brief kiss. Tingles danced around my insides, my heart racing as I reluctantly pulled away.
“You need to make those longer.” He winked.
With that, he backed out into the dark, while I slid the door closed, blowing out a relieved breath when it was just me and my guilty conscience. Attempting to recover from the aftermath of the hottest kiss of my entire life, I rushed across the room andflung open the front door, just in time for Landry to vomit all over my welcome mat.
Dang, Jodie sure did know how to throw a party. I could count four balloon arches in the backyard alone, along with three different inflatable obstacle courses. The birthday cake was five tiers, and the twins wore custom shirts with matching blue bow ties. They were adorable.
I glanced around the yard for the tenth time, trying not to let my eyes linger too long on the man directly across from me, leaning against one of the wide oak trees that shaded the yard. He was dressed casually today. Jeans and a cotton T. Somehow that was more attractive than his Nike coach attire.
Preston laughed at something Shaw said, his eyes flickering over to meet mine. But he didn’t drop his stare. Not until I cleared my throat, turning to act as if I were watching the World War III Nurf battle that was happening a few feet away. I felt exposed. I felt like I carried a neon sign that readI had my tongue down Coach Rusk’s throat last night.
I needed a drink. Or five.
“Hey. You look young.”
This odd comment came from a tiny voice to my right.
“Thank you?” I laughed a little at the girl who couldn’t be more than six or seven years old.
She assessed me, tossing a hand on her hip.
Another little girl stood beside her, a head shorter but the same eyes.Sisters.
“I’m Kyndall.” The older one offered before she hiked a thumb to the mini version of her. “This is Hazel. She don’t talk.”
I smiled warmly at the girls. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Trinity.”
“Can you do a cartwheel?” Kyndall had a quizzical look about her.
Like she was sizing me up.
“I mean, maybe. It’s been a while.” I shrugged.
Before I could blink, she lunged forward, turning a cartwheel in the grass.
“Tada!” She posed.
Hazel clapped, bouncing on her toes before she performed her own version of a cartwheel.
