He did. He kissed me like he’d never get to kiss me again.
“Bye,” I whispered, completely breathless.
“Bye.” He left one last kiss on the tip of my nose before releasing me.
I’m pretty sure I walked like a drunk into the airport.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
THREE WORDS
CAGE
Iwas drowning in a lake.My Lake. Was she mine? God, I wanted her to be. Never in my life had I felt so protective—possessive—of a woman.
“I like Lake, she’s real,” my mom said then laughed. “Your sisters adore her. I think she sealed the deal when she played in the bounce house more than their friends did. She played all the kids’ games, and she braided ribbons into their hair. If you don’t keep her, then I’m going to adopt her as their big sister.”
We sat in chairs on the front porch watching Hayden and Isa ride their new bikes up and down the long driveway while Rob washed the car.
“I like her too.”
She sipped her coffee. “You don’t sound too convinced.”
“I met her before this life, this… crazy public life. It’s not that she’s fragile, she’s not. I’m just worried that the publicity, my crazy schedule, and all the crap that comes as a package deal with me could be more than she wants. And honestly, I wouldn’t blame her.”
“You don’t have to get down on one knee, hun. I mean… I’m going to adopt her, but…”
I grinned. “Flint thinks I’m insane. I think his words weresomething like ‘worst timing ever.’ I told myself I’d give this football career everything, and I’m just getting started, but then…”
Mom rested her hand on my arm. “But nothing. You’re focused, you’ve always been focused. You can have a career and a life. It doesn’t have to be a choice. She told me about China.”
“Told you what?”
“Lake told me you flew to Beijing just to kiss her.”
I bit my lips together, a little surprised Lake said that to my mom. “She did, huh?” My eyes remained set on the girls, but I saw my mom’s grin out of the corner of my eye. “What kind of schmuck would do something like that?” I stood. “I’m going for a run. I think the rain looks like it will hold off.”
“Okay. I love you, my dearschmuck.”
LAKE
My unpacking revealed a notecard:
CHAPTER FIVE
My brain hurt because I couldn’t piece it together, but nonetheless it sent the really good kind of chills along my spine. I finished unpacking and took care of Trzy’s needs, which included cleaning out her litter box, lots of petting, and some laser play, then I knocked on Everson’s door.
“Miss me, Apollo?” I flashed him my best smile when he opened the door.
“That might be taking it too far.”
“Oh well, in that case I have other things to do—” I turned.
“Wait.”
I looked over my shoulder. “Yes?”
Everson shook his head. There was no real need to make him beg, but I couldn’t help myself.
