We go back to chatting about easier topics. The guys talkabout how we dominated the Cliffs, until exhaustion overtakes us. Our schedule is hell right now.
They all drift back to their houses, leaving Dove and me alone, facing each other in the foyer. Things are pretty much cleaned up. Kelani’s in her crate in my room, and we have one of those now-rare moments when we’re both awake, somewhat sober, and here together.
“Hey.” I take a step closer, pulling her hand into mine.
Her chin lifts, and she blinks her pretty eyes up at me. “Hey, professor.”
I laugh, taking off the glasses. “I don’t really need these.”
“Still… they’re pretty cute.” She squints one eye at me, and I’m about to put them on again when Kelani bursts from my bedroom.
“Whoa…” I step back, surprised by her sudden appearance. “What’s up, girl?”
“She probably has to pee.” Dove starts for the kitchen, but Kelani races around the living room, stopping in front of the fireplace, tail wagging.
She has something black and lacy in her mouth, and I frown. “What is that?”
Dove takes a knee, calling her over. “Come here, Kee-kee, come… ew!”
She stands, stepping back and holding up her hands.
“Come here, girl.” I bend down to catch our puppy, taking the fabric and holding it up by one finger. “It’s a thong.”
I’m so confused. Dove by contrast is not confused. She seems pissed.
“Where did that come from?” Her blue eyes flash to mine. “It’s not mine.”
“I don’t know.” I stand, taking a step toward my bedroom.
Dove is right behind me, and we both look around the space. My duffel bag is just inside the door. It’s unzipped and looks suspiciously like a dog has been digging in it.
“What else did you do in your interview?” Dove crosses her arms, leaning back against the doorjamb.
“Not that.” I shake my head, holding up both hands. “I’m telling you, I have no idea where that came from or who…”
Shaking her head, she holds up both hands, walking out of my bedroom. “Whatever, Mav. I guess I’m leaving. If that’s how you want to deal with it?—”
“No fucking way.” I dash after her, grabbing her around the waist and holding her against my chest. “I don’t know where the fuck that came from. It’s probably a prank. They probably confused my bag with Akers…”
“Put me down.” I do as she asks, but I’m not letting her go.
My hand is around her wrist, and I put my hand under her chin. “What are you thinking?”
Her lips tighten, and she crosses her arms. “I saw how Susan Jackson looked at you.”
“Susan Jackson is only interested in one Murphy, and it’s not me.” I rack my brains trying to remember what she said. “She grew up watching Dad play… Oh! She loves his blue eyes…”
Dove studies me a beat. Then with a quick inhale, she straightens. “It’s true. Your dad is pretty hot.”
“What?” My voice is loud, and I grab her again, tossing her small body easily over my shoulder.
She lets out a shrieking laugh, slapping my back with her palms. “Put me down right now, Maverick Murphy!”
“No way.” I carry her straight into my bedroom, dropping her onto her back on the mattress. “You’re going to take that back.”
She sits up quickly, cupping my face in both her hands as our mouths meet. Our lips slide together, and our tongues chase.
“I take it back,” she whispers, peppering kisses on my ear. “All I want is you.”
