Page 120 of Saddle Storm

I’ll spare her this part now, but as soon as Noah’s done dissecting the agreement, we’re going to figure out a way to make him pay for the years she struggled.

“Okay.” She breathes easier. “What about the rest?”

She’s referring to our plans for the media release of our relationship.

“We’ll need a couple of NDAs. Alert school security. Avoid commenting on anything we want private. That’s just the basics. We can get into specifics later.”

“NDA, huh?” Her tone is teasing. “So I can’t tell them about our barn encounters? Or that you carry wet wipes for your shoes?”

“Not for you, smart ass. You’re not signing one.”

She blinks. “You don’t have your girlfriends sign an NDA?”

“Course I do. But you’re not.”

“Why not?”

I’m not about to go into how she’s different. She knows it. She just wants to hear me say it. I smirk. “Maybe I’m curious to hear what you’ll tell them. Maybe I like it when you talk to people about me.”

“I don’t talk about you!” she protests.

I dip to kiss her lips. “And that’s why you’re not signing one.”

She rolls her eyes. “I’m going to sign one. I know Noah Reeves and he’s not going to let it go.”

She might have a point. I’ll need to pick my battles with Noah. Because when the time comes, he’ll be wanting Storm to sign a prenup and there’s no way in hell that’s happening. Especially not after he snuck one into Willow’s hands the day of her and Dallas’s first wedding and it quietly broke her heart. Because by then, she’d already fallen for my brother.

“All right,” I mutter in agreement. “What’s next?”

“Max?” she breathes.

Storm told me about her conversation with Max yesterday, over a shared bowl of ice cream after dinner. She mentioned the “loud man” from the hallway and as suspected, Max knew—or at least had a feeling.

She said he didn’t have questions except if he’d ever have to see him again because he didn’t like him one bit.

That’s one way to put it. No doubt the fucker scared him.

Another reason I’m counting on Noah to make sure he never has to. When the time comes, and it’s coming soon, making that kid mine in every way that matters, including putting my name next to his.

But that’s not what she’s asking.

I wrap my arms around her and kiss her forehead. “That one’s a little trickier. It’s more of a ‘one thing at a time.’ Something Noah can’t help with. Kids make headlines, especially when they’re not biological. His life’s going to change. He’ll have new friends, some genuine, some not. It’s a weird world. We’ll do what we can to limit his exposure. Maybe have you two watch games from the lounge or box.”

She looks up at me with tired eyes. “I don’t wanna hide him. I want to protect him, but not hide him.” Her gaze drifts. “Been doing that his whole life. Think it’s why I always thought he was awkward around people. I’ve sheltered him too much.”

“I don’t blame you. I’d give my life to protect you two,” I tell her, feeling it in the pit of my stomach. “But okay.” I exhaust a breath. “I’ll talk to some of my teammates with kids. See if they have some advice. But from what I understand, it’s a temporary blow to your everyday life. Eventually it all kind of settles into place.”

She smirks up at me. “Eventually? Exactly how long do you think I can put up with you, hotshot?”

I narrow my eyes and grip her waist tighter. “Think my chances are pretty good given you’ve had a crush on me since we were kids.”

She rolls her eyes. “Okay, so the odds are in your favor.” She presses into my chest. “I’m not worried about Max. I’ve never seen him happier than these last few weeks. It’s like he’s found his place since you came along.”

I knew that kid was special the moment I saw him. And the idea that he feels bigger, steadier, happier with me here, fills my chest in places I didn’t realize were empty.

38

Two weeks later