Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“She’s definitely adorable,” I say with a smile, pulling out my wallet.
This kid has somehow managed to wedge herself into every corner of my heart in record time, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her.
With a swipe of my card, I glance at the jerseys bundled in my hand. “One for my girl,” I say, nodding toward Nora, “and one for her mom.”
The cashier’s grin widens. “I bet she’ll love it.”
“I hope so.” I have no idea what Callie will say when I ask her to come to the next home game, but I know how it’ll feel if she’s not there.
Empty.
Off.
I want her in the stands and wearing my number. And I want Nora sitting on her lap with that big smile on her face, waving excitedly.
After the salesclerk bags the jerseys, I scoop Nora into my arms and we make our way to the mall exit. We’re halfway there when a loud voice cuts through the noise of the crowd.
“Well, shit.”
Recognition slams into me, and my entire body goes still. Without turning, I already know who I’ll find.
Zane.
Unfortunately, I’m not wrong.
He’s standing a few feet away, looking like he just stepped off the cover of GQ. That designer jacket fits him like it was custom made, and his sunglasses are shoved up on his head like he forgot he’s indoors. And those skinny jeans? It’s entirely possible they’re painted on.
The guy has no idea what matters in life and is too damn busy chasing all the wrong things. His smug expression slips the moment his gaze lands on Nora.
He looks from the toddler in my arms to me. “Is that my kid?”
My jaw tightens. “Yup, it is.”
He stares, as if struggling to process what I just said. “Why the hell do you have her?”
I adjust my hold as Nora rests her head against my shoulder.
“Callie’s parents weren’t feeling well this morning,” I say, keeping my tone even. “She had work, so I offered to watch her.”
Zane’s brow creases. “When the hell did you two get so chummy? Shouldn’t I have been the first one she texted if she needed something?”
I skip the first question and go straight to the second. “Would you have watched Nora for the entire day?”
We both know the answer.
He shifts before glancing away. “That’s not the point. She should’ve come to me first. There was no need to involve you.”
His gaze drifts back to Nora, studying her a little too long before landing on me again. I can practically see the gears grinding in his head as his face turns pinched.
“There’s nothing going on between you two, right?” He lets out a sharp laugh, but it doesn’t touch his eyes. “You wouldn’t do that to me, bro. Would you?”
Emotion tightens in my chest. I knew this conversation was coming at some point. Maybe it’s better to rip the bandage off now and get it over with. My feelings for Callie aren’t going to change. If anything, they’ve only grown stronger.
And now that she’s living with me?
I don’t want her to ever leave.
“I haven’t done anything to you,” I say.
Zane’s expression shifts as his eyes widen. He doesn’t need help reading between the lines. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“Watch your language,” I warn, adjusting Nora when she stirs at his sharp tone.
His jaw tightens. “Don’t tell me how to talk around my own kid.”
“Callie and Nora are staying with me.”
He jerks back. “Why the hell would they do that?”
“Her rent shot up five hundred dollars a month and she wasn’t able to swing it.” I keep my tone even, not wanting to escalate the situation. People are already throwing curious glances our way. The last thing I need is for someone to recognize us and decide to record our conversation. It’ll end up on Railers Rumors before I can blink. Unlike Zane, I don’t need or want the attention.
“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but she’s been working her ass off and is barely scraping by. I have more than enough space. So, I’m helping her out.”
Zane’s jaw works as he processes the comment. “Sounds to me like you might be doing more than just offering her a place to stay.”
It would be impossible to miss the pointed edge in his voice.
Before I can respond, Nora shifts in my arms and her thumb slips into her mouth as her eyes blink with drowsiness.
“Rivvy,” she murmurs, curling her hand into the collar of my hoodie. “Go home.”
My chest tightens. There isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do to protect this little girl. Even if that means the person I need to protect her from is her own father.
Zane watches us, and I see the moment he realizes this isn’t a temporary situation. I’m not just some guy helping Callie out. I’m part of their lives now.