Page 67 of Fall For Me
“Look, look, look,” Aiden says so quickly the three words run together. “She cleared that railing like she was going for an Olympic gold.”
He laughs, rewinding last night’s game before pressing play. We all watch as I vault over the railing. He rolls it back again, pausing the TV with me in mid-air. “See the height of that jump?”
“’Cause she don’t got no tits weighin’ her down, ain’t that right, hun?”
Everyone’s head whips in Granny’s direction, their mouths falling open. I, on the other hand, am not a bit surprised by a single thing that comes out of that old woman’s mouth. She and I stare at each other for a second, then she gives me a wink before we both burst out laughing. To be honest, her humor is refreshing. That woman doesn’t tip-toe around anyone.
Carter takes the remote from Aiden and presses the play button again. “Damn, Granny, don’t hold back.”
“Never do, boy. Once ya get to be my age, ya kinda just say whatever decides to run through yer mind.”
“What gets me is the mean mug expression on her face. Look at how fuckin’ pissed off she is,” River says, watching me rip the tablet from Dad’s hands.
Tucker pulls a deck of cards out of the cabinet while Jade’s gaze lingers on him like he hangs the moon. “We’re both gonna be rich. Uncle Carter . . . the tall blonde guy over there, he has the worst mouth aside from Aunt River. But unlike my aunt, anytime he drops an F-bomb, he also drops a twenty.”
“Tucker, quit teaching her shit,” River scolds him, adjusting Ash on her shoulder and patting his back.
“She’s gotta learn from somebody, and it sure ain’t gonna be from you, cheapskate.” He turns back to Jade and hands her the deck of cards. “Aunt River's always telling me to put it on her tab, so don’t ever expect to get any money out of her ‘cause it ain’t happenin’. But everyone else . . . well, they’re as good as gold.”
“That’s bullshit,” River protests.
“Yeah? And that’s another five dollars I’m never gonna see.” Tucker pins River with a pointed look as he closes the cabinet door, then he focuses back on Aiden’s daughter. “Come on Jade, I’ll teach you how to play go fish.”
Aspen snatches the remote from Carter and turns off the TV. “Y’all leave Hannah alone. She’s clearly passionate about the game.”
“Passionate isn’t the fucking word for that,” Cal says.
“Would everyone stop cussing around my daughter?”
“Oh, like she doesn’t hear it from Granny, Aiden. That woman has said the word ‘fuck’ about a dozen times since she’s been here,” River laughs.
I look down at Ember, sleeping in my arms, and gently stroke the fine hairs on the side of her head with my thumb. “Sweet baby. You were born into acrazyfamily.”
“When I retire next year, you’re not going to be able to storm down there like that and tell the new coach how to do his job,” Dad says, catching me off guard.
The room grows silent, and my gaze flicks from Ember up to mydad, standing over me at the island. I had no idea he was retiring. Can’t say that I blame him, but I also can’t imagine someone else being the head coach of the Blaze. With so many memories centered around him and this team, it’ll be weird to show up at work and he not be there. My chest aches at the thought of someone else stepping into his role.
“Maybe she won’t have to,” Aspen says as the doorbell rings.
Knowing it’s Sean, I walk over and answer the door. It takes me a second to register the sight in front of me.
What the hell?
“Uh . . . Hey, Cammie? Can you take Ember please?” I call out from the door. “Or help with whatever’s going on here?”
“I got you flowers,” Sean says, his voice muffled by the bouquets.
“Thank you. Umm, did you buy flowers for the entire neighborhood too?” I laugh.
“The vase is for you. I thought . . . I should probably buy some for Katherine, since she’s hosting, but then the florist said the other women might feel left out, and that I should get some for them too.”
Once Ember is secure in Cammie’s waiting arms, I relieve Sean of the vase and the bottle of wine. He comes into full view and . . . oh, hot damn. The way his dress shirt clings to his muscles causes my brain to malfunction. A few buttons are undone at the top, and as he shifts the flowers around his shirt opens up a little more, giving me a peek at that sexy tattoo on his chest.
Holy fuck.
He winks, then leans in, and kisses my lips. “Hi, baby.”
“Hi, Sean.”
