Page 30 of The Catch

"I don't want to go out seeking another mindless sexcapade." Saint lifts a hand and my heart jumps to a gallop, because it looks like he's going to caress my face. "Not when— if you're right there next door from me."

If his hand connects with my skin, I might not give this moment between us up, but I might give in.

I don't know what to make of it. Of his words. Of my reaction. You wouldn't know my life fell apart a month ago, from the way I'm obsessed over small moments like this with my brother's friend. The guy who didn't have to welcome me into his home, but did anyway, no questions asked.

The wide receiver, catching me in my moment of trouble… triggering moments of weakness.

My heart drums deep in my chest. Its vibration travels with low frequencies through my flesh. His chest is close to me, and I would only need to lean forward and steal a taste.

I'm flustered. I shouldn't be feeling any of this. It shouldn't be this intense. Why is it even happening?

If he touches me again, I might—

Except his fingers only tease my cheek. It would be easy to deny any intention to caress my face. Especially as his hand moves past me, and grabs a towel hanging behind me.

All I can come up with in response is a complaint. Iwanthim to touch me.

My phone rings. I jump. Only a few select people can get through when calling, as I always keep it silenced, and I suspect— I forgot to take Aidan's number off the list of exceptions.

I check the screen. I have five texts from him, and now he's calling me.

Shame washes over me. It kills everything else I had been feeling, acting like a guillotine on the way down. Like my ex caught me flirting with my brother's friend.

I glance at Saint. The towel hangs from his hand. His eyes are on my phone, then they lock with mine.

My lungs struggle to keep up with my racing heart.

"It's him." He presses his lips together. "What do you want to do?"

Chapter 12

Ames

I panic. I tell him I don't know what I want to do about the call and run for the exit. It will only buy me a short time, but I will gladly take it. Now I'm back in the condo, the weight of the last few hours chained to my ankle. The heavy, dark metal ball drags behind me as I make my way to the kitchen. It's the only room with a light on that I can see, and the sweet smell in the air hints that Saint has been busy baking.

I don't know what will happen next. I need a deep, calming breath, before I face Saint again. All I can manage is a shallow puff of air. It's enough to get Saint's eyes on me… and Pablo's.

Time stands still. My brother leans against the kitchen counter, a glass in his hand with ice and an inch of an amber liquid.

His life in Canada means I don't see him as often as I'd like, and I make a photograph of him in my mind. This moment— straight to my heart.

His visit is unexpected. A little disorienting but so, so welcome.

I drink in his presence. His short dark hair, thick eyebrows, and straight nose that's a tiny bit too long. He's trim around the torso and long-limbed. His brown eyes are as warm as always, too. They never fail to make me feel safe.

I don't notice the tears that fill my eyes until one falls down my face. "We texted two hours ago. You didn't say anything!"

The memory of him standing in Saint's kitchen will be with me for a long time. Him and Saint, gazing at me with expectant eyes and soft smiles.

Pablo chuckles, leaves his glass on the stone countertop, and comes to me with open arms. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, right?"

I step into his hug and squeeze. He squeezes me right back. My brother is one of my favorite people. Often, he's the only person I think of as family. When our parents divorced, we clung to each other. It has tied us together, and having him here only strengthens the bond.

"Did you know?" I ask in Saint's direction from Pablo's arms.

The football player shakes his head. "I heard less than an hour ago."

"You make it sound like I did something bad." Pablo lets me go and we sit at the kitchen island. He takes his glass back in his hand, and talks to Saint. "First of all, I didn't know I'd be able to make it until two hours ago myself. I crossed my fingers that whatever you had planned, it could be rescheduled, but you know I offered to get the code and let myself in so I could surprise Ames."