Page 80 of Play For Keeps

“We’ll take it one step at a time. I’ll help you with whatever you need.”

My hands are tied. The only option I have is to support her. We aren’t married, and Birdie isn’t legally mine, although, over the last couple of weeks, it has started to feel like she is.

I love that little girl like I’ve known her all her life. I still can’t believe that an 8-year-old has made me this much of a mush. I want to be the one who teaches her how to ride her bike, helps her with her spelling homework and tucks her in at night.

I want to be the one who tucks her mom in at night too. But how can I tell Everly not to go? The hard truth of the matter is, I can’t. Birdie comes first, and she always will. That’s the way it needs to be.

“And what about us?” She takes a step away from me. “I can’t expect you to do long distance.”

“Brookmont isn’t far. I’ll visit you every weekend. Every holiday, until we can figure something out. You’re not going to lose me. I promise you. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Jake… it won’t be easy.”

“The good things in life never are.” I reach for her, pulling her hips into mine, and then I lean down as she goes up on her tiptoes, meeting me halfway. I press my lips to hers, the words I love you left unsaid on the tip of my tongue.

TWENTY-FIVE

BUSY HANDS AND FRANTIC KISSES

Jake

Today is Everly’s last shift at Catch 21. Ironically, she originally put in her two weeks’ notice to come work for me, but that isn’t going to happen now. Instead, she’s moving back to Brookmont with Birdie.

My heart is already broken, and they haven’t even left yet. I’ve grown so used to seeing them every day; the thought of there being hundreds of miles between us is gut-wrenching. I’ve been up every night this week, unable to sleep, trying to come up with a way that the three of us can be together in the same city, but I’ve come up short.

I finally found someone I want a future with, it seems so unfair that we can’t just be together. Everly is smart, beautiful, thoughtful, and a good mother. She loves fiercely and gives her all in everything she does. I want a life with her and Birdie, and I hate the idea of going even one day without them. How I fell for the two of them so quickly, I don’t know.

I’m getting dinner started when there is a knock at the door. I open it to find Everly standing there in a workout bra and leggings, her duffle bag on her shoulder. My mouth waters. I’m ready to scrap the pasta I’m making and take her to my bed and ravage her.

There’s a smile on her beautiful face when she steps inside, and I pull her into my arms. “Last shift. It’s official,” I say, my heart squeezing with every word.

“Yup.” She pulls back from my embrace, her long lashes fluttering.

“I wish it meant you were coming to work with me.”

“It’s probably for the best, Jake.”

“How so?” I ask, surprised.

“I’ve never slept with my boss, but I mean, I’m sure it’s grounds for an HR violation.”

I chuckle before kissing her chastely. “I’d never tell. Now come on, let me feed you so I can get to the good part.”

Everly giggles as I run my lips over the soft skin of her neck. “I’m going to go out on a limb and assume the good part is me?”

“It is.” My hands drop to her ass. “I will be having you for dessert.”

I suck on her neck before dragging her into the house with me. She has a quick shower while the pasta cooks.

Fifteen minutes later, we’ve fallen into a comfortable silence, working in the kitchen together. I finish off the pasta while she sets the table. It feels nice, being with someone who doesn’t always need to make idle conversation. When we sit down together at the table we slip into an easy conversation, both of us avoiding the subject of her leaving. We have the night to ourselves—Birdie is at her mom’s—and I think we both want to make the most of it.

After dinner, Everly and I are finishing off the dishes when we hear a knock at the door. “Expecting someone?” she asks, tossing the tea towel over her shoulder. I shake my head, then kiss her quickly before heading for the door. “Whoever it is, I’ll get rid of them. I haven’t forgotten about dessert.”

I’m smiling when I pull open the front door. Then my jaw drops.

Jade. What. The. Fuck.

I blink once, then twice, thinking it can’t be her.

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