Page 47 of Stolen Bases

“You better check that score by the time I see you tomorrow. I want to hear the results.”

She turns her body around and raises a hand to her chest, rubbing the spot over her heart. An action I doubt she knows she’s doing. I let the thought go when she agrees with a nod and whispers, “Okay.”

“Good girl.” It slips from my mouth, grittier than it should when she’s about to go to bed, alone.

Talia’s entire body shivers, and her lips part at my praise.

Fuck, I’m in trouble.Not only does she like dirty talk, but she also likes praise. She has no idea what she’s in for.

I’m about to make my good girl really bad and dirty. It’s going to be nothing but trouble.

And totally worth it.

thirteen

Talia

Nico watches me ashe cuts the engine to his ridiculous car. I stare at the cute white and black ranch-style house that has become my home away from home these last couple of days. This place has really grown on me.

Cam has grown on me.

Disappointment washed over me when we pulled up and I caught sight of the empty driveway. At this time of night, Cam is usually home. Where is he? Who is he with?

Unwanted emotions make my gut churn with endless answers to those questions. I have no right to be jealous. He asked me to take us day by day, but I’m falling for him. I have been since meeting him at the restaurant.

But is he falling for me?

So many questions.

I turn to my brother and force a smile, hoping he doesn’t catch on to my sour mood. “Thank you for dinner, Nic.”

“Anytime, baby sis.”

We climb out of the car and make our way up to the house. Nico unlocks the front door with the passcode, ushering me inside the dark, empty living room. Cam’s scent lingers in the air, and my stomach flips in a whole different way. I can’t get enough of his fresh, masculine fragrance.

“I’m happy you’re here.” Nico surprises me by enveloping me in a bear hug. His expensive, leathery cologne clings to my nose and clothes.

I’m the worst sister ever because all I want is to change my shirt, so I don’t smell like him.

“Me too.” I mean it, only not for the reasons he thinks.

Yup, I’m a horrible sister. Crushing on my brother’s nemesis.

Nico flicks on the lights, illuminating the living room and kitchen. For the first time since we got here, the house looks different to me. I don’t know what it is, but I’m missing something.

“Want something to drink?” My brother opens the refrigerator, looking around.

“Just some water, please.”

Nico hands me a water bottle and grabs one for himself. “Do you want to watch a movie or something?”

“Don’t you have practice in the morning?”

He looks tired. There are dark circles under his eyes, and his cheeks look sunken. His eyes are more charcoal than their usual flinty gray. I don’t like it, but it’s not my place to intervene. It’s obvious he’s pushing too hard and staying out way too late. Probably because the idea of staying in the same place as Cameron is driving him crazy.

He shrugs, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, but you only have a couple more days here before you head back.”

Guilt weighs heavily on my heart at his comment. The last two nights, I made up plans to avoid spending time with him so I could spend it with Cam instead. If Nico knew I blew him off for Cam, he would flip. Which is why I said yes to dinner when he came home from practice, excited to take me out.

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