Page 90 of Delayed Penalty

“Hey, man,” Lawson says, walking over my way. “This is great. She loves it.”

“She does.”

“Just don’t let her get too carried away, you know? Next thing you know, she’ll be asking for another cat, and you’ll have to say no because you’re the man of the house, dammit. You can put your foot down whenever you want. And?—”

“I’m getting another cat, Lawson,” Rory says without even looking away from Flora.

“Yes, yes you are, Wednesday. Whatever you want.” He turns back to me with an eye roll. “Women.”

Only there’s nothing but absolute love and admiration in his voice when he says it. The guy has fallen hopelessly in love, and it’s hilarious to watch him get humbled by it.

“By the way, love the ears,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder before returning to Rory’s side, his handgoing right to her waist like he can’t help but touch her.

I don’t care that he just made fun of my ears, which I didn’t even realize I’m still wearing. I’m too busy watching Flora fall in love with the cat. She cuddles the kitten gently, running her finger over her nose and tickling her belly. She plays with her, wiggling a toy around for Pickles to chase. They bond, and it’s so damn sweet I find myself having to look away a few times, my eyes stinging.

Quinn steps up beside me, butterscotch tickling at my nose.

“You’re a good uncle, Hayes,” she says quietly. “The best one I know.”

As badly as I needed Flora’s hug, I think I needed those words even more.

CHAPTER 18

QUINN

“Are you sure this is okay?”

Hayes lets out an exasperated sigh. “Yes.”

I bet he is irritated. This isn’t the first time I’ve asked the question. Or the second. Or even the third.

“But I’m not family. I’m just the nanny.”

Just the nanny,I say like he didn’t eat my pussy this morning before the sun even rose. I haven’t beenjust the nannyfor quite some time now, and with the look Hayes is currently giving me, he’s thinking the same too. But going to a family skate day? That feels out of line, even for me.

“You’re family, Quinn. Just deal with it.”

I nod, following behind him through the parking lot as we walk into the arena. Halfway across, Flora holds her hand out for me, and I smile, catching up with them and grabbing it. She grins up at me.

Maybe Hayes is right because I certainly feel like family right now.

The last two weeks have flown by, and I swear Flora is becoming more and more like a kid every day. She’s obsessed with Pickles and is doing so well with all the tasks that come with having a pet. And Hayes… Well, he’s spent every night he can in my room, and I have no complaints about it. I should, but I don’t. We’ve been having far too much fun for me to worry about any potential fallout.

We make our way into the rink, and it’s so strange to see the building so quiet. The few times I’ve been here have been during games when it’s bustling and filled to the brim with people.

“Hey, Gino,” Hayes says, nodding at the security guy standing off to the side as he leads us through the building.

We get a short tour as we make our way down to ice level, where many players are already out skating around with their families.

“Hayes!” an older man with gray streaks in his dark hair calls out, waving us over.

A gorgeous redhead who must be at least ten years younger than him stands at his side, beaming up at him with nothing but love in her eyes.

“Hey, Coach.” Hayes shakes the older man’s hand. “Thanks for having us.”

“Of course, of course.” He drops his eyes down to Flora, who is now hiding halfway behind my legs. “Hi, Flora. Good to see you again.”

She smiles shyly, her cheeks turning pink. “Hi, Coach Smith.”

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