Page 88 of Empty Net

It’s clear from the smile teasing his lips he’s well aware of this and damn proud of it. He should be, too. I’ve seen how hard he’s been working. I know their play earlier in the year weighed on him, especially his own, but it seems he’s finally finding his groove.

He sits forward, then tugs his shirt over his head, falling back against the headboard, his hair now a wreck. Though I’ve seenhim shirtless countless times, I still find my mouth drying at the sight of him, the dim hotel light casting the most delicious of shadows. He looks tired, but a good tired. Like he’s spending his time doing what he loves and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I like him like this.

“Lilah?”

“Hmm?” I ask, pulling my attention back to him.

He chuckles lightly. “I asked what color you got for your pedicure.”

It’s so silly, but I like that he asks, that he cares enough to ask.

Fake, Lilah, I remind myself, something I’ve had to do much too frequently lately.

“Blush. We figured since Valentine’s Day is coming up, we’d get something girlie.”

He frowns. “We’re on the road then.”

“When?”

“Valentine’s Day.”

Disappointment tumbles through me, and I try to push it away as quickly as it comes. Why the hell I’m disappointed by that, especially when I’ve never cared about Valentine’s Day before, I don’t know.

I lift a shoulder, trying to appear unbothered. “That’s okay.”

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“Fox, I don’t expect you to take me out for Valentine’s Day.”

“What if I want to?” he challenges, tilting his chin up.

If it were anyone else, I’d fight them on this, but for some reason, IwantFox to take me out.

“Fine,” I relent, rolling my eyes to make it seem like I’m doinghima favor. “We can do something.”

“Good.” He grins, and I have to shuffle around because I swear the simple action goes right between my legs. “I’ll plan something.”

“I like diamonds. Big ones,” I tease.

“Noted,” he says, and it’s a littleserious.

“I’m kidding. Don’t you dare get me diamonds, Arthur Whatever Your Middle Name Is Fox.”

“Francis.”

I can’t help it—I laugh, and it warrantsanotherscowl from Fox.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” I say once I finally settle down. “Arthur Francis? Are you sure your parents love you?”

“Very much. I might even be the favorite child.”

“You’re the oldest, which means you’re automaticallynotthe favorite. Trust me, I know from experience.” I have never been my parents’ favorite, not even in all that time before Sadie came along, andespeciallynot after. “The youngest always wears the favorite crown. Though I’m not exactly sure how that works if your younger siblings are twins.”

“That’d be Russ, then. He’s the baby by five minutes.” He yawns, reaching up to scratch at his chest. “And that’s not always how it works. Your parents just suck.”

I snort. “You can say that again.”

He opens his mouth to do just that, and I cut him a glare. He laughs, but it’s cut short with another yawn.

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