Page 10 of Slice

Slice stared into LB’s eyes and wondered how he had lucked out to find LB and be able to spend time with Faith. The boys came running back out of their rooms in their pajamas with wet hair. Sliding to a stop in front of Slice, they both leaned over and kissed LB’s forehead, then stared at Slice with smiles on their faces.

Faith chuckled and lifted LB out of his arms.

“I’m guessing there are two boys who are hoping you’ll play the racing game with them while I feed LB.”

“I’d be happy to play the game with you guys.”

Slice got up, then dropped another kiss on Faith’s forehead. If he couldn’t tell her what he wanted to with the boys back in the room, then he’d at least try to show her.

“Let’s do this. Are we playing on a team together?”

Both boys yelled yes and ran to the game system. Slice sat down on the floor beside them and helped them get the game set up.

“Okay, guys, let’s race.” Slice waited to let both boys get a head start since they’d only started playing the game at Christmas. To him, it wasn’t as important to win as it was to make sure both boys had a good time.

He really hoped he could spend some time with Faith after they went to bed.

Faith gazed at Slice as he placed LB in his bed. She’d gotten the older boys down and read them a chapter before turning off the light. Slice had volunteered to get LB in pajamas and give him his last bottle for the night.

She couldn’t keep her eyes off Slice despite telling herself numerous times to keep her distance. Keeping her distance was something Faith had started doing right before she moved here.

Although she’d adored her friends at the school where she taught, it seemed like they were all married and gettingpregnant. When Faith had received her devastating news, the woman she’d thought of as her best friend hadn’t even let Faith tell her everything. Christy had been only willing to talk about how excited she was that she and her husband were expecting.

Faith had been thrilled for her friend, but she’d realized the friendship had been all one-sided when she’d done a little test. Instead of always initiating their get-togethers, she’d left it up to her friend. The supposed friend hadn’t even made an effort to walk down Faith’s hallway to say hi.

There was no reason for Faith to stay, so she’d looked for openings for teachers, and Bluff Creek had openings. She’d made the move over the summer and had been at Bluff Creek for two years. Hope had moved with her grandson Benji to be close to Faith and to get away from her son. She’d pretty much kept to herself. She’d met some of the bail bonds owners and the MC members at the diner, but she didn’t know anyone well.

Staring at Slice as he walked toward her smiling, she wondered if it was maybe time to start stepping out of her comfort zone a little.

“LB’s asleep. Are both the boys down?” Slice asked.

Faith nodded, walking down the hall to the family room. Did she ask him to stay again, or would he get the wrong idea? She’d like to spend some more time with him, but she needed to know where his head was at before she did any climbing like her sister had suggested. And it was late. She’d let the boys play the video game a lot later than she would have if it were a school night.

“They are, a lot later than normal,” she said.

“It was a full day. I appreciate you letting me bring you dinner,” Slice said.

Slice’s hand wrapping around hers had her turning toward him. He was staring at her, not saying a word. His hand lifted and cupped her face. The heat of his chest as he stepped closer had her holding her breath.

His lips touched hers. Faith quit thinking. His touch, the faint taste of mint and something that was unique to Slice, had her quivering against him. Her hand grabbed onto his cut to steady herself.

Never had a kiss overwhelmed her like this. She wanted it to go on forever. His lips didn’t just kiss her; it was as if he couldn’t get enough of her.

His hand sliding around her back, pulling her closer, had her trembling with need. Slice pulled his lips away a little too soon, then kissed her nose.

“Faith, you go to my head faster than whiskey. I had a wonderful night,” he said, then dropped a quick kiss on her lips, and before she could tug him back, he’d opened the door and walked out.

Faith stared at the door, wondering what the heck just happened. He gave her the hottest kiss she’d ever experienced and had her ready to completely forget taking it slow. Then he told her he had a wonderful night and walked out?

She stared at the door a little longer. She did not understand men at all and definitely not Slice. She was going to shut off the lights and go read about one of her book boyfriends because at least she knew what the heck they were thinking.

Maybe if she had enough nerve, she might discuss this with Hope tomorrow.

Chapter Seven

Slice racked the balls and nodded at Bear to break. He was spending the evening at the clubhouse, which he normally loved, but he hadn’t heard from Faith at all today. He’d hoped she’d invite him over or at least text him.

Bear broke and sank one of the striped balls, then moved around the table to take another shot. Cannon was sitting at one of the tall tables, watching the game. The back of Slice’s neck itched as if he was under surveillance.

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