Page 38 of Grand Slam

“Their girls calling them daddy,” he clarifies and I snicker. “Nope, nah.” He makes a growling sound. One that sounds more like a gag. “Don’t like it, let’s not do that ever again.”

I laugh. “So what you are saying is if I want to turn you off, I should call you daddy.”

“Ugh, damn, and wait.” He pauses for a few seconds. “Why would you want to turn me off?”

“I don’t, but it’s good info to have.”

We go back and forth a little more about that fact that I would never need to use my new ammunition against him. By the time I end the call I am smiling so big my cheeks hurt.

Joining Liz in the little kitchen of our joined suites she already has coffee waiting and the smell is one I’m not used to.

“What is that?”

“Cinnamon bun.” She looks at the package. “It’s all that we had and I thought why not,” she says with a shrug taking a sip. “Not bad.”

The smell makes my stomach turn.

“What did you tell Kelton?”

“That you were starting your internship today.”

She laughs. “I’m not doing that.”

“I know that, but he doesn’t.” I put two slices of bread into the toaster, needing to get something in my stomach. “Besides it will all be cleared up when he gets here later. He’ll be fine with the little lie when he sees we are already here.”

“But I told him and Gran both last week that I declined the internship.” When I face her again she is smiling.

“Well, apparently he forgot.” I shrug. “He never said a word.”

“Because he is distracted by the reunion sex.”

“Oh my God!”

“Seriously,” she says still laughing. “I brought my earbuds, so it’s okay to be a little loud. I’ll crank up the music on high.”

She stares at me and I stare right back, her lips pressed together in a tight line, because she wants to laugh. When I’ve had enough, because I am about to crack, I say nothing. I turn around and walk off with a plate and my toast and decide I need a shower.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Kelton

Me: Made it to my room, call when you two are in.

I tossmy phone to the bed and make my way to the shower. I figured I could shower, take a nap, and pass the time before Emerson got here. Not that I’m really tired, I’m too wired.

I flip the water on, feel until it reaches the right temperature, then step back pulling my shirt up over my head. Tossing it to the floor, I lower my sweats and boxers, kicking them out of the way.

Stepping in under the cascading water I dip my head, allowing it to run over my face and hair. Thoughts of Emerson immediately fill my head, I smile, placing one hand against the shower wall. With my head still bowed, I continue to enjoy the warmth of the water.

“In the mood for some company?”

Immediately I spin around, my heart racing at the intrusion and come face to face with the woman I can’t get out of my head even for a second.

“Hi.” She offers with smile. “Surprise,” Emerson adds with the sweetest laugh.

“How? When?”

“We’ve been here all day, got in last night. Jerry helped.” She shrugs. “Liz has his number, it was easier to make some adjustments with his assistance. Wanted to be here when you arrived.”