Page 40 of Head Over Spurs

“Don’t cancel for me!”

“Paisley, can you hang on just one second?” he asked rhetorically before lowering the phone. Then to Jules he said, “I told you I wasn’t going anywhere.”

“No, I’m feeling so much better this morning,” she insisted. “Please don’t stand that little girl up for me.”

His gaze swept over her. She did look better. The coloring of her cheeks returned, along with her ability to sit up without being dizzy, apparently. “You’re sure?”

“I’m positive.Please, go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Pursing his lips, he nodded slowly. Then raising the phone back to his ear, he said, “You still there, Paisley? Good. Okay Iamcoming today, sorry for the scare. I’ll be a little late though. Think you’ll still be in the mood for pancakes in an hour or so?”

“I’m always in the mood for pancakes,” the small girl scoffed. What a silly question.

“Perfect, I’ll see you soon, kid.”

Ending the call, he turned back to the woman in bed beside him. She was sitting with her legs folded into a pretzel shape, leaning forward with her elbow on her knee and chin propped in her hand. She definitely seemed better.

Emboldened by her demeanor, he tossed his phone to the side and dove forward, wrapping her up in his arms as they landed back on the pillows. She giggled from the movement, reaching up and wrapping her hands behind his neck.

“I thought you were supposed to be leaving?” she asked innocently.

“Only if you’re sure you’re okay,” he replied, settling his weight onto his knees and forearms to hover above her.

“Do I not look okay?” There was a challenge in her voice, taunting.

He allowed his gaze to rake over her slowly, indulging in the sight. “You look fucking perfect,” he growled.

Dipping his head, he trailed kisses along her collarbone. The thin strap of her tiny top easily brushed aside with a sweep of his hand, leaving a clear path for him to continue on.

“You’re going to be late for Paisley,” she breathed.

“Yeah, well it’s not like she’s my kid,” he murmured against her skin. All he could think about right now was Jules. Specifically, picking up where they left off at the river.

A laugh escaped her as she pressed both hands against his shoulders, pushing him away. “Youjustpromised her you were on your way. Go.”

“Goddamnit,” he muttered. She was right, of course.

He sat back on his knees, still straddling her. Jules smiled up at him, her hair splayed out around her like a golden-rust colored sun, her freckles popping against her fair skin. It was going to take every ounce of willpower he had to walk away right now.

“We never talked about amending the professional friendship thing we’re supposed to have here,” he pointed out.

“There is a tiny little girl sitting on her front stoop waiting for her uncle. And knowing you, you’ve probably given her every reason to think you’ve hung the moon. Do not make her wait longer.”

“I am a pretty great uncle,” he agreed.

“Then go prove it. I’m not going anywhere,” she repeated his promise from earlier.

Worry nagged at the back of his mind that maybe she was avoiding the conversation. But there was nothing he could do about that right now. Because Paisley probablywassitting there looking out for him.

He dropped a kiss to her forehead and climbed off the bed before he could change his mind. If he was being honest, a part of him might be avoiding the conversation as well. The part that was still terrified about how much it would gut him to watch her walk out of his life once again.

“Riley?” she called as he crossed out of the bedroom.

Turning, he leaned in the doorway and waited.

“I’m not deliriously ill anymore. And I want you to know, it was really nice to have you here.”

“Was that your girlfriend this morning?”

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