Page 41 of Coast to Coast

Me: So, green light so far?

Callie: Yes. Green.

Me: How will I know when I cross the line?

Callie:

Me: Will I get a warning?

Callie:

Me: Got it. Sleep in tomorrow morning. I’ll make whatever we’re supposed to bring to the potluck.

Callie: Don’t you need a workout tomorrow?

Me: I’ll be up early enough to get it in before Crew wakes up. Goodnight Callie.

Callie: Night, Tom.

CALLIOPE

What the hell was I supposed to wear to this cookout? I had to plan an outfit and a bathing suit since I’d end up in the pool with Crew at some point. I mean, there were kids involved, so it’s not like it would be appropriate to wear a string bikini.

Me to Mariana: What are you wearing today?

I sent her the text, hoping she understood I needed guidance here. This was apparently my first full introduction as one of the WAGs, with not just the women who lived in the same neighborhood but most of the team and their significant others. By the time I received her response, I had nervously torn apart my entire closet and tried on every sundress I owned.

Mariana: I’m wearing this sundress.

She sent a photo of a short, flowing sundress with a tank bodice.

Mariana: with this suit.

Her bathing suit was two pieces, yet the tank top would be perfect while wrangling toddlers and wouldn’t compromise the coverage. I rifled back through my drawers until I found the most appropriate option.

Me: Thank you!!!!!

Mariana: You’ll do fine today. Everyone who met you already loves you.

Me:

I heard Crew giggling with Tom in the kitchen and realized they were probably almost done with breakfast. While he had offered for me to sleep in, it felt strange hanging out in my bedroom while he took care of everything.

“Hey, good morning,” I said to Tom and Crew. My eyes widened, finding Tom shirtless, in gray sweatpants, slung low on his hips, the band of his boxer briefs exposed. He winked at me and stuffed a forkful of pancakes into his mouth. My God, did I want to trace every line of those six-pack abs down to that perfect v…

“Kiwi!” Crew pushed away from his breakfast and came running over to me, hugging my legs. Yep, there was now something sticky on my bare legs.

“Hey, buddy, let’s go wash those hands,” I said, walking him to the kitchen sink and helping him up on the stool Tom had provided so he could reach the counters and use the sink.

“Maple syrup?” I asked, directing my question to Tom.

“Yeah, sorry. I should have warned you,” Tom said, his gaze drifting to where I had a bit of syrup dripping down my leg.He watched as I wet a cloth and wiped the syrup, his eyes wandering up my thighs, appraising my legs without a hint of embarrassment.

“Whatcha thinking?” I asked with a smirk.

“Ah, just about how much I love maple syrup. Shame we had to waste some.”

Oh. My. God. Yep. You can flirt in front of a child, and this man could make anything sexual.

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