Page 215 of Wild Card

“That’s because Uncle Talon is a pro-fes-sion-al.”

I swallow my laugh at his emphasis. “Yes, he is.”

“I love him, Aunt Lolo.”

My chest constricts and nose stings at his declaration. “I do, too, buddy.”

“Daddy said you live here now.”

“Your dad is partly right.”

I still refuse to admit it completely. Call me stubborn, but it’s fun.

“Next time I stay over, we will be here?”

“For now. Talon and I are working on our own place.”

“Will you let us build forts and eat s’mores in the pool?”

“I don’t think we’ll have a pool, but you can eat s’mores, build forts, and play cornhole all you want.”

“I wasn’t good at cornhole, the other kids beat me.”

“That’s because they’ve had a lot more practice.”

“Finnley said she’d help me next time.”

Not surprised Robbie and Ember’s daughter is as sweet as her mom.

“Well, that’s proof we’ll have many more fun days like today.”

He takes his hand back and curls up on his side, fatigue winning out.

“Love you, Wyatt,” I whisper, rubbing his back until he’s snoring lightly.

The scent of cypress, pine, and mint fills our space and I turn to see Talon leaning against the wall. He’s shirtless, small pebbles of moisture clinging to his chest and shoulders, his hair wet from the shower.

My mouth goes dry and my body instantly reacts at the sight that will never get old.

“Hey, he was having trouble falling asleep.”

“I heard.”

“How long have you been there?”

“Heard you talking in the hall and stayed out of view.”

“Why?”

“Didn’t want to interrupt your time.”

“He loves you.”

“Feeling is mutual.”

Gah! Could I melt anymore for this man?

“Princess, you ready for bed?”

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