Page 110 of Cloudless
“What happened, Ladybug?”
Her eyes well with tears, a reaction disproportionate to that of a dropped shoe. “My shoe fell out when I opened the door.”
Kam’s confused eyes flick to mine before he forces a smile to his face. “Hey, Rosie Posey, it’s alright. We’ll find your shoe in no time. I bet it just bounced under the car. Want to come help me look, Tank?”
Jasper’s feet hit the ground with a thunk. “Yeah! I’ll help!” His footfalls move around to my side of the door as my two guysdrop to their knees and search the ground for my sister’s fallen shoe.
They pay the occasional stray pebble and dirt no mind as they continue their search under the Tahoe.
Triumph rings clear through Jasper’s voice as he emerges victorious with Posey’s ballet-flat cliched proudly in his hand. “I found it!”
“Way to go, Tank! See, Posey, I told you we would find it. We just need to brush a little dirt off the side, and it’ll be good as new.”
Posey’s bare foot disappears into her shoe as a smile graces her lips. “Thanks, Jas.”
Kam effortlessly lifts Posey out of the car to stand her on her feet. “Now, what’s really got you upset, Rosie Posey?”
Her gaze falls to her feet as a shrug lifts her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“I don’t believe that for a second. Are you going to tell me what it is, or am I going to have to tickle it out of you?” Kam’s smile grows as his fingers dig into the most ticklish spot on her side.
Her musical laughter drifts along the breeze as she tries to dodge Kam’s fingers.” Okay! Okay!” Her breathing slows as Kam retracts his threat. “I don’t want to have any more nightmares like I did last time we were here.”
Kindness shines brightly in Kam’s eyes as he pulls her into a crushing hug. “You won’t have any more nightmares, Posey.” His eyes flick to Jasper beside him. “Isn’t that right, Tank?”
Jasper straightens to his full height, like he’s standing before a general. “Kam’s right, Posey. We’re going to protect you from your bad dreams.”
Tears rim my eyes as I realize Jasper won't be this little forever. He will grow into a man, go to college, get a job, get married, and have kids of his own someday. And if he wantsto backpack around Europe and be single forever, that’s alright, too.
I just hate that my mom and dad aren't here to see it.
If my dad can’t be here to give Jasper and Posey an example of what a man should be, I can’t imagine a better man for the job than Kamden Stryker.
CHAPTER 53
GAME FACE
LILA
The canopy of oak trees swallows Jasper and Posey’s laughter as they skip up the driveway. Kam’s warm eyes search my face as he straightens. “Everything alright?”
My finger’s intertwine with his as I nod my head. “Yeah. I’m just really glad you’re here, Trouble.”
His smile shines brightly in the evening sun. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
The warmth of his palm seeps into mine like a calming balm on my soul as we follow the twins to the front door.
As Posey pushes the doorbell and the ding reverberates through the house, Kam’s fingers tighten around mine. His voice is a gentle whisper that’s easily lost in the autumn air. “Game faces, everyone. Just remember, we’re a team. We always have each other’s backs, no matter what.”
The door swings open to reveal pursed lips and perfectly stenciled brows. Victoria doesn’t say a word as she takes in our appearance. I’m sure our outfits wouldn’t meet her standards, even if I was standing before her in a ball gown and Kam in a tux.
“Good evening. Our chef is almost ready for the first course.” She steps to the side and waves a manicured hand. “If you’djoin us in the parlor, we would like to have a few words before dinner.”
I struggle to contain my eye roll at the mention of a chef. What exactly is Posey going to eat if they’ve hired a professional chef? And does no one have home-cooked meals for Thanksgiving anymore?
Our shoes click against the marble as we follow her into her museum of a home. Twenty-foot ceilings showcase the artwork adorning the walls of the grand entry. A spiral staircase leads to a second-floor balcony that’s connected to two hallways leading in opposite directions.
The smell of fresh turkey and heavy spices lingers heavily in the air. I fight a sneeze that threatens to appear as we venture down a hallway that leads toward the back of the house.
