Page 97 of Cross Check Daddies
Ace raises a brow.
“About the baby.”
A pause. “How did he take it?”
“He’s excited. Wants to name the baby after his goldfish.”
Ace chuckles. “Taco and Batman?”
“Exactly.”
We stand in silence for a moment, just breathing.
Then I say, quieter, “Thank you for coming.”
“You looked like you needed someone.”
I glance up. “That’s not the only reason you came, is it?”
He lifts a brow and gives me a look. “You know me too well.”
“Spill it.”
He exhales. “I just got off a call. League brass. They want to launchFrostbitethis weekend.”
My mouth parts. “That’s… not possible. That’s too soon. We’re still QA’ing the last two missions, not to mention localization patches?—”
“I know,” he says gently. “But I also know you. You’re a machine when your back is to the wall. And I can help.”
“Why the short schedule?”
He smiles at me. “Capitalism. News broke that the Cubs are playing us, and the tickets are almost sold out. They just want this to be a marketing tactic.”
I blink fast. The pressure surges in my chest, and then his hand cups my elbow.
“You’ll be okay,” he says softly. “You always are.”
I nod, swallowing against the tightness in my throat. “Thanks. For coming.”
I move to Ivy, gently stroking Jackson’s curls. “We’re going to Ace’s to test the game. I’ll be back before ten.”
“Don’t stress it,” Ivy says, sipping her wine without looking away from the screen. “I’m halfway through this dinosaur disaster.”
Ace and I head upstairs. As soon as the door to his apartment closes, I’m on him.
I kiss him hard, like I’ve been waiting days, not hours. His arms come around me instantly, dragging me closer.
“I think we can make all this work,” I whisper between kisses. “All of it. You. Me. The others. Jackson.”
He groans into my mouth, and I feel it everywhere.
“Glad to hear that,” he mutters, voice low, fingers sliding beneath the hem of my shirt.
I lean back slightly. “You worried about the Cubs game this weekend?”
“Never,” he growls, dipping to kiss my neck.
Then I grin and drag my hands through his hair. “Good. Because before you test my game... I need you to fuck me.”
