Page 22 of Don't Hurt Us
“Here it is!”She’s so excited and Maverick tries to sound just as thrilled to see it.I love how he’s putting in so much effort with the kids, but it feels like it’s coming out of nowhere.
If he’s always been interested in me, why wait this long to make a move?Why not come find me as soon as Rob moved out?I have so many questions, but I won't be getting answers for a while.
Chapter 11
Maverick
TheentiretimeI'mplaying with Bree and Sydney’s making dinner, I can feel her gaze on me.She can't figure me out and I find it funny.
I know as soon as the kids go to bed, she’s going to pounce and ask the dozens of questions ping ponging around in her head.
“You have to sit next to me at dinner, ok, Maverick?”Bree blinks up at me with big doe eyes.She looks so much like Sydney with their dark brown curly hair.There’s just enough curl to give their hair body without being ringlets.They both have the brightest green eyes I’ve ever seen and a smile that lights up the entire room.
“I wouldn’t want to sit anywhere else.”I tug her onto my lap and tickle her.She shrieks with laughter and wiggles around until I finally let her go.“I'm going to see what Mommy needs help with.”
I go in search of Sydney.I have a feeling she was left to handle everything with the kids and household when she was married to Rob.I want to make sure that isn't the case when I'm here.I want to pick up some slack and make her life easier.
“What can I help with?”I murmur in her ear as I place my hands on her hips.
She jumps a good three inches off the ground and her hand flies over her chest.When she realizes it’s me, she leans into my chest and rests her head against me.
“You scared me,” she says softly.
“I'm sorry.I just wanted to help you.”I place a kiss on the crown of her head, then rest my chin there.She’s so much shorter than I am, but she’s probably around five and a half foot tall.She just feels so tiny compared to my six and a half foot tall frame.
When I showed up at the batting cages today, I didn’t know Danny would be one of the players I’d be working with.After Tom saw how well he was doing, he told me to stick with him today and not to worry about the rest of the players.He’s been worried about Danny since Rob left and didn’t want to disappoint him by switching him out so I could work with another player.
I didn’t expect to hang out with him and Sydney all day.I never imagined I’d be standing in Sydney’s kitchen with my hands on her hips and her leaning into me, but I'm happy with the turn of events.
Kissing her was a craving I couldn’t resist any longer.It’s been something I’ve dreamed of doing since I met her.Back when I didn’t know she was married or that she had kids.I’ve kept my thoughts and feelings to myself for years, but now that she’s single, it’s hard to hold back.
It’s been over five months since Rob walked out and she doesn’t seem broken up by it at all.And when life hands you the woman of your dreams, you take your chance and put it all on the line.
“It’s almost ready.I just need to set the table.”She tries to move out of my grasp, but I tighten my hold on her hips.
“Nah, I can get it.You need to relax and let me help.”I press a gentle kiss to the soft skin right behind her ear, then take a step away.
I open the cabinet I would put plates in and smile when I find them sitting there, perfectly lined up and waiting to be grabbed.
After I place the plates and cups on the table, I go in search of the silverware.Once again, I find them in the drawer I would put it in if this were my kitchen.
“Have you broken into my house and memorized where everything is when I wasn’t home?”Syd watches me with amusement.
“No.I just checked the cabinet and drawer I would put these things in.We must think alike.”I grin and quickly grab the rest of the things to set the table.
When I return to the kitchen, Sydney’s reaching into a high cabinet, trying to get something off the top shelf.
“I got it.”I plaster my body against hers and reach up, easily grabbing the serving dish.I place it on the counter in front of her and grip her hips again.
I swear I can't stop touching her.Years of controlling myself around this woman has me spiraling out of control since I kissed her.Since I hugged her at the batting cages.Since she brushed her soft fingertips over my thigh.
“What else can I do?”I murmur.
“Stop touching me,” she whimpers.
I step back, my hands flying off of her like I just got burnt.I never would’ve touched her if I had known she didn’t feel the same way I do.I thought she was enjoying it.Hopefully even longing for it.
“I'm sorry.Maybe I should just go.”I run rough hands through my hair before stuffing them in my pockets so I don’t touch her by accident.“I'm sorry, Syd.”
