Page 6 of Unexpectedly Falling
She rolls her eyes and points an accusing finger at me. “Fine. Be a little liar, but Iknowthat the biggest heartbreaker in women’s soccer doesn’t actually want to be single forever.”
“Says who?” I say, acting affronted. “I like having my space and not worrying about someone else’s schedule orfeelings.” I shudder and she laughs. “I’m being forced to go on vacation, Kins. You know I’m not built for small-town living.”
Not anymore.
“Now you’re just being dramatic.”
“Am I? I’m being punished because Cardova can’t keep her mouth shut. Yes, I let her get under my skin, but she shouldn’t have said what she did. It was low even for her.”
I appreciate that she doesn’t try to argue and say that I, too, could have kept my mouth shut and just let it go. We both know I couldn’t.
She studies me a minute, seemingly moving on before smirking as she asks, “Are you going to have sex while you’re there?”
“I already told you I’m not sleeping with Jensen.”
“I didn’t say his name,youdid.”
“Well, I’m not sleeping with him or anyone else while I’m there.”
“Are you going to be celibate the whole time?”
I bark out a laugh. “Kins, what is wrong with you?”
“Nothing is wrong with me. You’re just delusional in thinking that you’re going to go where they breed small-town hotness and walk away with your panties intact.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“And you should shake things up. Lord knows the good sheriff isn’t your type, but maybe that’s your problem.”
“I don’t have a problem, Kins.”
“Sure,”—she rolls her eyes—“except you pick losers and playboys you can brush off.”
“It’s a choice. They’re predictable and no one gets hurt.”
“And you canchooseto get down and dirty with Jensen Kade. Hell, even his name is sexy.” She fans her face with her hand. “And besides, just because he’s shinier than a new penny doesn’t mean he won’t be looking to blow off a little steam.”
“And I’m the player?” I chuckle. “The best thing I can do is help him and Remi get settled, do my penance with the university, and get back here as soon as I can.”
“Are you gonna miss her?”
“Of course, I’m going to miss her. I’ve had her for two hard and beautiful months.” Kinsley starts to speak but I just hold up a hand. “But Jensen is her father, and he deserves to get to know his daughter, to love and care for her, and to watch her grow.” Softening my tone, I add, “It’s okay if you miss her too.”
“I still get to be Auntie Kins.”
I nod and shove something else in my bag, ignoring the way her eyes are glassy because dammit, mine are too. I tried so hard not to get too attached, but between her sweet baby smell and squishy little face, I never stood a chance.
And even now, that reality leaves me more than a little unsettled.
No one was more surprised than me at how easily I’d rearranged my life to accommodate Remi. It was hard but we figured it out.
We had to.
“Thank you for doing this with me. For being here. I couldn’t have done this without you.” I motion toward where Remi is sleeping in the living room, swaddled in her bassinet.
“I might like penis but you’re still my soulmate.”
“Obviously.”
