Page 21 of Rule 5: Never Crush on the Captain
I tried love, and it didn’t work. My mind drifts to the last year with Valentina. The lingerie she used to put on, moving from sassy red to bold black to virginal white and finally leather, as if desperate for me to give some sort of reaction to anything, anything at all.
I’m tired after games. I want to relax. Not give massages or play card games composed of sexual requests. The appearance of toys on my night table, as if the fact that she didn’t mention them made her subtle, even though there’s nothing subtle about a vibrating pink rabbit, didn’t help things.
But I know it’s my fault. I don’t know why I struggled with Valentina, but I’m not eager to begin that experience again. Too many of the guys on my team have gone through divorces.
“So, everything is good?” Isaiah asks.
“I’m fine,” I say curtly.
“More than fine.” Jasmine takes a bite of the French toast. “These are delicious.”
“Yeah.” I munch the French toast. “Tastes great.”
“Good job, Vinnie!” Isaiah calls. “How come you don’t cook like this for me?”
Vinnie grunts and continues to load the dishwasher.
Jasmine and Isaiah exchange glances again.
Whatever. They’re being strange today.
I find Dr. Novak’s number in my cell and ring her.
“You don’t need us to here?” Jasmine asks.
“No. I’m just going to call Dr. Novak and hire a nurse.”
“Oh.” Isaiah blinks. He glances at Vinnie. “Guess you’re busy, dude?”
Vinnie’s jaw tightens. He looks affronted. I wish I knew why. I wish I knew what to say.
“Of course, he’s busy,” I say. “It’s a free weekend.”
“We’re not busy,” Stella says.
“That’s because Granddad and Nanna went on a cruise,” I say.
“You really want some stranger in the house?” Vinnie asks.
“I don’t want you—”
He draws back.
“I’m sorry. That came out wrong,” I say. “But you probably don’t want to be with us.”
“You’re talking too much,” Vinnie mutters. “Get on the couch.”
He shoots an apologetic look at Isaiah and Jasmine. “I’m sorry about him.”
For some reason, they just look amused.
“We’re going to head on the road. Have a nice weekend, Stella! Take care of Evan and Vinnie.”
Her lips curl into a smirk. “I will.”
No one can be haughtier than a seven-year-old.
CHAPTER SEVEN
