Page 103 of Cross the Line
I lace our fingers and tug him to the fridge. He stacks fruit against his chest as I pull it out.
“Summer is giving me more responsibility with the suppliers, and Ubers are expensive…” At his frown, I add, “I think it’ll be good for me to do this for myself. I can’t always have you and Jayden drive me places.”
“That’s what we’re here for, Fin. To look after you and be what you need.” He dumps the burnt bacon down the disposal.
I grab a jug and the long ice sticks for fresh orange juice, so it chills as it presses. It’s warm for December—warmer than Havenview, anyway.
“I know, and I appreciate it… It’s just that, when you’re not here, I have to rely on myself.” While he cleans up, I wipe the counter and set bowls out as the juicer hums. “Ubers are expensive, and I don’t want to waste all my money on being chauffeured around LA. It’s counterproductive.”
“I got you, Finley,” he says, catching my hand and tugging me closer. “You don’t have to worry about money or any of that stuff. That’s why I gave you my card.”
“I know you got me,” I sigh.
Thing is, when they’re not here, or on game days when they’re home late, I need to know I can get myself where I need to be without constantly looking over my shoulder.
“Good, because what’s mine is yours.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “I want you to work because you enjoy your job. Because you love what you’re doing. Not because of the money.”
“It’s not just the money.” I splay my hands on his chest. “I didn’t leave Havenview to live the same life out here. I want to experience every facet of normal. Like working and driving… independence.” I give him my biggest smile and flutter my lashes.
“No, I can’t look at you when you give me those eyes,” he chuckles, swiping the dish towel off my shoulder and tossing it over his face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Love…” I sing-song, pulling the cloth away. He hums when I comb my fingers through his hair. “These are just my eyes.”
“Sure.” His stare narrows, seeing straight through me.
“Thank you,” I whisper, hugging him hard as I hop up and wrap my legs around his hips.
Good God, I don’t know what I did to deserve him, but I’d do it forever.
“Thank you…? I didn’t mean sure I’ll—” He exhales, smacking my ass in surrender. “Sure, I’ll take you out on our next day off.”
“You’re the best.” I kiss his face everywhere until he’s laughing.
Nose to nose, he levels me with a tender look. “And you don’t play fair, Angel.”
“Neither do you, Love.” I smoosh our lips together.
Before I can pull away, he sucks my lip and squeezes me tight. We’re wrapped around each other, mouths meshed, hands greedy, when Jayden joins, his arms circling us.
“What did I miss?” he asks, squeezing tighter.
“Elijah’s taking me out in the car tomorrow,” I say with a giggle as Eli digs his fingers into my sides.
Jayden barks a laugh. “He drives like an old man, and we’re taking off after lunch…”
“We’re starting slow. Twenty minutes… half-hour at most. And anyway, you drive with a death wish,” Elijah fires back, hitching me higher and tugging Jayden close.
“Let me remind you, Sweetheart—” My insides melt at his endearment for Elijah. “—my driving got us home in one piece last night. No thanks to you.”
Jayden tilts in, ghosting his lips over Elijah’s.
My heart jumps at the sight of them so close. My legs tighten around Elijah’s waist. Hot, greedy need throbbing in my core.
“No idea what you mean,” Elijah chuckles low, a slow, mischievous grin pulling at his lips.
Good God, my ovaries are about to explode with the flirting between the two of them.
“Later,” Jayden murmurs into Elijah’s ear, just loud enough for me. “I’m going to show you exactly what I mean.”
