Page 87 of Wild About You
“Yes, you do.” He pulls me onto his lap so I’m straddling him. His lips hover over mine. “The best pep talks. I don’t know how I survived without them. I don’t know how I survived without you.”
The sincerity of his words strikes me and my heart squeezes. “I’m here now.”
When they return, Everly goes back upstairs after thanking Declan and he comes into the living room and takes a seat.
“I’m sorry. I really thought you knew. I didn’t mean to step on your toes. You can take over. She’s getting pretty good.”
“No.” Tyler shakes his head. “Unless it’s too much. You’ve already helped more than I could ever repay you.”
“Don’t even worry about it. It’s kind of fun. Your sister is a trip. Reminds me of myself at that age.” He stands. “I gotta get home and pack. See you in the morning.”
Tyler stands and they slap hands. “Thanks, man.”
Declan nods and starts toward the door. “Word of advice.”
Tyler waits for him to continue.
“Don’t buy your sister a sports car. She’s fearless.”
27
THAT HAS TO BE RIPE, BABY
TYLER
We’reon our second stop of the three-game road trip. I’m sharing a room with fellow rookie Johnny Maverick. He’s in the shower and I’m scrolling through Piper’s and my most recent texts when a new one pops up.
Good luck tonight. X
Instead of replying via text, I hit call.
“Hey,” she answers hesitantly. “I figured you’d be getting ready for the game.”
“We don’t leave for the arena for another hour. Most of the guys are napping.”
“Still hate naps, huh?” she asks.
“I always feel worse when I wake up.”
“You’re doing it all wrong.”
I crook a hand behind my head. “Well, feel free to come show me.”
“That sounds pretty great right now. I’m cleaning out my closet.Someonebought me a bunch of dresses and they’re making my old stuff look sad.”
I chuckle as I picture her face and the haughty smirk she’d be giving me if I were there. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
“What’s Everly up to? I texted her this morning, but she hasn’t replied.”
“I dropped her off at the school this morning. They have extra practices on Saturdays from now until the show.”
“Ah.” I close my eyes. “So, you’re home all alone?”
“Mm-hmmmm.” She draws out the word.
“What are you wearing?”
