Page 8 of Holding You
I tug harder, backing up when suddenly, two big arms wrap around me to grab the rope where my hands are.
“Hey, what are you doing?” I snap, feeling Declan’s body press against my backside.
“I’m getting a better grip.” His breath skirts across the skin of my neck.
Goosebumps pepper over my entire body.
“You can’t just ... just …”
“Do you want to win or not?’ he says coolly into my ear.
“Of course. But you can’t just take over like this.”
“From the shouts behind us, it sounds like they are relying on me.”
“Well, back up and let me help,” I snap and then plant my feet and stick out my ass to make him back up.
He grunts, and suddenly, his right hand sweeps across my stomach to hold me in place.
“Careful, Ruby. If you keep backing up, I won’t be able to focus.”
“Real mature,” I comment just as Max and Susie scream, “Now!”
All the kids holding the rope let go.
It happens in a flash. The feeling of being pulled backward, losing my footing and falling, only to land with my butt in Declan’s lap.
His hands rest on either side of my hips.
“Shit,” he groans.
“Oh my God.” I roll off him. When I get to my knees, I find him lying flat on the ground.
I cringe. That had to hurt, but I quickly calm my expression, because this is still Declan and I don’t feel bad for him. Ever.
“If you hadn’t pulled so hard, this wouldn't have happened.”
He lets out a breath and then rises to a seated position, bringing his face close to mine.
“You’re welcome for the catch.”
“The catch?”
“Yeah, your ass is in my lap, so you didn’t hit the asphalt.”
I roll my eyes and stand. “You?—”
“We got you guys good!” Max cheers next to me, and then he and Susie give each other a high five.
“Want to come over later?” Susie asks, and the principal starts dismissing everyone as long as they have a parent.
Max’s big doe eyes stare up at me.
I can’t take it.
“Okay, but not all night.”
“Yes!” both kids cheer and race to the treats table.
