“But not since we’ve left New York.” It’s a statement. Not a question.
“Of course not. When exactly would I have been able to do that?”
“Exactly. Which is why you are going to go out to the festivaltonight and find you a piece of ass.”
“Cami!” I hiss, pointing to Lyra. “Little ears.”
“Crap,” she has the decency to look ashamed. “I forgot she was here.I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so quiet.”
“Which means she’s probably listening.” I look over tofind her still intently focused on her picture, but I have learned that kid’s nuances. Shemay be focused on her picture, but those ears never stop working.“I’ve been working with heron tracing lines. The worksheets keep her busy for hours, and she loves the coloring pages I’ve printed.”
“Isn’t she a little young for that?” Josephine asks.
My heart stutters, looking at the little towhead princess with hercurls up in two ponytails.She is so engrossed in the pages. I love how eager she is to always learn. “No. She’s not too young. She’s really smart too.”
I beam with pride over how much she’s learned in just a few weeks. She absorbs everything like a spongeand loves every minute of it.
“You’re falling for her.”Josephine smiles sweetly at me.
“That probably makes me very stupid, huh?”
“Maybe not, but what about her dad?” Josephine asks casually
Her casual tone doesn’t stop me from choking for the second time in a few minutes. “What about him?”
Both of their eyes light up like a dog with a brand new bone that it plans on chewing until it gets to themarrow. I manage to contain a groan at their excitement. Barely.
“That reaction actually said more than enough.” Cami turns her drink up casually,but she’s not fooling me. She is about to analyze everything I say and do.
I feel the panic rising. I managed to avoid him since I hauled ass off that bus. Well, except for those few minutes when he found me with Maddox and Ryder.I still have weeks of this tour left. It’s not a good sign that I don’t want to be anywhere near that bus.
And I want to be right there on that bus. That’s the thought that makes me panic more.
“Are you falling for Jake?” Josephinegives me soft, warm eyes of understanding. She doesn’t understand,though. She couldn’t possibly understand.
She doesn’t understand how utterly broken I am. She hasn’t seen how I manage to hurt those I care about most with my reckless, foolish decisions. Shedoesn’t know how I mess up everything.
Jake definitely feels something for me. I’m not sure why now all of a sudden,but it doesn’t matter.I am not good for anyone,much less a single dad with a tiny little girl to think of. Yes, I may be her nanny, and I intend to protect her and makesure she is cared for. ButI can’t be a permanent fixture in her life. I would only cause her pain.
Besides, if he knew the truth, he wouldn’t want me anyway. Maybe that’s what I need to do. Tell him the deep, dirty secrets I’ve never told anyone, so he could see how toxic I really am.
“Absolutely not,” I answer Josephine with conviction.I’m relievedthere’s not a hint of alie in my voice. Even if doubt niggles my stomach.
“Jake is a good guy, you know?” Cami blows her wetfingernails while never taking her eye off me. “And he’s sexy as sin.”
“Throw in that daddy stuff, and he’s a walking lady boner,” Josephine adds.
“How would his two best friends like to know their women are checking him out.” My brows raise inachallenge, hoping it will get them to change the subject. It doesn’t, of course.
“Angel would get all growly and possessive and fuck me until I begged for mercy,” Josephine whispers, so the little ears don’t hear.“It’s not my fault watching Jake with Lyra is so damn hot.”
“Do not project your baby fever on her,” Cami taunts.“Though, it’s not a lie. Something about a man with a kid is just panty-melting. Every time I see Dane with her or Dax, my ovaries sing.”
“Ahh! NO!” I cover my ears. “No. I do notwant to hear about my brother making your ovaries sing. And I do not have feelings for Jake. At all.”
“Pity,” Cami sighs. “You wouldn’t have to look very far to get laid.”
I fight the blush that starts warming my face as I recall whatalmosthappened last night. My thighs clench at the thought of his finger running through my dripping sex and his mouth on my begging nipple. I am so glad he stopped it.
