Billie giggles, stepping onto the rug with a dramatic flourish, like he’s about to perform for a crowd.
“Deal, Daddy,” Billie says. “Watch and learn.”
He starts with a series of stretches, some yoga-inspired poses that show off his flexibility, others clearly from his dance warm-ups, all fluid grace and confidence.
“This one’s called the dancer’s lunge,” he continues, sinking into a deep stretch, his leg extended behind him, his body lithe and strong. “Try it.”
I follow along, grumbling for effect about how I’d rather be lifting weights, but his laughter’s infectious, and soon I’m mimicking his moves, feeling like a clumsy bear next to him.
Billie guides me through a hip opener, his hands brushing my arm to adjust my form, and I’m struck by how natural this feels—him teaching me, us laughing together, the cabin shutting out the world.
“Not bad for an old man,” Billie teases, sticking out his tongue, and I fake a growl, lunging at him playfully.
Billie squeals, dodging me, and we end up in a mock wrestling match, him giggling as I pin him gently to the rug.
“Okay, okay, I give!” Billie laughs, his eyes bright, his cheeks flushed. “You’re notthatold, Daddy.”
“Damn right,” I say, letting him up, my heart lighter than it’s been since Cole’s message.
This boy—he’s my reason to keep fighting, to take down Trent and whatever he’s planning.
I’ll make these last days count, for him, for us, no matter what’s coming.
And if Billie thinks I’m not about to pick him up and pin him down again for round two, then he’s got another thing coming…
Chapter 17
Billie
I’m still buzzing from our impromptu yoga lesson, my cheeks flushed from the mock wrestling match that ended with Max pinning me to the rug, his playful growl making my heart race like I’m on stage under a thousand lights.
The heat was well and truly there between us.
And if it hadn’t been for Max’s typical Guard discipline and sense of responsibility, I think things would have gone a whole lot further.
Sigh.
It’s not all bad though…
The cabin’s warm, the fire crackling softly, and I’m practically vibrating with energy, my body and mind alive from his touch, his laughter, the way he called me Little One.
I’m sprawled on the couch, Felix snuggled in my lap, when Max looks over from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel, his blue eyes sparkling with that mix of stern Daddy and soft warmth that makes my tummy do flips.
“Hey, Little One,” Max says, his voice deep and warm but with that commanding edge. “How about another trip to town? We need fresh supplies, and I’m thinking we hit a diner for some breakfast. Sound good?
I sit up so fast Felix nearly tumbles off my lap, my eyes wide with excitement.
“A diner? Oh my gosh, yes!” I’m practically bouncing, the idea of getting out again, of more time with Max away from the cabin’s four walls, making me giddy. “Can we get pancakes or something?Pweeease, Daddy?”
I flash him my best puppy-dog eyes, the ones I know he can’t resist when I’m in full Little mode.
Daddy chuckles, shaking his head, but there’s a smile tugging at his lips.
“We’ll see, but you’ve gotta keep a low profile again,” Like warns. “Hat low, collar up, no Billie B antics. Got it?”
His tone’s serious, and I know he’s thinking about whatever danger he’s shielding me from—stuff he won’t spill about, like that file I found, or the way his jaw gets tight when he checks his phone. But I trust him, more than I’ve ever trusted anyone, so I nod, my grin wide as I bounce on the couch.
“Got it, Daddy. I’ll be super sneaky, like a ninja!” I wink, throwing in a little sass, and he rolls his eyes, but that smile’s still there, softening his gruff edges. “Can I ride solo on the snow-ski this time? Come on! I was so good yesterday!”
