The door opens, and Bones slips in. Sky’s eyes widen as he slumps back, his eyes big and sad. “Baby, I lost.”
Bones hurries over, sparing us a look as he grips Skylar’s face. “You were third. You didn’t lose. Stop pretending.”
“Baby, I’m really sad,” Sky insists.
Bones’s eyes narrow as he stands above him, his arms crossed. “You’re playing me.”
“Maybe, or maybe I’m really sad and you don’t care.” Skylar sighs. “I think you should look after me.”
Bones looks at us, his eyes narrowing further before he grumbles. He lowers his arms, and his face heats as he leans down, kissing Sky’s cheeks. “Okay. You did so well. I’m proud of you.” His voice is soft and higher. “I’m so lucky to have you. Don’t be sad. Your baby is here, okay?”
Skylar smiles, but he tries to conceal it, and Mackie hides his face in my neck as he shakes with laughter.
Bones tosses us a glare. “If you ever speak of this, I’ll murder both of you,” he snarls before kneeling, his expression softening. “Don’t be sad anymore. Come on, you’re making your baby worry.”
“Do you know what would make it better?” Skylar sighs, looking so downtrodden, it’s hard not to believe him.
“What? Tell me,” Bones replies, comforting him.
“If you were to wear that nurse outfit tonight,” Skylar replies.
“Bastard,” Bones grumbles. “Fine. Deal.”
Skylar gets to his feet, throwing his clothes on and grabbing Bones’s hand, grinning. “Bye, losers!” He drags Bones out as he glares at Skylar.
“They are so weird,” I mutter as Mackie lifts his face. My own softens, and I cup his cheeks. “Don’t tell me my baby is sad too. I won’t be doing that shit.”
“I don’t know . . . you in a pilot or police costume would be hot,” he teases, sliding his hands up my shoulders. He loops his arms around my neck.
“Not a chance,” I warn, my eyes narrowed.
“Conan would,” he retorts, and I glare. He smiles,knowing he got me.
“I am not wearing a hat,” I state, and he laughs as he kisses me then leaps up to get dressed.
“We both know you will,” he says, looking at me over his shoulder with a wicked smile. Damn, I hate that he’s right.
One look is all it takes, and I’d do anything to see him smile. Maybe I understand Skylar and Bones a little more.
Love makes you crazy.
FIFTY-EIGHT
Skylar and I train and push ourselves harder than ever before. We know why we lost last time, but neither of us want to let it happen again. We had our little pity party, but then we got straight back into it like Noah said. We know Amanda and Orson’s games now, and we won’t hold back.
Leaning against my car, I pull my sunglasses down while we take a break. Skylar leans into his, watching me, his demeanor serious for once.
“I didn’t like losing,” he declares.
“Neither did I,” I reply.
“I’ve never lost before. It’s a strange feeling, but all we can do is try harder, so next time, I’m not pulling back, no matter what Noah orders. I won’t ask you to do the same,” he says.
“I won’t either.” His eyes widen. “I’m winning, no matter what it takes and no matter what Noah says. He’s protective and wouldn’t risk us, but it’s my life to risk. I knew it the moment I sat in my first car. I won’t be stupid, but I’m not giving up or backing down. Not this time. We’re going to win.” I reach out, and Skylar grins as he claps his hand to mine and tugs me into a hug.
“To winning.”
“Let’s show them who we are.” I grin as I pull away.
