Page 64 of Face Off

As if I wasn’t aware of that. “Yeah, and?”

“And a twenty-four-hour pawn shop.”

Another detail I chose not to think about.

“I’m not trying to demean what you have. I’m not saying this to shame you.” He looked around. “You’ve clearly worked hard to make it as nice and homey as possible, but you deserve so much better.”

I blinked up at him. “Life can be unfair sometimes.”

He huffed. “I know. I just …” He sighed and shook his head before stepping closer to me. “I just wish I could do more. That’s what I want to do.” He hesitated. “I want to help women, people, in your situation. I think when I’m done playing, I want to work on that.”

I froze as he moved in front of me, putting his hands on the counter on either side of me.

“Because you deserve the world. You and Sadie.” His eyes were boring into me. “If you guys were mine, I’d give you everything.”

My throat constricted, but I gathered my courage. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“Why not?” His voice was low, full of hope. Desire.

“It might give people the wrong idea.”

“And would that be a problem?”

I nodded. “It might give people hope.”

“For?” He was inches away now.

“For more.”

“Is that what you want?” he asked with his breath against my cheek.

Be brave, Holly. “Yes.”

His lips lowered to mine and warmth spread through my body. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he moved his hands around my waist.

This was too perfect. Too right.

Too good to be true.

22

Mikey

I drummed my thumbs on my thighs, waiting for Holly’s car to pull into the preschool lot. She didn’t know I was going to be here, and I wasn't sure what her reaction would be. Was it too much too soon?

Yesterday had been perfect. Far better than I could have dreamed, and that was before the kiss that changed my world.

She let me in. She let me help her. It had to be hard to set aside her pride and allow me to do something she wasn’t currently able to do. I tried to make it as easy and painless as possible, letting Sadie make all the choices so she didn’t have to.

It was during one of my debates with Sadie over flavors of yogurt that Sadie mentioned today was special at school. She also said she was sad because she didn’t have anything to bring.

That’s where I came in.

Finally, I spotted Holly’s car and waited until she had Sadie out before picking up the heavy duffel I’d packed and met them at the front doors.

“Mikey!” Sadie ran to me with her arms out. I picked her up and gave her a hug.

Holly looked between us with a faint smile. “What’s going on?”