Page 132 of What About Us

God, I love bread. And Cassie makes the best ever.

“You know that I’m not with you for the money,” I say. “But it’s not just that. I like to work. I’m good at it. There just aren’t any teams here that need a full-time physical therapist.”

“I’ve heard rumors that there might be a minor league baseball team coming into Bitterroot Valley in a couple of years,” he says and starts tapping on his phone. “Yep, says here that the stadium is breaking ground in the spring.”

“Where is it?” I ask him with a frown.

“I think they’re putting it on the edge of town out where that old sawmill used to be.”

“It’s been abandoned since before I was born. Time to put something there, I guess.” I take my last bite of food. “Too bad it isn’t hockey. You could coach there someday.”

He lifts an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything. He clears our plates away and then circles the island, and when he’s in front of me, he dusts his fingertips over my freckles.

“How about that bath?” he asks.

“That sounds really good.”

“Come here.” He lifts me again, and I stop him when we get to the stairs.

“I’ll walk up. I don’t want you to put too much pressure on the knee.”

He kisses me before setting me down. “So much for being romantic.”

“Are you kidding? You’re drawing me a bath.” I climb the stairs and feel his gaze behind me. “And you’re staring at my ass.”

“Of course I am. It’s right there.”

“Hard to miss,” I say with a laugh, and then we’re at the top of the stairs and he tosses me over his shoulder and smacks my ass. “Hey!”

“Say shit about the love of my life one more time, Red.”

“It’s a true statement. I have a peach ass.”

“And it’s one of my favorite things about you.”

I smirk when he sets me on my feet. “Whatever.”

“Strip.”

I lift an eyebrow. “Now you’re being romantic.”

Xander laughs, starts the water in the huge freestanding soaking tub, and then turns to me.

“Want help?” He looks eager for me to say yes, and it makes me smirk.

“If you help me, the water will be cold by the time I get in it.”

I back out of his reach and start to take off my green scrubs. When I’m down to just panties and a bra, his eyes darken and he licks his bottom lip.

“Christ, you’re fucking beautiful.”

“Aww.” I reach up and pat his cheek. “Thanks. Are you going to get naked and join me?”

“No.”

I stick my lower lip out in a pout, and it makes him laugh.

“Get in, wildcat.” He takes my hand and leads me to the tub, holding on as I step into the steamy water and lower myself in, letting out a groan. “Good? Not too hot?”