Page 218 of Zach
I reach down and pat Colton on the head. His short spiky hair feels weird. I don’t think I’ve ever
touched any of my brothers’ heads before. It’s a weirdly intimate thing. “That’s good news. Really.”
“Yeah,” he says with a sigh. “Your plan worked. He couldn’t imagine life outside of there. I think
he sees he might still have a future.” His hot breath wafts over my stomach, and I really want to get up
now. Colt must have the same idea, because he starts to roll away, then flashes back and blows a
massive wet raspberry on my stomach.
“Fucker! That is just wrong,” I yell as I flail, shoving him away. He rolls away with a giggle and
flops onto the mat, arms spread, a big smile on his face.
Chuckling, Ransom reaches over and slaps his foot. “We need to celebrate, man.”
Kade hoots and dives out of the ring. “I’ll send a group text. And I’m pretty sure we have a few
bottles left in here.”
37
MAYA
W here is he? Then man is usually always around, but today he’s vanished. Maybe I should be
grateful for that. I don’t really want him to come. No, it’s better I do this alone…well, not
alone. With Abby.
Abby. Not Abigail. I’ve been using her nickname for the last few weeks, and it finally rolls off my
tongue. And every time I use it, she smiles. It feels like we’re part of a secret club. Course, there’s no
shortening Maya. But maybe she can call me M or something. I think I’d like that.
“Ready for this?”
I shoot her a look, and she shakes her head. “I know. But this partnership is good for the company.
You said I could take some initiative, and I know how much you love causes like this.”
“Yeah, I do. But I don’t think I’m ready for it.” My hands are sweaty. I wipe them down the side
of my pants.
Abby’s face gentles, and she puts her hand on my arm. “Maybe you’re not ready. But I’m not sure
you ever will be. Today really is about supporting them. You don’t have to do anything but smile and
hand over a check.”
“Smile, and hand over a check. I can probably do that.” I can put on a happy face and pretend
we’re somewhere else.
I snort out a laugh, because no, I can’t. There’s no way that will work. But I recognize that look on
