Page 63 of On Her Team
“You’re incorrigible.”
“I’m committed to my cause.”
It’s tempting to give in and enjoy ourselves until the end of the summer. But friends with benefits is a recipe for disaster. One night and I can keep my heart safe. More nights together will have me falling for this man who’s unlike any man I’ve met before.
My phone beeps with another message and I swear under my breath.
Gage takes my coffee. “You better check it. It’s been going crazy beeping.”
I read the message and my eyes nearly bug out. “I really need to go.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Family stuff.”
Gage blocks my exit. “I can help. I want to help.”
I blow out a breath. “Are you a policeman?” He shakes his head. “Then, you can’t help.”
I try to walk around him but he shackles my wrist. “What’s happening?”
I grit my teeth. It’s none of his business. But I know the stubborn look in his eyes. He’s not caving anytime soon. And I seriously need to leave. Now.
“I don’t know exactly. Penelope messaged that Otis is gone. He was gone this morning when she woke up at five to check on her experiment.” Which is a whole other problem I don’t want to think about now. There’s a reason my sister has been banned from conducting experiments in or near the house.
Gage slips his shoes on. “Let’s go.”
“You don’t need to come with me.”
“I know I don’t. I know you can handle this on your own. You can do anything you set your mind to on your own. But you’re not on your own.”
I nearly melt into a puddle of goo on his floor at those words. I’ve been alone for such a long time. No one helps me out. Not Mom. Not my siblings. I’m the person who helps everyone else out.
“I…”
Luckily for me, my phone rings before I manage to speak. Who knows what stupid shit I would have said?
“Speaker,” Gage demands and I nod.
“This is the Smuggler’s Hideaway jail. Will you accept a collect call?”
“Yes!” I practically shout.
“Addy?” Otis sounds scared. My knees wobble, but Gage steadies me with a hand on my back before I can collapse.
“What’s going on, Otis? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but I need someone to bail me out.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Don’t tell Mom.”
“You know the deal, Otis-bug. As long as the police, fire department, or lawyers aren’t involved, it’s between us. In all other cases, Mom needs to know.”
“I know, but…” He groans. “Never mind. See you soon.”
“Love you, Otis,” I answer but he already hung up.
