Page 102 of Fighting Chance

My lupus is here to stay.

Bella falls quiet for a moment, letting my words hang heavy in the air before she whispers, “I think you’re underestimating him.”

“And I think that us having fun with no-strings-attached is the best option for all parties involved.” I lower my voice so Emmy doesn’t hear me where she’s playing on the swing set. “I’m tired of being a virgin. And I don’t find any of the guys I’ve seen attractive, let alone have felt comfortable enough with them to go all the way. I trust Kieran and he clearly knows what he’s doing.”

“At the end of the day you’re both adults and can do whatever you want, and I’ll support you every step of the way. I’m just worried someone is going to get hurt.”

I’d rather crash and burn than to never live at all, I want to say.But I don’t think she’d understand that. Most people wouldn’t, only those who have had to live a shell of a life for a long period of time, so instead I add, “Hence the no strings.”

“I’m not worried you’re the one who’s going to?—”

I don’t hear the rest of what Bella says because suddenly the front door is opening. Snapping upright, I whisper, “He’s back, I have to go. I’ll see you soon?”

“Of course, have fun tonight, Lil. I love you, and be careful.”

“Always,” I say right before ending the call.

Perfect timing too, because Allie Crawford comes barreling into the backyard grinning from ear to ear. “Where’s my gorgeous grandbaby?”

I can’t help but mirror Allie’s smile as Emmy jumps from her spot and runs directly for Grayson’s mom. They collide, Allie scooping her up right, just as Kieran walks outside.

I stop dead in my tracks, my stomach heating. Kieran is wearing a tight-fitted deep navy shirt, the fabric clinging to his frame and accentuating his muscles, and I’m not sure what I should do—hide my blush, swallow my sudden drool, or avert my eyes because I can’t stop staring.

I can’t believe we’re doing this.

As I force my eyes away, I find a lopsided grin playing along Kieran’s face, his own eyes sparkling as our gazes collide and hold. A million words pass between us, the energy suddenly crackling with such intensity I’m worried lightning’s about to strike.

Kieran’s rough voice sends a shiver down my spine.

“Ready, sunshine?”

Climbing the stairs on shaky legs, I blow out a breath and whisper, “As I’ll ever be.”

“My mom texted that she’s on her way over to the house,” I announce, reading the text from the passenger seat of his truck. “Which, by the way, thank you. I can’t remember the last time I saw her so excited.”

Kieran smiles at me, one hand resting on the steering wheel as the other remains on the gear shift, the heat from his hand scorching my thigh despite no contact.

“Are you kidding? I need to thank her. Did you see how happy Emmy was when I showed her the toys your mom gave her? She deserves to be loved on.”

My smile is borderline whimsical. “That she does.”

“Your mom is a sweetheart. I can see where you get your personality from.”

“You think?”

“Oh yeah. Both of you are kind and caring but have this smart attitude with the right people.”

“Right people.” Clicking my tongue, I roll my head to face him. “You seem to be the only person who pushes my buttons enough to seethatside.”

Kieran’s hand flexes on the wheel before he winks. “And aren’t I lucky for it.”

His lips twitch as he refocuses on the road, allowing me to wipe my clammy hands down my white, blue-flowered dress without him seeing.

“Any chance you’ll tell me where we’re off to now?”

“Nope,” he drawls lazily.