Page 41 of Switch Hitter

I immediately let go of Emiliano’s hand like it burned me, and Emiliano’s fingers flex once, empty, but he doesn’t react.

He doesn’t look hurt.

Which somehow makes me feel worse.

Jackson’s eyes narrow at me, then soften slightly at Emiliano. Andres’ expression is unreadable. Gael just looks tired, like he already knows Kai’s about to run his mouth.

Kai points at Emiliano like he’s introducing him to the class. “Mets guy.”

“Coyotes psycho.” Emiliano points back.

Kai laughs, absolutely delighted. “I like you.”

“That’s unfortunate,” Emiliano replies.

Gael coughs to hide a laugh, and Andres’ mouth twitches.

Emiliano glances at me, then back at Kai. “I’m heading to the airport.”

Kai’s grin turns sharp. “You leaving already? Damn. We were gonna invite you to breakfast.”

“Yeah, I kind of have a flight back to Queens.”

Jackson steps forward slightly, his tone easy but protective. “You guys good?”

Emiliano nods once. “Yeah.” Then his eyes flick to me. “We’re good.”

“Yep,” I manage to choke out. “All good.”

Emiliano looks like he wants to say something else. Something softer. Something that might make me panic again. Instead, he steps closer and lowers his voice.

“Come here,” he murmurs, so only I can hear it.

Oh, fuck, are we going to do this right now? In front of everyone?

I hesitate, then I step in, because last night I said I wanted him, and I meant it. Emiliano cups my face with one hand, thumb brushing my cheek, and before my brain can talk me out of it, he kisses me.

In the lobby.

Not a filthy kiss. A soft, steady kiss that feels like a promise. My entire body goes hot and cold at the same time. Then he pulls back, forehead touching mine for half a second.

“I’m proud of you, Cobre,” he whispers, and then he turns like he’s not leaving pieces of me all over the tile floor.

He walks out the front doors like the world can’t touch him, toward the Uber waiting for him.

Then he’s gone, and I’m left standing there with my heart in my throat and four Coyotes staring at me like they just watched me commit a crime.

Kai is the first to speak, obviously. “What the fuck was that?” he says, eyes wide with glee.

Gael groans. “Kai.”

Kai ignores him. “Sean. You just got kissed in the lobby. Like he was your boyfriend.”

I glare. “Shut up.”

Jackson folds his arms, his expression soft but serious. “Did you want that?”

The question hits different coming from Jackson Baker. The man who used to be terrified of being seen and now lets Andres touch him like it’s normal.