False Start (Red Zone Rivals, #5)

by Kandi Steiner

“Take a nap. Take a shower, or hell, a bath — did you see that tub in there?” He grinned. “Drink your tea, enjoy some peace and quiet, and then you can face my crazy friends for a night.” He laughed with the joke, but I couldn’t even smile in response. My chest felt like it was going to explode. He was taking care of me. He was giving me something I hadn’t had in years — alone time, without pressure to take care of Sebastian or the house or work. My eyes pricked again, and this time I couldn’t blink, because I knew if I did, I’d set the tears free. Kyle leaned down, and with my breath still held captive in my throat, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. We both stilled. He froze like he didn’t actually mean to do that, but like he couldn’t help it. I kept still so my tears wouldn’t stream down my face. Kyle stood and cleared his throat. “See you in a bit,” he said, and then he rushed out the door like he was late. As soon as he was gone, I closed my eyes, two parallel rivers of tears staining my cheeks.