Beyond the Play (Out of Reach 3)

“Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” she teases.

“Hush. It was a dance. We got caught up in the moment. It was nothing.”

“Looks like something,” Peyton retorts.

“I need to shower so I can pick you up. I’ll talk to you soon.” At this, my sister howls with laughter.

“Fine. Pretend it didn’t happen. I’ll get it out of you. See you soon, Parker,” she says before ending the call.

I fight myself for about two seconds before I open her message and look at the picture she sent. It’s of Holden and me on the dance floor. Our bodies are molded together. His hands are resting just above my ass, dangerously low, and my hands are wrapped around his neck. His head is tilted toward mine, and I’m staring at him like he’s the best thing since sliced bread. You can see and even feel the chemistry sparking between us in the picture. I might not be willing to be the next notch on his bedpost, but even I can admit that we look hot together.

I stare at the picture for far too long before getting the courage to hit the delete button. After giving Holden Bailey enough of my thoughts since last night, I refuse to give him more.

Tossing my phone on the bed, I huff out a breath and throw off the covers. Time to get my tired ass moving. I spent way too much time not only thinking but dreaming of Holden Bailey last night. He doesn’t get my daytime thoughts too.

Thankfully, Peyton was on a call the entire ride to Mom and Dad’s. Something about a project for poli-sci, and she’s been trying to connect with her partner for a few days. I send up a silent thank-you to whoever happens to be looking out for me. I wasn’t ready, and I don’t think I will ever be ready to talk about Holden and last night.

“Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook,” Peyton whispers, just as we’re walking into the house.

I ignore her and make my way to the kitchen. My nephew, Jett, spots me right away and gives me a big grin. “Pawker!” he cheers.

“Hey, buddy.” I try to take him from Cameron, but he’s not having it. He circles his arms around his daddy’s neck, and Cameron grins, snuggling him close. “You missed Daddy, huh?” I push his hair back out of his eyes.

“Pey!” Jett exclaims, still holding on to his dad.

“Jettster.” Peyton offers him her fist, and he bumps his tiny one into hers.

“Whatever we’re eating smells delicious.”

“Nothing fancy. Just chicken alfredo, salad, and rolls,” Mom says, pulling me into a one-armed hug. “You too.” She points at Peyton when she releases me.

“Duchess.” Dad opens his arms for me, and I don’t hesitate to hug him tight. “You don’t come home enough.”

“Dad, I’m here once a week. Minimum.”

“That’s not enough,” he says as he shifts his stance and opens his other arm for Peyton. “Lady,” he says. I can hear the smile and affection in his voice.

“Let’s eat,” Mom announces.

“You heard my queen.” Dad releases us. Walking to stand behind Mom, he places his hands on her hips and kisses her neck.

You’d think we’d be grossed out by it, but it’s the opposite. My sisters and I grew up watching my dad show our mom and us what love is. I’ll never settle for anything less. I want that kind of love in my life. A man who looks at me like my father looks at my mother. A man who loves me the way Cameron loves my sister. Soul deep and never-ending. That’s what I’m holding out for.

Once we’re all seated and have our plates full, Paisley clears her throat. “Since we’re all here,” she says, smiling at each of us before she turns her eyes to her husband. It’s the look they share that tells me I already have a good idea of why she was so insistent we all be here. I watch as Cameron slides his hand behind her neck and places a soft kiss against her lips. “Cam and I have something to say.”

“We’re pregnant!” Cam announces. Paisley begins to laugh at her husband, and he shrugs. “I couldn’t hold it in any longer,” he defends himself.

We’re all on our feet and congratulating the happy couple. Jett doesn’t really know what’s going on, but he’s smiling and clapping and accepts a hug from each of us. He’s soaking up all the love he can get. He’s a smart one, my nephew.

For the rest of the night, we talk about the new baby as we all take a guess at the gender. It’s the perfect night, and I couldn’t be happier for Paisley and Cameron. I also can’t help but think that these moments, they’re what I crave. Nights like tonight are why I can’t risk my heart to a man like Holden Bailey. He’s in the game for the play, for a good time, and me, well, I’m the girl who wants what goes beyond the play. I want forever.