Relapse

“Bitch,” I mutter under my breath as I guide Lilly to the bleachers. We take a seat and she laughs as she pulls at the leash that’s still in my hand. “I’m glad that you find imprisonment funny, but take it from me, it ain’t fun when you’re in a six by eight and have to piss in front of the other inmates.”

“You’re right, that doesn’t sound fun at all.”

Oh shit.I blink, my heart skipping a beat when my eyes lock with ocean blue ones. It’s cruel luck that he was passing by just as I was going on my little tirade.

Nathan stares down at me, his arms folded over his chest as a grin pulls at his lips.

I clear my throat, running a hand through my hair. “Oh, um… I wish I could say I was joking.”

Fuck me, that’s what you say to diffuse the tension?

Nathan lets out a laugh and I can’t help but to match it as I feel my cheeks heat. I place a hand to my forehead. “I guess I should filter my thoughts better in public… my sister always used to say that I don’t have one, but I’m sure somebody installed it somewhere when they were making me.” My heart pulls slightly at the mention of my sister but I ignore it.

Nathan pulls his lips together, suppressing a grin. He’s wearing a pair of loose sweat pants and a tight white tee, his usual practice wear. His dark hair is neatly styled and crinkles form at the corner of his eyes when he finally stops trying to suppress the smile.

“It’s okay, I know a couple of others without filters, and they’re my favorite people.” His gaze holds mine briefly before he looks at Lilly. “Hey there, how are you today?” he asks.

Lilly only laughs and holds her hands out to be picked up.

Jesus, does she take to all strangers this easily.

Technically, he isn’t a stranger anymore.

But I still don’t know much about the man, so I keep an eye on him as he hoists Lilly into the air. I let go of her leash. He tickles her and she giggles. “You’re just the sweetest,” he says to her and she gibbers something back. “I’m starting to think that we’re best friends, it’s too bad that I don’t know your name.” This time he turns his head, looking at me pointedly.

I let out a soft laugh, pushing stray curls out of my face. “I guess you should know the name of the person that broke into your home and ate your strawberries.”

“It’s only fair.”

“Her name is Lilly.”

“A lovely name for a lovely girl,” he says with a smile. He places her back on the bench next to me. “I have to get over to the field before the boys become too rowdy but I’ll be sure to come tell my new best friend goodbye when practice is over.” There’s a twinkle in his eye and I have a feeling that coming over to tell Lilly goodbye isn’t the only reason he’ll be coming over.

“Nathan!” A deep voice calls over and I have to do a double take when I find Chase standing in the middle of the field with the group of kids. There’s a baseball cap sitting on his head and his usual police uniform is missing, replaced by a pair of basketball shorts and black tee shirt. This is the first time I’ve seen him at practice, a different man typically helping Nathan.

“Coming!” Nathan yells before giving me one last smile and moving over to the field.

“Two pieces of eye candy this week, my goodness, there is a lord somewhere.” I turn my head to find Jamille approaching. She has on a pair of jeans and t-shirt but I don’t miss the fancy, black heels that she’s sporting and has somehow managed to make it look casual.

“You look cute today.”

“Girl, I look cute every day.” A wide grin pulls over her face as she plops down next to me. She places her big purse on the other side of her and pulls out a bottle of coke from it. Sweat beads down the side of the plastic and there’s a slight fizzle as she twists the top off.

“Coke addiction?”

“Only the healthy one.”

I shake my head, deciding to pick at her. “Still isn’t good for you.”

“Sure, but it’s better than the one you snort.”

I don’t argue with that as I laugh. Jamille is quickly becoming a friend and I love the joy that seems to beam around her. She reminds me a lot of my sister, except maybe a bit more… inappropriate. “That man has the nicest ass,” she says as she leans forward, her eyes on Nathan’s back side.

“I can’t argue with you.”

“And fuck, you can’t leave Chase out. He comes into the coffee shop every now and then, dressed to the tee in that uniform. It always takes me a while to recover after he leaves… and usually a swap of panties.”

The laugh sneaks up on me this time. “Oh my god!”