Free Playing in Shadow by Lesley Davis Page B

ever-present cap on to cover up her scar and hide the roughly cut blond hair underneath. Deciding not to question Bryce’s actions, Scarlet just nodded and let Bryce lead the way.
    “Truth be told, I’ve worked up quite an appetite this morning. I don’t think my sandwiches would have been enough, so pizza is going to feed the beast quite nicely.”
    Bryce rubbed at her stomach, and Scarlet’s body pulsed at the action. It hadn’t been done to tantalize, but seeing Bryce touch herself, however innocently, turned Scarlet’s body into a raging mass of need.
    What is it about this woman that makes me want her so much?
    “By the way, thanks for singing to me all morning,” Bryce said as they climbed down the stairs and walked through the kitchen.
    Scarlet grinned, a little embarrassed. “Sorry. Was I that loud?”
    “Not at all.” Bryce smiled at her, and Scarlet was captivated by the shy look on her face. “It was a pleasure to hear. Though your choice of music is a little…different from what the guys sing along to.”
    “It’s an acquired taste I admit, but it soothes my soul.”
    Bryce held the door open for her. “I might have to give them a proper listen to sometime.”
    Bryce said the words so softly Scarlet barely caught them, but when she opened her mouth to answer, Monica’s voice was calling them over to get in quick before the others descended like seagulls. Scarlet wanted so badly to reach out and touch Bryce, but she didn’t know if the gesture would be to soothe Bryce or herself.

Chapter Seven

    Bright and early the next Saturday morning, Bryce arrived outside the address Juliet had given her. She had to admit, plastering a baby’s nursery was a far more productive way of spending her weekend than staring at her own four walls. She cast a curious eye over the house, wondering how much of it would reflect its owners.
    Trent opened the door to her knock, and Bryce got to see her close up. The first thing she noticed was that Trent was really tall. She had to tilt her head back to look into Trent’s eyes. Trent’s face was unsmiling, almost moody, but at the sound of Juliet’s voice from back inside the house, Bryce watched as Trent’s whole demeanor changed. The grin she favored Bryce with was full of a sincere warmth.
    “You’re Bryce?” Trent held out a hand.
    Bryce shook it. “I’m here to get your nursery ready for Scarlet’s paint job.”
    Trent ushered her inside. Juliet wandered out of the kitchen to greet her.
    “Trent is so excited with what Scarlet is going to do for the baby’s room. I don’t know who’ll spend the most time in the nursery, the baby or Trent.”
    Trent just laughed at her. “I’ve told you I’m more than ready to do above and beyond my fair share of diaper duties.” She snagged an arm around Juliet’s shoulders. “After all, you’re doing the hard part right now.”
    “I’d get that promise put in writing,” Bryce said with a smile. She’d gotten to spend time with Juliet and already liked her. Seeing her with Trent left Bryce in no doubt Juliet was loved and cared for.
    “Oh, I have it on good authority Trent is a wiz at changing diapers and powdering baby butts.”
    Trent explained. “My friend Elton’s family spawns at least one kid every year. You learn fast that, if you have a pair of hands, you’re going to end up with a baby at whatever family function you’re attending.”
    “And now you’re having your own.” Trent’s hand touched Juliet’s belly. The look they shared made Bryce oddly envious.
    “Would you like a drink?” Juliet asked, breaking Bryce from her thoughts.
    “I’d love some coffee.” Anything to keep me awake . “Scarlet said she’d dropped my tools off here for me?”
    Trent nodded. “They’re in the nursery waiting for you. Let me show you upstairs.”
    Bryce was surprised by the elaborate lock on an out of place reinforced door she walked past. She gave Trent a curious look. “Are you already making