Free Grinder (Seattle Sharks Book 1) by Samantha Whiskey Page A

shy smile with one of my own. Shit had been off with us this last week, more awkward than we’d ever been with each other, and I knew it was because of that kiss.
    That hot, perfect, taste of her.
    Damn, I wanted more.
    “Where is he supposed to go?” Mom asked the guys, snapping me out of my stare-fest with Bailey.
    “We always go out for drinks the night of the opener,” Warren explained.
    “Tonight is Bailey’s night off,” I countered. I never left her with random sitters, and they knew it. No Bailey, no going out. Period.
    “Well, then it’s a good thing there’s plenty of room at grandma’s,” Mom said, holding her arms out for Lettie. “What do you say, Scarlett? Want to come have a sleepover with Grammy?”
    “Yes!” She shouted, lunging out of my arms. Mom caught her easily and kissed her forehead.
    “Good!”
    “Can we watch Music movie? Please?” Lettie turned those eyes on Mom and she melted.
    “You’re still into the Sound of Music?” she asked.
    Lettie nodded seriously. “The hills are alive, Grammy.”
    I smiled as Bailey laughed, her hand lightly touching my arm. This was what family was supposed to be, sharing these moments, the happiness after a victory, the joy of watching Lettie grow.
    It was wrong to picture Bailey in that role—especially when I knew she’d inevitably leave to start her own family, her own life—but I couldn’t help it. Everything was easy, happy, and that feeling was intoxicating—addictive.
    “Then it’s settled,” Warren said, slapping me on the back. “We’ll see you later, my man.”
    We said our goodbyes and headed to the parking lot. Bailey handed over her keys to Mom since she had Lettie’s car seat and she’d driven Mom here anyway, and I kissed Lettie goodbye.
    “You be good for Grammy, okay?”
    “Always,” she answered with an impy grin.
    “I love you,” I said, as I hugged her tiny body tight and let her go.
    “Love you!” She said before running over to Bailey. “Love you, too!”
    Bailey dropped to her knees and hugged Lettie. “I love you, tons and bunches.”
    “Let’s go, kiddo,” Mom said as she buckled Lettie into her seat. The door shut with a resounding thud, and though I knew it was Mom taking her, a stab of nervousness still hit me.
    “You sure you don’t want me to bring you a bag for her or anything?” I asked.
    “Of course not,” Mom said right before she kissed my cheek. “I love taking her shopping. Now go enjoy yourself, Gage. You need the downtime.”
    “Thanks, Mom.”
    Her eyes darted over to where Bailey was occupied making faces at Lettie through the window. “She’s good for you.”
    “Mom,” I warned quietly so Bailey wouldn’t hear.
    “You deserve happiness, Gage. Don’t shun it out of fear. She’s not Helen.”
    I stiffened at her name. “It’s complicated.”
    She gave me the mom look.
    “That’s only because you complicate it.” She kissed my cheek again and then patted it like I was ten. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    My heart clenched as they drove off, and Bailey laid her hand on my arm. “Ready to head home?”
    I looked down into those gorgeous eyes as the word “home” resonated through me. “Yeah,” I answered, my voice low. My gaze dropped to her parted lips. It would be so easy to close the distance between us and kiss her. God knew that I loved the way she tasted, the way she fit against me.
    In that moment I realized how great it was to love her as one of my best friends...and how easily I could fall in love with her as so much more. Because you’re not already screwed enough as it is.
    “Gage?” her eyes widened and she leaned forward slightly as if she didn’t realize it—as if she was drawn to me as magnetically as I was her.
    Maybe Mom was right and I deserved happiness...maybe Bailey wouldn’t leave. Maybe she’d be the one who stayed. But I also knew the one thing she wanted out of her life—kids—was the one thing I wasn’t ever going to have any