Page 49 of Faron (The Golden Team #8)

Blue

“ S o this is your home,” I said, taking in the ocean view. “You live on the beach, and yet you’ve been staying at my place in the city. And let’s be honest—it’s not exactly the safest part of the city.”

Faron shrugged like it didn’t matter. “Where you are is where I’m staying. Doesn’t matter what the roof looks like. I lived on the reservation in Texas most of my life. I’m used to doing without.”

“That’s right,” I said softly. “Did you ever find your sister?”

He shook his head. “No. I still have someone looking for her. When my mother left, Aponi was six. I’m sure she changed her name.

We were close, but… my mother probably told her we were dead or something.

My mom hated the reservation. Begged my dad to leave.

But he couldn’t—he was the one everyone depended on. ”

“That’s terrifying. To just have your whole identity wiped like that… your name, your life. But I bet she remembers you. I mean, how could anyone forget you?”

“You’re only saying that because you love me.”

“No,” I said, stepping closer. “I thought it before I fell in love with you.”

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close until there wasn’t space for air between us. “When did you fall in love with me?”

“Eight years ago,” I whispered. “When I saw you running across that open field to rescue a child from stepping on a bomb.”

He smiled. “I fell for you the moment you poured a bowl of soup over that general’s head.”

I laughed. “He deserved it. Tried to get me dishonorably discharged, too. But everyone saw what he did—so guess who ended up getting his transfer denied?”

He tilted his head. “You didn’t even know me.”

“I knew you,” he said. “I’d been watching you since the day you arrived. Just waiting for the right moment to talk to you.”

“The right moment was when I was puking outside the mess hall?”

He chuckled. “You’d eaten something bad. I picked you up and carried you to your bunk. And that was it. Head over heels. Vomit and all.”

“Damn, Lightfoot… you’re gonna make me cry.”

He grinned. “I plan on making you do a lot more than cry. I’m going to make you scream.”

He scooped me up and carried me to the bedroom. We were naked in seconds.

“Did you lock the door?” I asked, breathless.

“Hang on.” He darted out—then jumped back onto the bed.

Bear barked from the hallway.

“Damn. Hang on again.”

Bear bolted into the room first and beat Faron to the bed, shaking water everywhere. I laughed so hard I couldn’t stop.

Faron grabbed my hand, dragging us both into the bathroom, starting the shower. “He can’t come in here. It’s just you and me, baby. Now I’m going to make you scream my name.”

I didn’t even let him finish before I was already begging for more.

We made love in the shower. On the counter. Then again in the tub with the jets on full blast.

Afterward, we stripped the soaked bed, laughing as Bear kept jumping on the blankets like it was a game. Then came the knock at the door.

River and Kat walked in, kids in tow, all smiles.

“We’ve got great news!” Kat said.

“Oh yeah?” I asked, tugging the blanket around me tighter.

“Three more doctors are volunteering to work at your clinic. Plus, we’re expanding the facility starting tomorrow. A contractor’s offered to donate all the labor and materials for free.”

“What?! Oh my God, I’m gonna cry,” I said, blinking fast. “We’ll be able to help so many more people now… I don’t even know how to thank you. I love you guys.”

“I love you too,” one of the twins piped up.

We all laughed.

“Dinner’s at our place,” Kat added. “Gage is making tacos.”

I looked at Faron.

He smirked. “Maybe another time. I want some more alone time with Blue before we go back.”

River gave him a knowing look. “Fair enough. Come on, kids—say goodbye.”

“Bye!” the twins chorused.