Page 118 of Make Me Yours

There’s a piece of me that knows this friends-with-benefits thing is temporary. That the clock is ticking on whatever it is we’ve become. But there’s another part, one that’s growing louder, that wonders what would happen if I stopped fightingthe truth and let myself fall completely.

Rina nudges me gently with her foot. “You’re quiet.”

I blink, realizing everyone’s watching me. “Just thinking.”

Callie gives me a knowing smile. “About a certain protective center with broad shoulders and golden retriever vibes?”

With a groan, I toss a pillow at her. “Maybe.”

They crack up. It feels amazing to be surrounded by people who really know me, and still choose to stay.

No matter what happens with Steele, I’m grateful for that.

Callie shifts in her seat, trailing her finger along the rim of her wine glass. The easy mood evaporates in an instant.

I frown. “Are you okay?”

She exhales and stares down at her drink. “Yeah. Have you seen the latest about Zane?”

Rina’s face twists in disgust. “Unfortunately. That man’s a walking PR nightmare. And I should know since I’m the one who always has to deal with the fallout.”

Callie’s mouth presses into a tight line. “He and his new girlfriend were all over each other at the gala last week. They couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. She’s barely twenty-one and already chasing every camera she can find.”

Sloane leans forward, her expression sharp. “You and Nora deserve so much better than to be dragged into his circus.”

Callie swallows hard, her fingers tightening around her glass. “It’s not about who he dates. I don’t care about that. It’s just…” Her voice falters, and for the first time tonight, real fear leaps to life in her eyes. “What if he gets serious? What if he marries her and decides he wants to play the family man? What if he tries to take Nora?”

Silence falls over us.

Rina is the first to shake her head. “No way. Not a chance.”

Sloane’s eyes flash. “Zane’s not interested in being a father. He’s interested in being famous. That’s it.”

“But people change,” Callie whispers. “What if he decides he wants custody just to look good for the cameras? What if he uses her as a prop to clean up his image?”

I reach for her hand and squeeze it tightly. “You are Nora’s home, Callie. Her safe place. Anyone with eyes can see that.”

“She’s right,” Rina says fiercely. “Judges don’t just hand over custody to absentee fathers with reality TV dreams. Zane’s record speaks for itself.”

“And if he even tries to come after you,” Sloane says darkly, “he’ll have to go through all of us first.”

Callie lets out a choked laugh before swiping at her eyes. “You all are the best.”

“What we are is loyal to you,” Rina says, lifting her glass in a mock toast.

Callie gives a watery smile, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thank you. I guess I’m just scared about what the future holds.”

“You’re allowed to be scared,” I tell her gently. “But you’re not alone in this. We’ve got you.”

“All the way,” Sloane says firmly.

Callie nods, a little steadier now. “Thank you. That really means everything.”

We exchange a look that says it all.

Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.

Rina shakes her head, leaning back against the couch as she lifts her wine glass. “I swear, Zane must be on a mission to get mentioned on Railers Rumors more than anyone else on the team. He and his girlfriend are practically staging their own damn PR campaign. Every time I check, there’s another ridiculous headline about him.”