Page 32 of The Illicit Play

“Yeah, we’re all good. Gonna get myself a sponge bath.” Wily wiggles his eyebrows while Satch turns beet red.

And I’m most definitely out.

He laughs at the look on my face. “Don’t worry. I don’t want your help.” He glances down at Satch, his heated gaze telling me enough.

This ain’t no simple sponge bath. Those two are gonna have themselves a little naked time in the bathroom, and I don’t want to know.

“I’ll… leave you guys to it.” I step back, steadying Wily’s arm when he takes another awkward step forward. “Do you need help getting there?”

“No, I’m good.” Wily winces, slowly shuffling forward.

He is getting better, I can see that, but I’m guessing the healing process isn’t fast enough for the guy. He’s not supposed to put any weight on that leg for at least another week.

I watch him hobble down the hallway with Satch supporting him. I don’t know how she’s doing it. She’s so tiny compared to that giant, but somehow they manage. Once they’ve disappeared into the bathroom, I move to put my shoes on. I still have no idea where I’m going, and I’m almost relieved when my phone starts ringing.

Standing back up, I abandon my Nikes in order to take a video call from…

“Hey, Dad.” I grin at the camera. “What’s up?”

“Grady Boy. How are you, kid?”

He’ll forever call me kid, and I don’t even care. It’s always said with such warm affection that I can’t even be mad at him.

“Yeah, I’m great,” I lie, not wanting to dive into the torture that living in Football Frat currently is. I could definitely talk to my old man about it. I tend to tell him everything, but I know he’s been worried about me since my breakup with Teah, and I don’t want to get into it tonight. “How are things with you?”

He gives me an edgy smile. “They’re really good, actually.”

I frown. “What’s up?”

“Well…” he starts, but is interrupted when his girlfriend takes a seat beside him. She passes him a mug of steaming… is that tea?… and he gives her an affectionate smile. “Thanks, baby.”

Emma grins at me while Dad kisses her cheek. “Hi, Grady.”

“Hey.” I smile back at her because, despite the fact that she’s fifteen years younger than my dad, making her closer in age to me than my old man, I really like her. She’s been so good for him. “So, what’s your news, guys? I know you’re sitting on something.”

Emma looks to Dad, her smile downright adorable as he gives me a cheesy grin and announces, “I’m moving in with this lovely lady.”

“Really?” I let out a soft laugh. “About damn time.”

Emma laughs. “We didn’t want to rush it, but we found the cutest little place a couple of weeks ago, and we’ve decided to just go for it.”

“So you’re both moving?”

“Yeah, that wasn’t the original plan, but this place is perfect for us, and we figured starting this next step with something fresh and new for us both was the right way to go.”

“That’s awesome.” I smile at them. “I’m really happy for you guys.”

“Thanks, kid.” Dad winks at me, but then his smile fades. My gut twists. Is Mom giving him shit for this? Because she has no fucking say anymore. Like she can talk. She moved in with Emilio mere weeks after the divorce was finalized. Probably because she was already pregnant with Jamar. We just didn’t know it at the time.

Anger roils through me until Dad’s explanation captures my attention. “…and we realized that’s the only weekend we’re free. So I’m really sorry, but I won’t be able tomake it.” He winces, and I finally catch up to what he’s saying.

Well, shit.

“Bummer.” I try to not make him feel bad, but it’s impossible to hide my disappointment. I was really looking forward to hiking with the guy. He’s my outdoor guru. The one who taught me everything I need to know about the wild—how to hunt, track, use plants for medicine and food. He taught me how to plan, navigate, where to look for danger, how to deal with animals, do first aid. The guy is a legend in the outdoors… and I really wanted to spend this time with him in one of our favorite spots.

“We’re sorry.” Emma cringes. “I feel so bad. Life’s just gotten stupidly busy this month.” Turning back to my father, she starts to try and fix it. “I could just move the stuff by myself. I could get Tony and Lauren to help me.”

“No, baby. I don’t want you to have to do it all.” Dad puts down his drink so he can wrap his arm around her shoulders.