Getting Played (Getting Some, #2)(45)

“I’m going to hang up those boards.” Lainey gestures to three square planks, with ornamental arrows burned black into the wood. “I just want to make sure this stud-finder works.”

“If you’re looking for a stud,” I wink, “I’m standing right in front of you.”

“Ha-ha. I’ll keep that in mind.”

She turns back to the wall, reaching up over her head and stretching onto her tippy toes on the narrow step. I move under the ladder to catch her if she goes ass over end, and a stab of terror slices through me at the thought that Lainey would still be doing this if I wasn’t here. Alone. Without Jason even in the room in case something went terribly wrong.

What the hell is up with that?

“I read that you’re not supposed to reach above your head when you’re pregnant.”

“That’s just an old wives’ tale.”

I wrap my hands around her hips, holding her steady.

“Maybe the old wives knew what they were talking about. Come on, come down.”

Slowly, Lainey lowers her arms and turns in my hands. I lift her off the ladder by her hips, tilting my head back and holding her above me for a moment, before sliding her slowly down. And the feel of her softness rubbing against me, the friction—it’s fantastic.

When her feet are on the ground, I dip my head and our faces are just millimeters apart. Close enough to count the sprinkle of cute, light freckles that dust the bridge of her nose.

“That’s better,” I say softly, taking the stud-finder out of her hands. “I’ll do it.”

“Okay.” Lainey’s tongue peeks out, wetting her bottom lip. “Thanks.”

Like I said . . . fucking killing me.

Self-preservation sends me climbing up the ladder and Lainey points to the grocery bag I walked in with.

“What’s this?”

“Grams told me that you were sick last night, so I did a survey of all the teachers who’ve had kids about what helped them with the morning sickness.” I mark the studs with a pencil, then drill the screws into the wall, so she won’t have to. “There’s ginger ale and coke, there’s crackers and chamomile tea and peppermint tea, and these tablets that you’re supposed to let dissolve on your tongue. Somebody said chocolate-covered Oreos settled their stomach and I don’t know what that’s about, but they’re in there too.”

“And these?”

I glance over my shoulder and Lainey is smelling the bouquet of wild flowers I picked up. They reminded me of her—vibrant and wild and unique.

“Those are for you.”

I step off the ladder and stand in front of her.

“I figured it’s the least I could do since you’re the one who has to do all the puking.”

Lainey’s eyes get this shiny, tender look as she smiles. “Thank you. That’s sweet.”

“Yep, that’s me—sweet. But . . . you’ve had a taste, you already know that.”

Lainey cheeks flush the prettiest pink—and I want to spin her around and fuck her over the back of that comfy navy couch.

Jesus, I need to stop thinking shit like that—I’m just torturing us both.

She clears her throat and puts the flowers down.

“Since you’re here, I wanted to ask how you felt about being in the Life with Lainey videos? No pressure—Jay doesn’t show his face on camera. And I’ve mentioned you, but the Lifers don’t know your real name.”

“What do you call me?”

She shrugs, fidgeting with her hands.

“Baby-Daddy, Sexy Drummer Guy and once . . . Mr. Fuck-Hot.”

I chuckle. “Highly accurate nicknames.”

“Yeah.”

“But, it’s cool—I’ll be on camera and you can use my name. I’ve never been shy.”

“Great. Do you . . . want to do a live video with me now? I could introduce you to the Lifers.” She grins. “They can be a frisky bunch, but they’re fun.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay.” Lainey runs her hands through her hair, shaking out the spiral curls. Then she positions her laptop on the table, aiming it at us and hits a few buttons, before stepping back next to me. “And we’re live.”

She smiles into the camera, all warm excitement, and for a minute I forget about the camera and I just watch her. I could make a full-time hobby out of watching this girl.

“Hi, Lifers! I have a special surprise for you today! Mr. Baby Daddy is here with me to meet you guys! And you’re not going to believe it—he’s actually Jaybird’s teacher! Crazy, right?” She gestures to me. “This is Dean Walker. Dean, these are the Lifers.”

I salute the camera and give it my best smile.

“Hi, everyone. Nice to meet you.”

And the notifications explode. There’s smiley faces, thumbs-up, and hearts galore. There’s also comments that pop up along the side of the screen.

Jackpot!

Ooooohhhhh, he’s pretty.

Lainey, guuuuurrrllll!!

He can be my Baby Daddy any day.

I’m dead. Dead, died, done, just leave me here on the floor.

Lainey looks up at me, laughing. “I think they like you.”

I gaze into the camera. “Of course you like me. I mean, you’re all into Lainey’s show, right? Obviously you have awesome taste.”