Page 22 of Play For Keeps

She shrugs, adjusting the strap of her duffle bag a little higher on her shoulder. “It was fine. I managed to get through my shift alive. Do I need to ask what you’re doing here?”

Everly shoots me a defiant glare, like she’s trying to be upset with me for going back on my word. But technically, I didn’t. I never said walking her home was a one-time thing. Those were her words.

“Probably not,” I say.

Next to her, the girl she’s with leans into Everly’s side, nudging her gently with her elbow. “Who’s your friend, Ev?” she asks, looking me up and down.

Everly clears her throat. “This is Jake. Jake, this is Violet.”

“Hey. Jake Matthews,” I say, extending a hand to her. “It’s good to meet you.” She shakes my hand with a strong grip. Violet is beautiful—tall and curvy with blue-grey eyes and pale skin. But she has nothing on Everly. There isn’t another woman on the planet who comes close to her.

Violet’s eyes twinkle with mischief as she leans closer, her voice playful. “Everly needs a little fun in her life, Jake. And you look like the perfect guy for the job.”

Everly’s cheeks blaze bright pink as she shoots her friend a what the fuck look. “I’m doing just fine, Vi, thank you very much.”

“Yes, you’re fine. You’re better than fine, you’re amazing. And you’re also single.” Violet shrugs. “All I’m saying is maybe the last guy’s loss is Jake’s gain.”

“That would be fine by me,” I say, flashing Violet a grin. I return my attention to Everly, who looks like she is plotting her friend’s murder. “Are you two going out or can I walk you home?”

“Oh, no… we are not going out,” Violet rushes to say. “She’s all yours. I’ve got plans… with… my dog. In fact, I think Henry needs me now. See you, Monday, Ev?”

Everly levels a look at Violet while I try not to laugh. “See you Monday, Vi.”

“Have fun,” Violet calls in a sing-song voice as she heads in the direction of her parked car. The lights flash on a Honda CRV as she gets closer.

“I like your friend,” I say with a smug grin plastered on my face.

“I’m sure you do.” She rolls her eyes. “Don’t listen to her.”

“About which part?” I widen my eyes in mock innocence. “The part about you needing some fun in your life or the part about me being the guy for the job?”

“Jake.” She narrows her eyes at me.

“What?” I smirk, not able to keep a straight face. “Her words, not mine. But she’s right. I could show you a good time.”

“My god.” Everly shakes her head. “I swear…”

“Come on,” I laugh. “I’ll stop. You ready to go?”

Her two front teeth scrape gently over her bottom lip. “No.”

“What’s the problem?”

“I have my car here.” She gestures toward her black BMW. “Birdie is staying at my parents’ tonight, so I drove.”

Not the answer I was expecting, but I can work with this. It’s late, but she’s kid-free, and that’s not an opportunity I want to pass up on. “Are you hungry? We could hit up Delila’s Diner…they’re open all night.”

She scrunches her pretty nose. “It’s a little late to eat.”

“Not if you’re hungry, it isn’t. Come on,” I say with a smile. “Let’s get you something to eat.”

I want her to say yes. Badly.

“Okay,” she relents, and I barely resist the urge to throw a celebratory fist in the air.

“I’ll drive. My truck is parked over there.” I dig my keys out of my pocket, nodding towards my charcoal-gray F-150.

Everly stands, not budging an inch, while I reach towards her shoulder to take her duffle bag. She folds her arms over her chest. “This isn’t a date, to be clear.”

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