Page 59 of The Home Game

“That’s fair,” Antoni said. “No pressure if you don’t want to talk about it at all.”

“Nah. It’s fine. Just not tonight. I had a good day,” Matty said with a smile. “I don’t want to lose that feeling.”

“I get that,” Antoni said. “Really though? Moving me and the kids into your home was a good day?”

“Sure.” Matty took a sip of his beer. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know.”

“I meant it. I like having people here. I like making people happy. And having your kids around? It’s a total bonus on top of all the rest. Love them already. It really feels good to know I made all your lives a little easier.”

“More than a little,” Antoni admitted. “A lot. You’ve turned my whole life around.”

“Even better.” Matty smiled and Antoni’s heart fluttered in response.

Matty swallowed hard, mouth going dry.

Antoni looked good without a shirt on. He had a lean, strong build with nice shoulders, flat abs, and a narrow waist.

“Hey, do you work out?” Matty asked, aiming for casual and probably missing it by a mile.

Antoni shrugged. “Not as much as I used to. I’m lucky if I get in a short bodyweight workout or a quick jog a couple of times a week.”

“Well, you can use all of the equipment down here whenever you want. And let me know if you ever need a spotter when you’re weightlifting.”

“Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.”

They both fell silent. Antoni seemed content to sip his beer and watch the TV in silence but when he shivered, Matty shrugged out of his hoodie. “Here, put this on.”

“Oh, I can get a shirt—”

“Nah, this is right here. And it’s already pre-warmed.” Matty grinned.

“You don’t need it?”

“Nope. Just threw it on, expecting it to be colder out when I walked across the yard. I was getting too warm, actually.” Although, the house was air-conditioned, the basement cooler than the main floor. But if Matty got too cold later, he could always grab a blanket.

“Still muggy out?” Antoni shrugged on the hoodie.

Matty felt a little twinge, deep in his core, liking the way Antoni looked all soft and comfortable in it. He looked good in the Fisher Cats gear. Even if it was way too big on him.

“Matty?”

“Huh?”

“I asked if it was still muggy out.”

“Oh, yeah. Sounds like it’s supposed to stay warm into next week, then cool off.”

“Nice. I’m looking forward to fall weather. I’ll have to take the kids to the park soon though. Let them enjoy the last of the summer.”

“Can I come?” Matty asked hopefully.

Antoni laughed and Matty noticed what a nice laugh it was. Warm and soft and low. It made something curl in Matty’s belly. “Sure, I guess we never did get around to that.”

“It would be a lot of fun,” Matty admitted.

“Sure, you can come, big guy,” Antoni said with a smile. “Whatever makes you happy.”

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