Page 17 of Hot Rucking Canadian

I want that. I want someone to greet me with that much enthusiasm. Even if I can’t have a kid, a partner would be nice—

“Isaiah!” Becca called my name and waved me over.

I pulled her into a hug, grateful for her evident happiness to see me. Not exactly the usual, but she always gave everyone hugs. I figured Johnnie would be next—along with some good old-fashioned teasing.

“You big lug.” She smacked my arm.

I stepped out of her embrace.

She pointed behind her.

Badarse stood there with the most uncertain look on his face.

Clearly, he dreaded my reaction.Well, yeah, because holy shit, he’s here…

“Nice to see you again.” Was I supposed to shake hands? Offer a hug? Surely a kiss was out of the question.

“Hello, Mallow.”

I cocked my head. “Uh, that’s not my name.” I stepped closer, hopefully out of Becca’s hearing. “It’s Isaiah.”

He offered me a beautiful lopsided grin. “You’ll always be marshmallow to me.”

“Hey, who are you?” Johnnie stepped up beside me. “This area’s restricted.”

“Yeah, you should be going.” Roger came up on my other flank.

“He’s with me.” Becca pushed her way past all of us and linked arms with Badarse. “Travis joined me for the game. Cassandra and I decided we wanted him to join us.” She eyed me. “I’m certain Isaiah doesn’t mind.”

Oh my God, the woman was a firebrand. Even if I didn’t want to see Badarse—Travis—again, I wouldn’t dare speak up against Becca.

“No, I’m so glad you brought him.” I met Badarse’s gaze. “I didn’t realize you were a rugby fan.”

He held my gaze. “I’m an Isaiah fan.”

Holy hell.

Johnnie roared with laughter. “Oh wow, Isaiah has a boyfriend.”

“We didn’t—”

“I’m not—”

Badarse and I started to speak at the same time and then we stopped at the same time.

I turned to Johnnie. “Fuck off, okay? He’s my…friend.”

Badarse leaned over and whispered, "Hey, Mallow. Don't go around telling people I have friends. It's bad for my image." He pulled back and met my gaze. "Take me home... and teach me about rugby."

I blinked. "What?" I swallowed. “Can you repeat that?”

"I wanna learn about rugby."

"Why?" He’d come to the game and sat next to Cassandra and Becca. Which I still couldn’t believe. If Cassandra hadn’t taught him about the game, then what had they discussed? The thought made me slightly queasy.

"I dunno." He offered that adorable smile again. “Let’s give it a shot.”

"You like me?" Processing this was proving difficult because my own emotions swirled. A week ago, he’d walked out on me. Now, he stood before me and wanted…more.

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