Page 54 of One Pucking Life

He grins. “I was thinking next fall, maybe in the orchard where we had our first date.”

Before I can respond, Iris slides into the seat across from us. “Okay, Max, don’t freak out, but I’m planning something.”

“That sentence never ends well. But in all fairness, when have you known me to freak out?”

“It’s true. He isn’t the freak-out type of guy.” Jaden adds.

“Anyway,” she says. “I’ve been talking to Laney, and she wanted to plan a surprise for you but was worried and thought it’d be important to get your green light first. Would it be cool if Delaney brought Caroline to a road game in the next couple of weeks? I’m not sure which one yet, but of course, I’ll handle the VIP seats, flight, and hotel.”

“Uh, yeah. Absolutely. I trust Delaney completely.”

“So she can fly with the baby?”

“Totally. She’s done it before. Didn’t she fly to Europe with three kids once?”

“She did,” Iris confirms. “Just wanted to double-check with you before I pulled the trigger on flights.”

“Do it. I’d love to see them at a game. I miss them when we’re gone. Thanks for planning this, Iris.”

She stands, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “No problem. That’s what I’m here for.”

Iris heads back to her seat beside Penny, and there’s a beat of silence before Jaden slowly turns to me, one eyebrow raised.

“Them, huh?”

“What?”

“You said you missthemwhen you’re gone.”

“I meant Caroline.”

He grins like a jackass. “Sure you did.”

I sigh.

“Come on, man. Spill it. What’s going on with you and Delaney?”

“Why do you assume something is going on?”

“Because I’ve known you forever. And there’s been something between you two for weeks now. Hell, maybe longer. I’ve been waiting for you to admit it. Time’s up.”

I stretch my legs out in front of me. “It’s… complicated.”

“Try me.”

“We have this thing.”

Jaden’s eyebrows shoot up. “I knew it. Athingthing?”

“Friends with benefits. Nothing serious. Just… fun.”

He laughs under his breath. “You say that like you actually believe it.”

I shoot him a glare, my brows furrowed.

“Come on,” he says. “You’ve got that look—the one people get when they’re way more into someone than they’re willing to admit. You caught feelings.”

“She doesn’t want anything from me,” I mutter. “No relationship. No strings. No pressure. Just… sex.”

---