Page 56 of Home Game

I sat back, listening. Mica was a big, rough-looking defense-man, but he was doing his best to put Zoey at ease. At first, it was like watching him pull teeth trying to extract any information from her, but he was patient and gentle. I felt myself relax when he got her laughing and taking easy shots at him.

“So, how long have you guys been dating?” Mica asked Zoey, a teasing look on his face.

Zoey ducked her head. Her response was emphatic. “We’re not dating. That’s crazy.”

“Crazy?” he smiled up at me. “Yeah, any chick would be crazy to date Ryan. I mean, look at him.”

“It’s not that,” she started. Her face was bright pink. “We’re just…”

“Friends,” I finished.

“Yeah,” she said, dropping her eyes.

“Oh, yeah?” Mica asked with interest.

Not going to happen, buddy. I pinned my gaze with his. He grinned back.

He pulled his phone out to read a text.

He looked at me with curiosity. “So, Dylan and Justin are wondering if we want to watch the game with them.”

Guys from the team, willing to hang with me. I had no idea why this miracle was happening, but I wasn’t about to squander my chances. “Yeah, all are welcome.”

“You got a grill?”

“Yup.”

More texting. “They will bring over steaks. Zoey, you like steak?”

Her smile was huge. “It’s okay.”

We worked togetherand finished building all the furniture. Mica and I carried everything into the spare bedroom under Zoey’s carefulsupervision. Then Mica logged Zoey into his computer. She sat at the island and typed with her one good hand.

“You need help?” he offered.

She shook her head. “I should probably do this myself, if you’re paying me to do it.”

He looked down at her, reminding me of an adoring big dog watching a tiny kitten. “I don’t mind. Want me to read the receipts to you?”

She shrugged. “If you want.”

I stood, leaning against the kitchen counter, sipping my beer and watching them work. Dylan and Justin showed up, carrying four grocery bags and another case of beer. The guys were chill, standing in the kitchen, discussing sports, while Mica and Zoey finished up.

“You for hire, Zoey?” Dylan asked.

Zoey looked up at him. “Maybe.”

“If I bring my laptop to practice tomorrow, you think you can do my receipts?”

Zoey’s wide eyes met mine. “Uh, sure.”

CHAPTER 14

ZOEY

I stoodin the middle of the guest room, my face hot. If I thought it was hard to act normal around Ryan, three of his hot, athletic friends made it almost impossible. I was giddy with excitement. Mica had slipped me four hundred dollars. I tried to tell him it was too much, but he shook his head and said, “You’re worth it.”

Now the fun part. I could decorate the room, hang the mirror, and make it look guest-worthy. I had this vision of showing Ryan the room once it was together. I wanted it to impress him.

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