Page 11 of The Playboy's Playbook

“Not at all. In fact, I’d be more inclined to leave my apartment more if it means I get the chance to see you,” Matthew says sheepishly.

“Don’t you have some girl to screw? Isn’t that your MO. Scope the bar out, find a few girls who look easy, and settle on the one who bites first.”

Hurt flashes through Matthew’s eyes and he doesn’t try to mask it. He knocks his knuckles lightly on the bar and looks at me. He doesn’t tell me I’m wrong or throw a witty comeback in my face. He just grabs his drink and stands from his seat.

“Have a nice night, Laila,” he calls from over his shoulder as he walks away. I watch him walk to the corner where his friends are before I finally pull my eyes away from his sulking frame and turn to leave the bar.

The entire drive back to my mom’s house, I think about Matthew Foster and his sad, blue eyes.

Chapter Five

MATT

Something about Laila causes my stomach to knot, but I can tell that she could care less about how I feel about her. I could shower the girl with compliments like confetti and she’d still find a way to tell me to fuck off. I regret going out because all night, I thought about her.

I didn’t plan on going to Brody’s Bar last night, but when Clay heard one of my other friends say how they’d miss me at pool night, he said that it was okay to take him to his uncle’s house so I could spend time with my friends.

I told him absolutely not and that he and I would spend the rest of the night together. Clay, being stubborn like his dad, had already called his uncle and said he was going to stay with him for a couple of hours.

I lean over and check the time on my phone. It’s early, so Luke should be here by now to get Clay. Right on cue, Jen’s screams ring through the apartment. I climb out of bed and make my way to the kitchen where Luke is pouring what I’m assuming is his second cup of coffee as Jen and Clay run in circles because they missed each other.

“Uncle Matty!” Jen shouts, running up to me. I pick him up and hug him tightly.

“What’s up, bud!”

Clay runs over to me and hugs my legs. “Guess what Pop-Pop got us, Uncle Matty!”

“What’d your grandpa get you?” I ask, looking down at Clay.

“A basketball hoop!” Jen says, bouncing in my arms.

“Will you play with us, Uncle Matty?” Clay asks, a twinkle in his eyes.

I look over at Luke and can tell he’s not overly excited about the surprise his dad bought the boys, but he won’t rain on their parade. He’s slightly grouchy now, but he’s about to be a damn grinch when I ask him for this huge favor.

“Yeah, sure. Let me talk to your dad for a few,” I say, setting Jen down. The boys nod and then take off to their room, leaving Luke and I in the kitchen. “I need your help.”

Luke drains the rest of his coffee before he cuts his eyes to me. “Are you dying?”

“No.”

“Do you owe someone money?” he deadpans and I roll my eyes in response.

“No, Luke. I’m being serious. I need your help.”

“What did you do now?” Luke asks, preparing to pour another cup.

“I’m trying to win this girl over and I don’t necessarily have it easy with –”

“Courting women instead of them wanting to take you to court,” Luke deadpans.

“Have I ever told you that you’re a pain in the ass?”

“I will happily go to bed and you can watch the boys for the day,” Luke says seriously.

I huff. “Wait, you scrooge.”

“Be ready to go in ten minutes,” Luke says before walking off to the boys’ room.

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