Page 57 of The Love Playbook

I have no idea if Danger is looking for a relationship or not, but he’s easy to talk to and pretty damn nice to look at. I could do a hell of a lot worse, and my friends would be hard-pressed to say I’m only interested in him because it can’t go anywhere when he’s putting in an effort.

“You don’t mind if I bring a couple of friends?” I ask.

“If they all look like her, hell no,” the blond from behind answers as he nods toward Liz.

Laughing, I start to back up on the sidewalk as I say, “Okay, then. It’s a date.”

Chapter 12

CHRIS

After games like today when I kick complete, I usually run on a post-win high, but when I left the stadium and found Brynn waiting for Jace alone, I was more than a little disappointed.

Now, a beer bottle dangles from my fingertips as I lean forward on the couch, trying to come to terms with the situation. “So, she really said nothing about the touchdown? Like zero reaction?”

Jace shrugs, eyes never leaving his phone. “That’s what Brynn said.”

I hum under my breath and take another sip of my beer. “What else did Brynn say?”

Jace glances up at me. Fuckingfinally. It’s about time he gives me a little attention for a change. “Doyouwanna talk to her?” he asks.

“You know I don’t appreciate the irritation in your tone. I just find it hard to believe she didn’t say one word about me.”

“Maybe you’re just that forgettable.”

I stand, stepping toward him at the same time there’s a knock on the door. “Take that back.” I point.

Jace snorts as I turn and head toward the repetitive banging, swinging the door open to find Damon and Brandon standing in the hallway. “Am I forgettable?” I ask them.

“Fuck no. How could anyone ever forget that face,” Brandon says as he squeezes my cheeks together like a chipmunk.

“Thank you,” I mumble between my squashed lips before he drops his hands, and I step aside for them to come in.

“Why’s he in a pissy mood?” Damon asks, nodding toward Jace who’s scowling at his phone.

“Ten bucks says it has to do with his girl,” Brandon answers.

“Because women are always the source of every man’s misery?” Damon asks, flopping down on the couch. “I concur.”

“Damn. Who hurt you, man?” I deadpan, looking him in the eye.

Damon snatches a throw pillow off the couch, courtesy of Brynn, and chucks it at me.

“Brynn was supposed to come over but made last-minute plans with the girls,” Jace says, explaining his surly disposition. “Apparently, Charlotte got invited to some party, but they don’t really know the guys all that well, and Brynn didn’t think she and Liz should go alone.” He shrugs.

“What party?” I frown, ears perking at the sound of Charlotte’s name.

“How the hell should I know? She said it’s some guy from the soccer team.”

Fuck.“Seriously, that guy?”

Brandon arches a brow, pushing his long sandy locks from his face. “You know him?”

“Of course I don’t know him,” I say like he’s an idiot. “And I don’t need to know him. Any dude who looks at her that’s not me is automatically a douchebag.”

“Obviously.” Brandon points his beer at me, and we clink bottles.

“For fuck’s sake. Don’t encourage him,” Jace says.

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