Page 4 of Away Game

“That’s why I’m making sure Lo and Danica go. I swear, sometimes those two eat more than me.” I felt the bed dip as he sat down on the edge.

“Cool, while they’re off doing that, do you want to head to Snow Valley Mountain and do some snowboarding?”

Oz jumped up and clapped his hands. “Hell, yeah.” When I continued to just lie there, he asked, “Are you coming?”

“I’ll be there in a few.”

I took a deep breath to calm me down and not think about the idiots who were in my house.

* * *

Droppingmy gear in the entryway, I stopped and eavesdropped on the love birds.

“Are you supposed to go skiing?” Lo chewed on her bottom lip as she looked at Oz with hearts in her eyes.

I wasn’t sure how they were so clueless to the other’s attraction, or maybe they just didn’t want to see it because they knew Danica would freak out. Hell, I could see it, and I was peeking around the corner like a creeper.

“No, but who’s going to stop me? The season’s over, and after losing, I think I deserve a little fun.”

“But what happens if you get hurt?”

Then my football career would be fucked.

Striding to where they were standing in the kitchen, I leaned against the counter and grabbed an apple before taking a bite out of it.

“It’s sweet that you’re worried about us, but trust me, I’ll be fine,” I chimed in. “I’ve been doing this since I could walk.”

Lo rolled her eyes but never took her focus off Oz. “Just be careful. Please.”

Oz’s eyes softened at her plea. It was obvious she was concerned for his safety. “Careful is my middle name.”

She huffed out a laugh. “More like trouble.” She rested her hand on his bulging bicep and then gave it a tap. “Have fun. When you guys get back, we’ll have dinner ready.”

“Now, I see why you wanted the girls to come. Good plan, my man, good plan.”

“God, can you be any more of an ass?” Lo quipped back.

“Oh, sweet little Lo, you have no idea. So far, all you’ve seen is me being nice. If you want to see the asshole side, keep making comments like that. I’m sure he’ll rear his ugly little head.”

“Are you sure you aren’t talking about your cock instead of your ego?”

I wasn’t sure when it happened, but we’d gathered an audience. At her comment, they all oohed as if what she said was some sick burn.

“Oh, I can assure you it wasn’t my cock.” Gripping my belt, I started to undo it. “If what you wanted was to see was my dick, all you had to do was ask,” I snarked. My fingers pulled the zipper down only a few teeth when Oz jumped in front of me, grabbing my shoulders.

“Let’s go hit the mountain before we lose the light,” he said as he ushered me out of my own kitchen.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I laughed as I let him guide me to the front door and grabbed my stuff. “I wasn’t trying to ruin your chances with her by showing her my dick. You’re right, though. If she saw what I was packing, she’d be disappointed when she finally saw your package.”

“You really are an asshole, man. Some days I don’t even know why I’m friends with you,” he grumbled as he threw his bag over his shoulder.

“I wonder the same thing most days,” I told him as we slipped into my SUV.

“You wonder what?” His dark brows were furrowed tight as if he had no idea what I was talking about.

“Why you’re my friend after all these years,” I provided him with the answer.

“Aw, no, bro. Don’t be like that. You’ve been like a brother to me since you saved my ass from getting beat up back in first grade. I don’t care that you’re a moody fuck. Normally it’s entertaining.”

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