Page 77 of Second Shot

“That’s my ex,” I say. “He came into town to cheer me up.”

“You don’t say?” Foster makes crude thrusting motions with his hips. “Ooh, la la.”

I scowl. “No, not like that. I said he’s myex.”

Across the way, Kincaid laughs. “Dude, sex with an ex can be the best sex.”

Niko chirps, “I’ll be sure to tell your long distance girlfriend that’s how you feel next time she comes to see one of your games, Kincaid.”

Blanching, Kincaid holds out a hand. “No, God. Don’t do that. Tiffany’s already positive I’m cheating on her every five minutes.”

Niko laughs, but the humor doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “She doesn’t appreciate you, man. I’ve never once seen you tempted by any other girl. You’re always a good boy.”

Kincaid’s cheeks are pink and he turns back to his stall. “Yeah, I am.”

There’s definitely something going on between those two, but I’m too distracted by my own problems to focus on it. “I’m serious, Tam and I are just friends.”

Foster looks bewildered. “Then I really don’t get why you’re not going after Gabe right now. You were going strong before the whole thing with that Freddy guy. Even we knew you two were into each other, and we’re fucking oblivious.”

I glance over surprised. “You did?”

Niko guffaws. “Dude, you two aren’t the master spies you think you are. Of course we knew. You two were eye fucking each other every chance you got.”

My face is hot and I avoid looking at them. “Gabe didn’t want anyone to know.”

“Even if that’s true, it doesn’t matter anymore.” Foster snorts a laugh. “Cat’s out of the bag, my dude.”

I’m uneasy that Gabe has it in his head I was sleeping with Tam. I thought he was just mad about me not talking to him. I had no idea he thought I was seeing someone else. That’s the kind of thing that could definitely put the final nail in our relationship. It would for me too. He wanted exclusivity with me before, if he thinks I was fucking Tam, he’s probably so done with me right now.

Yet, he still did the news conference to help clear my name.

I look up and meet Foster’s amused gaze. “Did everyone think I was fucking my ex?” And by everyone, I mean Gabe.

Foster shrugs. “Well, we didn’t know he was your ex. He was just a sexy guy driving your car while you were out of town, who also happened to show up to pick you up at three in the morning.” He smirks. “Why in the world would anyone think you were sleeping together?”

“Shit,” I say, stripping off my sweaty gear as fast as I can. “You all really thought that? Gabe thought that?”

“Yeah, dumbass. Gabedefinitelythought you and that guy were hooking up.” Foster shakes his head. “We all did. What else would we think?”

“Well, we weren’t.” I swear under my breath. “Damn it, I need to talk to Gabe ASAP.” Panic sweeps through me at the thought he completely misunderstood my relationship with Tam. I should have thought that through better.

Niko nudges Foster with his elbow. “I think he finally gets it. You done good, Grasshopper.”

Foster mock salutes Niko. “I learned from the best.”

Kincaid looks over his shoulder at them and rolls his eyes. “You two interfering idiots had nothing to do with anything. Gabe and Ryan would have gotten back together with or without your help. They belong together.”

“Who knew you were such a romantic, Kincaid.” Foster grins.

“We’re not back together yet,” I say breathlessly, pulling my shirt over my head. I don’t even bother to shower. If things go well, I’ll do that at Gabe’s house, and if they go poorly, I’ll just jump in the ocean outside my condo and drown myself.

****

An hour later, I’m standing on Gabe’s front porch, staring at his door and trying to figure out what I’m going to say. The garden lights cast shadows across the walkway, and I can see warm light spilling from his living room windows. Will it be angry Gabe who answers the door, or willing to talk Gabe? I have no idea. But either way, I have to try.

I ring the doorbell before I can lose my nerve.

It takes him a long time to answer, and when he does, he’s clearly not happy to see me. He’s wearing gray sweatpants that hang low on his hips, and a worn T-shirt that shows off his muscles nicely. My mouth goes dry at the sight of him.

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