I wouldn’t consider myself a jealous man, but when Susie took her coat off and I saw James’ name on her back, both of my fists clenched and I saw red. Apparently, with the right woman, I am not just jealous; I am steam pouring out of my ears, beating the man to a pulp, jealous.
The only name she should be wearing is mine.
Possessive much, Adam?
Apparently I am and I’m not sure how much I like it.
Either way the two of us will need to have a chat about it later. I hope she’s flattered rather than upset. But it’s definitelynot worth me being angry every time we come to watch a game. Susie likes every sport, so I’m positive there will be other games—and other jerseys.
Wearing jerseys with another man’s name is clearly something I am not okay with. Numbers, sure. Names, no.
If I have to buy every team jersey she has and get them custom made to say Daniels, I will. I want the world to know that this woman is taken. I shake my head at how ridiculous I’m being, and I hear Nicole’s voice.
“No, you didn’t read the other book we talked about at book club?” I turn to Nicole, with my eyebrows knitted. She is leaning forward in her seat. I don’t miss the quirked brow on Susie’s face or the smirk on Steve’s lips as he pretends he’s watching the game.
“Did you like the book by J Anthony that you just read?” Susie asks, innocently. Nicole eyebrows shoot to her hairline and Steve lets out a snort.
“Oh no. I hate horror, that’s all Steve. Olivia, Adam and I read—” She stops and looks at me, as I wave my hands and shake my head. Susie turns back to me and I pretend to scratch my head. “Romance. Our favorite is Amelia Adams.”
Steve laughs and Susie’s eyes widen and her mouth forms a small ‘O’. “Amelia Adams.” She says slowly.
Is it just me or is there a hint of pink staining her cheeks? She grabs her water bottle and takes a long swig.
“Yes. She’s the best! We just finishedThe Husband I Never Knew I Wanted. It was fabulous!” Nicole chirps. “Have you read her?”
Susie starts to cough and I lightly pat her on the back. “Are you okay?”
“Yup,” she coughs out, sticking a thumb in the air. “Just fine.”
Steve is looking at the three of us with his lips pressed together. He pins me with his gaze and slowly looks from meto Susie. I narrow my eyes and tilt my head, not understanding what he’s trying to tell me. “Amelia,” he mouths. His eyes widen, and his motions become more emphasized. He looks at Susie and then me, punctuating each move with a head nod.
I shake my head and shrug, still lightly patting Susie on her back. I have no clue what he’s saying. He laughs, shakes his head before turning his attention back to the hockey game.
“I’m okay, Adam.” Susie pats my knee, leaving her hand there when she looks back at Nicole. The warmth from her touch is leaving tiny trails of heat spreading through my body. “I haven’t read her, but I hear she’s good.”
“Good?” Nicole screams. “Good? She’s a creative genius! How many authors do you know who are able to take the same tropes and have it feel different in every book they write?”
“Many?” Susie’s voice is slightly high pitched and her cheeks are definitely pink.
Nicole huffs, throws her arms up and vehemently shakes her head. “No! Adam, tell her how great Amelia is.”
“SCORE!” Steve screams, and the stadium roars. Relief fills me at the distraction. I’m not ready to discuss my love of Amelia Adams just yet.
Susie looks up at the jumbotron and watches the replay. “Wow. What a shot by Davidson!” She twists toward me, the pink in her cheeks gone and a mischievous grin on her face. “So you read romance too?”
Steve laughs, and I suddenly find the activity happening on the ice very interesting.
“Yup!” Nicole answers for me. Susie’s brows shoot up and a cheeky grin crosses her face. I feel heat creeping up my neck. “Adam has always been a big reader, but he didn’t get into romance until he joined Olivia and me for bookclub one week. The book discussion was one of Amelia’s books. He’s been hooked ever since.”
I can feel Susie’s eyes burning a hole in my cheek. I pretend not to notice and act like the game is the best game I’ve ever watched.
“What a block!” Steve yells, “Way to go, Denier, show’em whose net that is!”
“What a way to end the period.” I reach over and high five Steve, then turn to Susie with my palm in the air. Music starts playing as people head to the concessions. Susie slaps my palm but continues to stare with a gleam in her eyes. “What?! I like to read romance novels, what’s the big deal?”
Her lip quirks and a teasing glint lingers in her eyes. “Nothing, nothing at all. Have you read any books by J Anthony?”
“Well he only has one, and no. I haven’t. Horror books and movies give me nightmares. Steve has, I think.” I nod my head in his direction and look around at the people getting up from their seats.