Page 122 of Playing for Keeps
Ash frowns but lets it go, leaning in to hug me before taking Ivy’s hand and pulling her toward the blanket. My hand slips from hers, and I watch her go, my chest warm with everything we’ve just shared.
“Hey,” Nash says, appearing beside me with a cold beer in his hand. “Good to have you here, man. Thought maybe you’d skip out and stay tangled up with Ivy instead.”
I glance over at her, now laughing at something Taylor said. I grin. “Trust me, it was a close call.”
He laughs. “Glad you made it. Let’s make the most of today.”
I nod, my gaze drifting back to Ivy as she catches my eye and smiles.
“How was Hawaii?” I ask, dragging my gaze off Ivy.
He grins. “Incredible. Didn’t want to come back.”
I smile and slap him on the shoulder. “Happy for you, man.”
We make our way over to Cade, Seb, and Ben. After the usual round of greetings, I hand off the food we brought and reach into the cooler for a beer.
“You need a hand with anything?” I ask, taking a swig.
Cade waves me off with a flip of his spatula. “All under control.”
“Ready for the season to kick off?” Ben asks.
I chuckle. “Ask me again after I survive nine back-to-back training sessions.”
Seb leans in. “So… did you come through with those tickets? Taylor’s been relentless.”
I grin. “Loft seats for the preseason game against the Chiefs. You’re all set.”
“Thank God. For a minute there, I thought she was regretting picking the wrong brother.” He smirks, but I roll my eyes.
“No way. She’s crazy about you.”
“Yeah, she is,” he says with a satisfied smile.
A sudden burst of laughter and squealing draws our attention to the blanket where Ash is hugging Ivy, both of them beaming.
Nash bumps my arm. “That have something to do with you?”
I look over just as Ivy glances up. Her eyes find mine, and her smile brightens. It knocks the wind right out of me.
“Yeah,” I say, still watching her. “I’m guessing she just told them I’m in love with her.”
For a second. all four of them are silent.
“Damn,” Cade says with a grin, “that’s…big.”
“You’re serious?” Seb asks, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Likein love,love?”
I look at him. “Yeah, I am.”
Nash whistles. “Never thought I’d see the day. Wyatt Brookes in love.”
“Shut up,” I mutter, though I’m grinning.
Seb laughs. “No, seriously. That’s great, man. Ivy’s the best. You look happier than I’ve seen you in… maybe ever.”
Cade claps a hand on my shoulder. “Just don’t screw it up.”
