Page 2 of Off the Hook

Luke laughed. Jake’s little sister Leah had always been headstrong. “I don’t understand why you’re dragging me and Cassie’s sister to dinner. It’s your anniversary. Shouldn’t you guys be alone?”

Jake was so lucky, Luke thought. He’d fallen hard for the blonde bombshell at first sight. But Cassie wasn’t just arm candy; she was bright. He knew firsthand. She’d successfully navigated the Cobras’ grueling interview process and was working at their HQ over the summer before she resumed classes at DePaul University in the fall.

“We get plenty of alone time. Tonight’s important.” Jake replied as he made his way across town to Cassie’s.

Suddenly it dawned on Luke. Envy and excitement warred inside him. “Holy shit! You’re proposing to Cassie tonight. Aren’t you?”

When Jake didn’t answer, Luke knew he was right. Envy overrode excitement, and he hated himself for it. Jake was family. He should be happy for him. Hewashappy for him. But he wanted what Jake and Cassie had for himself. Not the gold-digging groupies he was stuck dealing with and fending off. Yeah, Jake was lucky all right.

Jake shook his head, grinning. “Check the glove compartment.”

Luke popped it open and spotted the tiny black velvet box.Score.But when he opened the box, he frowned. It wasn’t an engagement ring. It was a pretty blue stone ring with little diamond accents.

“Dude, what is this? I could have given you the money for a proper engagement ring. All you had to do was ask. You know that. You’re my big brother.” Why Jake and Heath made such a big deal about money he didn’t understand. He’d known them for years, considered them family and always would. They were his brothers, and he’d do anything for them.

Jake sighed as he continued to Cassie’s. “I can buy my girl’s ring. It’s a promise ring. The London blue topaz matches the color of her eyes. It’s just something she can wear now so the assholes at DePaul know she’s taken, before I propose for real. We have a plan, you know?”

Luke nodded and closed the ring box. He understood. Jake had the next several years all planned out. But so did Luke. It was exhausting to think about. Maybe Jake was right. A fun night out was what he needed for a change. “I know.”

Jake pulled into the driveway of a modest home on a quiet block about two miles from Jake’s parents’ house. A few older homes had been torn down and rebuilt as was becoming more common in town since he’d moved away.

After they exited the car, Luke handed the ring box to Jake, who then shoved it in his pants pocket. It was a warm June evening, the sun still shining. Luke breathed it all in, feeling calmer. It would be fine.

Before heading to the front door, Jake placed a hand on his shoulder. “Okay, be on your best behavior. Cassie’s mother can take a minute to warm up. And be nice to Abbey. She’s shy. She spends all her time with her head in books or on her laptop.”

Luke laughed. “Damn. If she’s that homely, maybe we shouldn’t take her someplace as fancy as Antonetti’s,” Luke said as they reached the front door.

Jake chuckled. “Never said she was homely, little brother.”

Cassie threw open the door before Jake could ring the bell and threw her arms around him. Jake hugged her tight. “Hey, Luke,” Cassie said looking over Jake’s shoulder.

“Hey, sweetie,” Luke said as Cassie released Jake and ushered them inside.

Being inside the Jayne home reminded him of his own from ten years before. Luke glanced around the inviting living room, appreciating the big screen TV and what looked like a comfy couch set. Even Cassie’s parents were blue-eyed and blonde-haired like his own had been. Luke tried not to let despair and longing fill his heart. Tonight wassupposedto be about fun.

“Abbey! The guys are here.” Cassie shouted up the stairs to her sister.

For the next few minutes Luke and Jake made small talk with Cassie’s parents, mostly with Mr. Jayne about baseball. Mrs. Jayne was cordial but held back. Luke believed he could get her to warm up eventually.

He instantly liked Mr. Jayne. He assured him he wasn’t taking advantage of his relationship with Jake, and would arrange for him and Abbey to join Jake and Cassie at some home games in the corporate VIP box seats at Stryker Field.

“Okay, sorry. Here I am,” the breathless voice of an angel called out from behind him.

Luke turned and was dumbstruck by the angel, no, the princess who stood before him wearing a flowery summer dress, white strappy high heeled sandals, and red painted toenails. A pretty blush stained her cheeks, and she wore gloss on her lips.

His dick twitched in his pants, and he was grateful he wasn’t facing her folks. The last thing he needed was to give Mrs. Jayne another reason to be leery of him. His heart galloped so hard in his chest he thought it might burst right out.

Abbey extended her dainty hand, her fingernails done up in the same red polish as her toes. “Hi, Luke, I’m Abbey. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Luke hesitated a second before taking Abbey’s hand in his. A jolt of electricity zinged him straight to his heart. Abbey’s eyes widened as she must have felt it, too.

“I’m Luke. Luke Stryker. I pitch for the Chicago Cobras.” he heard himself say.Idiot. She knows who you are. What’s wrong with you?

The sweetest sounding giggle escaped from her glossy lips. “I know.”

He heard Jake snicker.Asshole.Luke needed to get his shit together before he made a complete fool of himself in front of everyone.

Not wanting to let go of Abbey’s hand, he turned back to everyone, trying to appear cool and in control. He felt anything but. “Don’t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Jayne. We won’t have the girls out too late. I have an early practice in the morning.” That earned him a genuine smile from Mrs. Jayne.

“Thank you, Luke. We appreciate that,” Mrs. Jayne said as they headed out the door.

Score one for “Strike ‘em out” Stryker.

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