Page 61 of Caught Stealing

“Oh, really?” he asks, eyebrow raised to match that smirk. “Also, did he apologize to you?”

“Absolutely, hotshot. And yeah, we worked it out. Did you make him do that?” I stand and cross my arms, ready to match him in a battle of smack talking once we’ve cleared this up.

“No, but he told me he wanted to. I figured that’s what was happening.” He puts his hands on my shoulders. “Okay, you’ll probably beat me because I’m not very good at pool, but it’s Koa you’ll have to watch out for.” He thumbs over his shoulder where Koa and a guy I remember as Spencer argue about where a dart landed.

“Bring it on.” I wave him over and sort through the pool sticks. They’re a bit old and not the straightest, but I’m used to playing with subpar equipment. Once I’ve chosen one, I turn and find Koa has set up the table. His smile is full of confidence and I’m about to wipe it right off his face.

“Ladies first.” Koa steps back and motions toward the table while the Sharks gather around.

For some reason, Jess has taken a fast liking to me and leans in close. “Wipe the floor with that sassy one, honey. I have faith in you.” She pats my shoulder and leans against the wall with her arms crossed to watch the show.

“You sure you don’t want to go first? I mean, I want you to have a turn,” I say.

Koa bursts into laughter and all that athletic cockiness is on display. It’s one of the things about my ex and his teammates I didn’t care much for, but it goes with the territory. It’s not unusual for athletes who dominate their sport to be full of themselves at least a little. Andrew shakes his head and pulls up a barstool to watch.

“Something tells me not to make fun of the statistician, but you do you, friend,” Andrew says. Jess pats his back while her husband joins Andrew in his head shaking. At least there are three people who might bet on me.

“We all know who controls this table. I’m not saying she’s not good, but I’m not worried I won’t get a turn. The likelihood of her getting hers all pocketed without a foul are—”

“Slim but not impossible,” I say.

Koa motions for me to go and I don’t argue. I settle into position and break, pocketing two solids. He nods a little as if he is mildly impressed but it’s not a big deal. That comes next. I scan the table and find my next ball, pocket it, and continue until that smug expression on his face starts to melt into something resembling worry. When all that is left for me to pocket is the 8-ball, he groans.

“I think I just got played.”

I chuckle. “I should have told you that I’m not just a statistics geek, but a math geek in general. It’s all about angles, my friend.” I pocket the 8-ball and stand straight. “There we go. I feel better about darts now.”

Jess laughs so hard she snorts, and I realize I’ve garnered the attention of every patron in the pub. Andrew smacks Koa on the back and leaves him to lick his wounds in favor of hugging me. Those strong arms slip around me in a congratulatory embrace.

“That was amazing. He’s a great friend, but I love seeing him eat some of that pride.”

“I feel mean,” I admit when he releases me.

“Don’t feel that way. He earned his butt-whipping. The least he can do is take it like a man.”

The rest of the evening goes much the same way, and Koa finally breaks after three more games. He asks for lessons, which reminds me that Andrew is still due some drum lessons once that shoulder is fully healed. When the pub begins to thin out, Andrew nudges me.

“Ready to go?”

The fundraiser is in the morning, so I do need rest. “Yep. Better head out.”

We say our goodbyes and Andrew takes me back to the stadium to pick up my car. Once we arrive, my stomach bottoms out. I’ve had such an amazing time with him, and I’m not ready to let it go just yet. He slides my brand new helmet off and helps me down from his bike.

“I had a great time tonight. Thanks for giving it a shot,” he says.

“I had an amazing time with you too. I’m glad you’re in my life, and I want you to know that.” It’s the closest thing I can say that feels like commitment without going all in.

Andrew runs his hands up my arms and settles them on my shoulders. “I’m glad you’re in my life too. This was easily one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time. Everything with you is so easy for me.”

My heart soars but I bridle it. “Andrew, I—”

“Hey, no. I can tell by that tone you think I expect more. I hope for more, but I don’t expect anything from you except honesty, okay?”

I take a steadying breath and reach for that honesty. “I know. I meant what I said before about giving this a try if we go slow."

A flicker of disappointment crosses his face, but he steels his expression and replaces the frown with a slight smile. “I haven’t seen anyone beat Koa so badly at pool before, and I might have to watch you do it again next week. Want to go out with us again soon?”

“I’d love to. The ladies seem nice, and it was a good time.”

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