Page 36 of Strike Zone

“Where’s your limpet tonight?” I ask with a sickly-sweet smile.

“If you’re referring to my super-hot, super-sexy husband, then he’s at the batting cages with Linc.”

“Those two need to just give in already and get it on. Their bromance isn’t fooling anyone.”

“Very funny, but…” she says, staring off into the distance, “… how fucking hot would that be?”

“Nothing involving Linc is sexy.” Just the mention of his name has my stomach in knots, and I’m not too thrilled when Brooke starts cackling.

“I smell… bullshit! I don’t care if you’re not a fan of the guy’s personality, but you’d have to be freaking blind to say he’s not sexy.”

“Does Anders know you have the hots for his boyfriend?” The bite in my voice is bitchy as hell, but I can’t seem to rein it in when it comes to Linc.

“What’s the deal with you two? Why can’t you just get along already?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Again, with the bullshit. Did you have a fight or something? I thought you called a truce in Vegas. He bristles at the very mention of your name, and you’re a catty bitch when it comes to him.” He doesn’t even want to hear my name now. I can’t blame him, but I also can’t give him what he wants, not after I made such a mess of things with Anthony.

“Does it matter? We don’t move in the same circles.”

“What the hell am I, chopped liver? You are going to see each other, and I need you to be civil at least. I’d rather you were friends, but that seems impossible. Maybe you’re just oil and water.”

“More like oil and a lit match.”

“This is exactly what I’m talking about. What the hell happened in Vegas?”

“Nothing. I just don’t like the guy. Do I need a reason?”

“Yeah, actually. He’s my husband’s best friend, and he’s a really good guy once you get to know him. He has a heart of gold beneath all the bravado.”

I know this only too well, and that’s why I have to distance myself from him. I’m not going to fall for another player. Maybe his game is a little different to my ex, but the end result is the same—heartache, disappointment, and me left alone picking up the pieces.

“Is this why you asked me over, to lecture me about Linc?”

“No. You’re my sister, and you seem… off lately. I know the stuff with the fight threw you, and you haven’t set a new date yet, but you’re back training. What’s going on with you? You can talk to me, Dee.”

No, I can’t.

“I’m fine.”

Just as she’s about to launch into some lengthy speech about being my sister and the fact that I’m emotionally stunted in some way, the key turns in the lock. I’ve never been happier to be the third wheel for the night.

“That screwball was too good for you, admit it.” Shit. I know who Anders is talking to before the door opens wide, and my worst nightmare walks in.

“It was a fucked-up pitch, bro, don’t try playing it off like you meant it.” The deep rasp of his voice is like a fan to a flame, igniting the desire I’ve been trying to stamp out for weeks.

“Brooke.” I glare at her with daggers in my eyes. “What the fuck?”

Shaking her head, she welcomes them both. “Hey baby, I didn’t know you were going to be back so early.”

I turn to see Linc staring at me as Brooke wraps her arms around me. “Sorry, Lexington, I have a date, so I called time on our session at the cages. He was throwing out those whack screwballs he loves so much.”

“You mean the one only I can hit? Does it hurt you deep down in your soul to know I’m the superior hitter in his life?”

The breathy sound of Linc’s laugh causes a physical ache in my chest.

“Cruel. All I’ve ever done is love you. I let you share my best friend, and this is the thanks I get?”

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