Page 54 of The Perfect Snipe

“Get him, Clanton!” Nora yells, pointing at Smitty as some members of the team race around the go-kart track.

I swear my best friend is way too competitive for her own good. I walk over and sidle up beside her. “And why aren’t you out there?”

“Oh, I got next round. And I believe Ian is taking bets for a solo race with me racing against my fiancé.”

“No way am I missing that. Anyway, I’m going to check on Mason and Jake. They’re still in the trampoline area?”

She nods, her gaze never leaving the track. “Rosa’s sitting there with them. Some of the players’ wives are with her. Think Mykyta might be too.”

“Shit. I should go rescue him before she tries to cop a feel.”

Nora snorts, then eyes me. “Oh, because Mr. I’m-into-older-women would be sooo upset.” She turns her attention back to the track, leaning over the rails with a hand in the air. “Clanton, how are you falling behind! Oh my god!”

Oh, I definitely have to find Ian and get in on this bet. I pat her forearm, then head off toward the trampoline park area. The sound of bouncing and laughter grows louder as I approach. And of course, there is my grandmother sitting next to Mykyta, her hand resting on his arm as she talks animatedly.

When I asked Leo why they call him Mosquito, he said because the man is like an oversized child who is annoying as fuck and always chirping in everyone’s ear. But according to Wyatt, it was Mykyta himself who made the comparison, effectively picking his own nickname.

“And what are you two up to?” I say as I take a seat at the table.

Abuela smiles, patting Mykyta’s hand like he’s a dear old friend. “Just talking about this one’s love life. Giving him some advice.”

He clutches his chest as if he's been mortally wounded. “ I thought we were talking about Leo's love life, not mine.”

“My dear boy, you need to stop flirting with every girl you meet.”

“But where's the fun in that? Besides, I’m just trying to spread the love.” He winks, then takes a swig from his beer bottle.

I snort, rolling my eyes. “Spread the love? Is that what we’re calling STI’s now?”

He glares at me over his cup, but then his eyes go comically wide and he starts snapping his fingers at some of the players nearby. “Holy shit. Look who actually showed up.”

“Well, fuck me sideways.” Ian starts waving his arm in the air. “Morrow, over here.”

I look at the two, head slightly tilted. “Why are you two acting like a famous star just walked in?”

“Because Roan never shows up to anything. Doesn’t even go out to the bars with us after games. Or dinner. Not even to a pizza place,” Mykyta says as he stands and shakes hands with their teammate.

And now I can officially call this event a success.

“Hey,” Roan says softly, giving a small wave. “Thanks for inviting me.”

I return the wave. “You’re welcome.”

Some of the guys walk over and clap him on the back, and Roan’s shoulders gradually relax.

Leo comes up from behind me, shaking Roan’s hand. “Glad you made it.”

“And who is this handsome man?” My grandmother bats her eyelashes at Roan.

Bats. Her. Damn. Eyelashes.

My gaze bounces between the two and I swear I might actually commit murder if she chases away their one teammate who they are all excited showed up.

But before I can say anything, Mykyta playfully nudges her shoulder. “Am I not enough for you now?”

Abuela chuckles, patting his cheek. “Oh my, you’re a charmer. However, there’s room for more than just one handsome man in my life.”

He blows out a breath, trying to school his features. “I’m not the sharing type.”

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