Page 72 of Turning Up the Heat

I cleared my throat. “Good, man. They’re good.” I figured he didn’t need to know all the details, but damn, this was awkward. I shoved the mental image of a very naked and beautiful Delaney out of my mind, willing myself to make eye contact with my best friend.

“That’s cool, man. Glad to hear it. She’s a spitfire, but if anyone can handle her, it’s you.” He squeezed my shoulder again, then walked off, chuckling to himself.

I exhaled hard, staring at a rusty spot on my locker. I wasn’t sure I was handling Delaney as much as she was handling me. Somehow she’d infiltrated the armor I’d put on post-Julia making me vulnerable as hell. But it was too late now. It would be damn hard to quit Delaney and I didn’t want to anyway.

Buzz, buzz.

I fished my phone out of my pocket and saw a text from Ryder.

R:Want to hang out tonight? I have football practice, but home by 6. Dinner at my place?

I typed back:

Q:Sure, sounds good. See you tonight.

R: Surprised you don’t have a date.

Q: She’s busy @ bakery. Just the boys tonight?

R: Yes. Been racking my brain on this proposal thing…

Q: Not sure I have a lot to offer in that department, but ok

R: haha. You’ve done it before, I’m sure you can help

Q: Dude, watch Lifetime or something. I’m not exactly known for my romantic gestures

R: C’mon man, I’ve gotta blow this one out of the water

Q: Fine, I’ll start thinking. But I bet Dr. Love will be hard to impress

R: Nah, I’m impressive.

Then he sent over a photo of himself benching 250 pounds. I rolled my eyes at my phone.

Q: Seriously? I can bench more than that. Photoshop that pic, it’d be more impressive

R: Hafreakingha. See you tonight

I finished packing up, wondering what I’d just gotten myself into. Hopefully, I could keep the spotlight aimed at the lovebirds and their future plans instead of on me and Delaney. I didn’t feel up to discussing my love life with anyone else today.

* * *

By the time I parked my bike at Ryder’s house, the sun had set, the warmth replaced by chilly darkness. I didn’t mind, after sweating in my gear all day. The cool breeze hit my face as I walked up the drive and it was downright refreshing.

I raised my fist to knock, but Charlie threw the door open before I got the chance.

“Uncle Quinn!” He rushed my knees, gripping me in a bear hug.

I ruffled his hair, still damp from the shower. “Hey buddy, how was practice?”

“Good. I’m playing quarterback again.”

“Nice. Is Bree’s niece Alex still on the team?”

Charlie nodded, his eyes wide and serious. “Yep. Sometimes we give her a ride home from practice.”

“That’s cool.”

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