Page 75 of Stealing Home

“Oh, fuck off, King. You know deep down I’m really number one.” Ty replies to him.

“You wish. Ty, tell me how you felt when Cole let you in on him inviting Crawford today.” King says to Ty.

“I wasn’t happy until he explained he wanted to get a read on him before we let the girls around him. I know there won’t be a choice in the matter because of the foundation, but it’ll be nice to have a read on him off the field. So I only punched him in his arm.” Ty laughs.

King laughs with him.

“I told him you were going to punch him.” King tells Ty.

“Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes at King.

We all laugh together. I’ve missed hanging out with these idiots. I’m glad the two of them are here early to just shoot the shit with.

“Help me get all this food and alcohol outside before the rest of the heathens get here.” I tell them as I gather items to take to the patio.

By the time we have everything outside, Dane and Dean are walking into the backyard. Right behind them are Sean and Crawford. Interesting. I guess he really is welcoming him to the team and getting a new wingman.

“What’s up, fellas?” I ask.

They all say hi and come to where Ty, King and I are. I get everyone here situated with a drink.

The rest of the guys trickle in and we all just chill out. We shoot the shit about the season so far and how we hope to keep it up through the rest of the season. It’s nice to just be with the guys in a relaxing environment.

I get up to use the bathroom and when I get back, Heather and Adriana are here talking to Ty, Dean, Crawford, and Sean. What are they doing here? Adriana said they were going shopping.

Ty catches my eyes and I can tell he isn’t happy either that they’re here. I’m just glad that he is with them. Crawford has been okay so far, but I don’t know if I trust him with the girls.

I walk over to the group and put my arm around Adriana’s shoulder.

“Ladies, what’s going on?” I ask.

“I baked cookies and wanted to drop them off before we head out.” Heather tells me.

“Thanks, sis. That was sweet of you.”

Adriana moves her arm around my waist in a sideways hug.

“Hi Cole.” she says.

“How are you?” I ask.

“I’m good,” she tells me.

I already know she’s good. We talked after the game on my way home. I’m glad I get to lay my eyes on her, but I wish everyone else was gone now. She has on a red sundress and she looks gorgeous. I just want to wrap her up in my arms.

“I put the cookies on the table. We are going to head out now,” Heather speaks up.

“Where are you ladies headed? You don’t want to hang out with us?” Crawford asks.

What the fuck?

“Shopping. We still have stuff to get for the gala.” Heather replies.

“I love the theme for it.” Crawford tells her.

“That was all Adriana.” Heather says.

“No shit, beautiful and has brilliant ideas? Adriana, you sound like a keeper.” Crawford says as he smiles at her.

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