Page 271 of Well Played

Grant chuckled as she stormed over to the door and yanked it open.

“Cassie.” It was one of her brothers.

“Smart, definitely bring Reagan as a buffer. What do you want?”

Grant didn’t get up from the seat he’d taken at the bar as he listened.

“Went by the stadium.” Whichever brother it was answered. “Car and belongings returned. How’s he doing?”

Her sigh was no doubt backed by an eye roll, but she opened the door wide for them. “Ask him yourself.”

“Grant,” Ben said when he saw him. “That was some night.”

“Definitely was that.”

“How’s your hand?” he asked, taking a seat next to him.

“Hurts like a bitch, but I’ll live.”

“Did you take anything?”

Grant shook his head. “Don’t like pain meds.”

“Try some over-the-counter stuff instead.” Ben got up and walked away before returning with a bottle of it. “Here.”

“Thanks.” It might take the edge off. He doubted it, but it was worth a shot. Since he’d gotten up, it was throbbing, and he didn’t love it.

“Reagan is disappointed by my coffee selection.” Cassie pointed at her coffee pot.

“Pathetic,” Reagan said with a serious note. “Does everyone want their usuals?”

“You don’t need to get us coffee,” Ben told her. “Hang out. I promise we will all service with some regular coffee.”

Reagan shook her head. “It won’t take that long.”

Ben opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it back. Whatever it was, he clearly thought better of it.

“If you insist,” Cassie started, “we will all take whatever is easiest for you.”

“Want me to ride with you?” Ben stood.

“I’ve got it,” Reagan assured him.

Cassie walked Reagan to the door and closed it after her. “I’m going to shower before she gets back.”

Ben and Grant sat at the bar as they waited. Grant reached into a bowl on the counter and grabbed an apple as Ben took a banana.

“What’s the deal with you and Reagan?” Grant asked, getting the sense there was more there than met the eye.

“What’s the deal with you and my sister?” Ben countered.

“Nothing. We’re just friends.” Even Grant knew that wasn’t the whole story.

“Same,” Ben answered.

“Fine. Keep your secrets. I was just making conversation.” He took a large bite out of the apple.

“She never left your side last night,” Ben said. “She refused to walk away and drove the nurses crazy with questions. The doctor had to come reassure her, twice, that you’d be able to play again soon.”

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