Page 53 of End Game

“Best damn meal I’ve had in a long time,” Gav says minutes later, pushing his plate away from him as he leans back in his chair. If he patshis belly and burps, I’m going to kick him out of the house. “Thank you, Everleigh. That was delicious.”

“You’re welcome.” She’s blushing, her gaze stuck on Gav’s stupid face, and the words leave me before I can stop myself.

“If you want to marry her, just propose right now, asshole. We get it. You like the way she cooks.”

Coop starts laughing all over again, and I kick him under the table, making him start to cough instead. Frank’s frowning, his gaze switching between me and Gav like he’s at a tennis match. And Gavin is staring at me like I’ve sprouted two heads.

“What the hell is your problem, Valente? Can’t I tell your roommate that she’s a damn good cook?” Gavin’s brows shoot up. His voice is like a challenge. One I’m ready to meet.

“You won’t stop gushing about her.”

“I don’t gush about anyone.”

“You’re gushing about her.” I tip my head in Ever’s direction, but she remains blessedly silent.

The tension grows between us, swirling. Making me angrier. I’m not backing down. Once I’m in it, I’m completing it, and wow, I sound like a total asshole even in my own thoughts.

“You’re being a dick,” Gav finally says.

“You’re always a dick,” I throw back, which is a lie, but I’m pissed.

“Hey, you guys.” This comes from Frank, who sounds nervous as fuck. Gavin and I don’t argue. Like ever. “Ease up, okay?”

“Shut the fuck up, Dollar.” Gavin’s voice is low. I can tell he’s as pissed as I am.

I finally ask the question that’s been on the tip of my tongue since Gav called Everleigh wifey material. “You into her?”

Gavin blinks, obviously confused. “Into who? Sienna?”

“What the fuck?” Coop mutters, shaking his head. “We’re not talking about my sister, dipshit. She’s not even here.”

“I’m talking about Everleigh,” I bite out.

“What? No.” Gavin turns his attention to Ever. “No offense. You’re cute. You’re a great cook, but I’m not like ... attracted to you or anything like that. And damn, that sounded awful but ...”

“I know what you mean,” Ever says, her voice soft. “I’m not offended.”

“Why would you even bring up my sister?” Coop asks Gav.

Frank groans. “I don’t think this is the right conversation to have over dinner.”

Is Coop really so oblivious that he doesn’t realize his sister is madly in love with one of his best friends?

Yeah. I think he is.

“Dinner is done,” I announce, glancing quickly at my empty plate. “And I think it’s a great conversation to have.”

“You need to chill the hell out.” Gav thrusts his index finger in my direction. “Why are you trying to start a fight with me?”

“Because he’s hot for Ever and doesn’t want you sniffing around her,” Coop observes, sounding amused.

“Well, your sister is hot for Gavin, and he acts like he has no idea,” I throw at Coop, angry that he exposed my ass.

“She is?” Coop and Gavin ask at the same time.

Ever leaps to her feet and starts reaching for our dishes, stacking them on top of each other. “All of you are ignorant jerks. Except for you, Frank.”

“Hey, thanks, Ever.” He sounds pleased by her comment, and that just makes me madder.

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