Page 15 of Tackle

“Sure. What’s that?”

“My dad would die if I brought him home your autograph. Do you mind signing one?” He patted his pockets. “Shoot, I don’t have a pen or paper.”

“Hang on, I’ll get one. What’s your dad’s name?”

“Greg.”

Oz left the kid standing at the door. “Sorry. Just one more second, promise,” he said as he passed Emerson who had retaken her seat at the kitchen island. “You can start eating if you want.”

“I’ll wait. Take your time.”

He threw her a grateful smile then went to the desk that abutted the right wall of the living room and pulled out an eight-by-ten glossy of himself in his uniform. After personalizing it and adding his signature, he took it back to the kid.

“Thanks again. It was great meeting you.”

“Same here.”

The kid waved as he headed back to the elevator and Oz gave him a chin lift before closing the door.

He made his way back to Emerson. “Sorry about that.”

“Now I understand why you didn’t want to go out. That guy was…” She seemed to struggle for the right word and came up with, “Very enthusiastic.”

Oz chuckled. “That’s a good description. I honestly don’t mind the one-on-one interaction too much. It’s when the team goes out as a group and we get bombarded that I feel overwhelmed.”

“After what I just saw, I certainly don’t blame you for that.”

He gestured at the box. “You want to eat that on the sofa?”

“Sure.”

He grabbed the pizza and Emerson picked up their waters, following him into the living room. He set the box on the coffee table and they got situated on the couch.

“I should’ve remembered plates.” Like a civilized human being. Oz mentally rolled his eyes. Way to impress.

“It’s pizza, we can use napkins.”

“Fair enough.” Oz handed her a slice then one for himself.

“Mmm, it’s good,” she said, wiping a drip of cheese off her chin.

Oz took a bite, agreeing. “I had no idea non-plastic cheese made such a difference.” He reached for the remote. “Ready to watch the movie?”

“Yep, but one thing before you start it.”

His stomach tightened. Was this the ‘but’ portion of the evening?

“In case I forget to tell you later, thank you. I’m having a great time and can’t wait for our second date.”

Anxiety gone, he clicked the remote and leaned back on the couch with his arm extended, happy when she readily snuggled into his side.

Then grinned the whole time, feeling pretty fucking great even being upstaged by Ryan Reynolds.

Chapter Six

Last of her customers gone, Emerson locked the front door and floated back to the bar.

Yes, floated.

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