Page 24 of Tackle

Chapter Nine

“You’re Oz Olson.” The guy, Matt—Oz was pretty sure Emerson had said his name was—wiped his hand on a bar towel before extending it. “I’m a huge fan, man.”

“Thanks.” Oz’s hand was larger and engulfed the other guy’s. He was careful not to squeeze too hard, not wanting to turn it into a pissing contest. Especially as Emerson had made her point by reassuring him of just whom she was interested in. It also helped she’d taken a large step to the side, getting out of the guy’s personal bubble and was no longer leaning over the bar, teasing Oz with a tantalizing view of her cleavage.

“Great game last Thursday. Your defensive line was solid.”

Oz nodded. “Yeah, A.J. and Trevor were on their game.”

“You weren’t half bad yourself. That sack in the last quarter was a thing of beauty.”

Compliments making him feel awkward, Oz used a pat answer he always had on standby. “Appreciate it, the entire team really came together.”

“So, do you come here often?”

Oz’s eyes flew to Emerson when she started cracking up. The sound was rich and contagious and made him smile.

When she got herself under control, she swiped under her eye with the heel of her palm and said to Matt, “You do realize we’re in a bar, right?”

It took a second, but then it clicked, and Oz chuckled too.

Matt looked confused. “What am I missing?”

Still chuckling, Emerson helped the guy out. “That was a classic pick-up line.”

Finally getting it, Matt turned to Oz, grinning. “Sorry, I like you, man, but you’re not exactly my type.”

“Good thing too. I wouldn’t want to have to fight you for him.” Emerson held out her hand and Oz took it, entwining their fingers.

“So you guys are a…” He pointed a finger between them.

Oz narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, so don’t be getting any ideas.”

“I wouldn’t.” His gaze flew to Emerson. “Not that I don’t think you’re hot, but you’re my boss.” He noticed Oz’s scowl and tried to backpedal. “I mean, not hot?” He caught Emerson’s expression and rolled his eyes. “I’m screwed either way, aren’t I?”

Oz decided to give the guy a break. “Think it man. You're only allowed to think it, never say it, we clear?”

Matt grinned. “Yes, sir.”

“Sorry to interrupt your male bonding,” Emerson interjected, speaking to Matt, “but the lady at the end of the bar is signaling, and I have a feeling she’d rather you wait on her than me.”

“You got it, boss.” Matt threw Oz a grin. “It was cool meeting you. I guess, I’ll see you around.”

“I’m here almost every day.”

Not missing the warning in Oz’s tone, Matt dipped his head before turning on his heel and making his way to the other end of the bar to help the waiting customer.

“So, getting back on topic, if Matt works out like I hope, that means I’ll have nights off.”

Oz gave Emerson his full attention. “Does that mean we can finally go on another date? Not that I’m complaining, but it would be nice to spend some time with you that didn’t involve a mop and a bucket of sudsy water.”

“That sounds like complaining.” She chuckled.

Oz smiled back. “Okay, so maybe I was.”

“I just need a few nights to train Matt, and then I’m all yours.”

“I have an away game this weekend but we can go out Friday night before I need to head out of town.”

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