Page 70 of Defensive Zone

Later that night, after the twins were in bed and he’d regaled them with two Cornelius and Narly tales, he plopped down on the couch with Gabi. He grinned when she shifted away from him when Ava walked into the living room.

“Elise down?” he asked.

“Yep. I should have at least a few hours before I need to feed her again. You going out tonight?” Ava asked.

After their five-day road trip and early morning flight this morning, Coach had given them the night off. A bunch of the guys were going to C&B, but surprise, surprise, he’d opted to stay in. They’d razzed the shit out of him for that, even when he’d tried to convince them it was because the kids hadn’t seen him in days and they missed their Uncle Max. Plus, he wanted to spend time with Ava.

It was a valid excuse, but they weren’t buying it. Nosy bastards.

“No, staying in tonight. I wanted to see my favorite nieces and nephew. The guys were going to C&B, so no big deal.” He shrugged.

“You’re sweet, Max, but you should go out. I feel like we’re cramping your style. I don’t think you’ve gone out on a date since we moved in,” Ava said, taking the overstuffed chair next to the couch.

“Don’t sweat it, Av. It’s not like I was dating anyone, and I can hang out at C&B anytime with the guys.”

“Why aren’t you dating anyone? You’re a total catch. I mean, when you clean up a bit,” Ava said.

Gabi snorted next to him, and he subtly nudged her with his elbow, making sure Ava didn’t see the gesture.

“A total catch,” Gabi echoed.

“I’m a delight, Gabster,” he said.

She groaned. “Stop with that stupid nickname. You’re irritating, not a delight,” she bit out, but he didn’t miss the touch of humor in her tone.

“You two will never change,” Ava said.

“What? We’re just teasing. You know that,” Max said.

“I know.” Ava smiled and quirked her brow.

Was she on to them? No. Not possible.

“So, what are we watching tonight?” he asked.

“Bridgerton,” Ava said.

“What-er-ton?” he asked.

“Oh, come on. Only the biggest Netflix series ever. Gabi and I have heard amazing things about it and we were going to binge it, so you can watch with us,” Ava said.

“I don’t think that’s something Max wants to watch,” Gabi said.

“What’s it about?” he asked.

“Well, it’s historical, with duels and scandal and boxing and parties. And it’s a love story,” Ava said.

“Sounds interesting, I guess,” he said.

“There’s also hot chicks and nudity, I’ve heard,” Ava paused. “Um, maybe I don’t want to watch this with my brother.”

Gabi’s laugh was strained. “Yeah, maybe we’ll watch it another night without him.”

“Now I want to watch it,” he said, enjoying how uncomfortable Gabi looked.

“We can watch something else,” Ava said.

“How about Harry Potter?” Gabi asked.

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