“It’s super comfortable.” He shook his ass so the bunny tail would shimmy.
Harty rolled his eyes. “Always a character.”
“You love it. I’m wearing it at the hunt this weekend, right?”
Harty and his girlfriend Penny were hosting a Strikers’ Easter party. Events like this were usually hosted by team captains, but Harty had bought a huge house a few years ago and Cheesy was still enjoying condo life.
“Yes, the kids can take pictures with you, but you have to keep the head on. Some of them are little and still believe,” Harty said.
“The kids can’t wait,” Max said. Connor and Amelia were excited to do a big egg hunt with the other kids. They were both super competitive, so it could get dicey.
“How’s that going?” Harty asked.
“What? Ava and the kids? Great. I love having my family there. Plus, the kids don’t get annoyed with my pranks and jokes like some people I know,” he said as Nessie approached them.
“Screw you, Baz. You flooded my damn hotel room the other week,” Nessie grumbled. “No one wants wet socks.”
“It comes with the territory of being lucky enough to be my teammate. It’s always done with love,” Max said as they all got on the elevator.
“No. You were annoyed that we teased you about Gabi. There was no love in those pranks,” Nessie said.
“How is that going?” Harty asked.
“Fine,” he said.
“Just fine? That doesn’t sound good. The charm isn’t working on her?” Harty asked.
“Why would I be charming her? She’s just a family friend.”
Nessie barked out a laugh. “We still going with that angle? Dude, you are so gone for her. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Clearly,” he said, gesturing between him and Harty.
“Finding the right woman is the best thing ever aside from winning the Cup.” Harty paused. “If either of you tell Penny that, I’ll kill you.”
Max laughed. “I think we’re going to take it home this year.”
“Don’t change the subject,” Nessie said.
“Fine. We’ve hooked up and I have feelings for her. Ava doesn’t know, so don’t you dare hint or say anything to her this weekend,” Max said.
Harty’s grin widened. “Finally, we have confirmation. Who had April seventh for them finally hooking up?”
“I’ll have to check the Google Doc,” Nessie said, smirking.
“Seriously? You took bets. Besides, we kissed three weeks ago, so screw both of you,” he said.
Harty doubled over with laughter. “Your outrage is perfection,” Harty said when he straightened. “And no, we didn’t make a bet. We’re not assholes.”
“Fuckers,” Max muttered.
“We just wanted to see how long it would take before you finally admitted your feelings. It’s clear as day on both of your faces.”
“It is?” he asked.
Nessie chuckled. “Yep, definitely a goner. Which is good because I like her. You need someone who puts up with your bullshit.”
“Gabi has a handle on him. So, did you tell her you love her yet?” Harty asked as they walked toward the cars.
Max glanced around the parking garage, grateful that only these two assholes were here because he had no desire to be razzed by all of his teammates.