Page 108 of The Problem with Players

“We aren’t,” Avery and I said in sync.

I smiled at her, and she smiled at me, growing shy.

Evan narrowed his brows. “Then what was that?”

“Oh. That was just two friends who sometimes…kiss…” Avery said, her cheeks rising high. She looked down and shook her head bashfully.

“We were going over plays,” I said.

“With your saliva?” he questioned. “Is that a baseball technique?”

“What’s up? What do you need?” I asked, shifting the awkwardness.

Evan still looked confused, but he went with the shift. “Priya is baking and needed some almond milk. You got any?”

“We do!” Avery exclaimed. “I’ll go get it.” She darted off as if she were running from the police. I could tell how embarrassed she’d been as she hurried into my place.

Evan glanced toward my back door. “So you and Avery, huh?”

“It’s nothing serious. We’re just friends.”

“Friends who kiss?”

“Yeah.” I shrugged. “I guess it’s a thing.”

His brows lowered, and he shook his head. “I remember how heartbroken you were when you ended things with her, Nate. It will always be serious with that woman for you.”

I didn’t reply, knowing he was right.

“Just do me a favor, will you?” he asked.

“What’s that?”

“Pri and Avery have been hanging out together around the farm. Avery’s been a good role model for Priya. She doesn’t have many female role models outside of Mom. Avery’s a good addition around these parts. So don’t fuck this up.”

I smirked and nodded. “I’ll do my best, brother.”

“Do better than that.”

Avery came hurrying out with the carton of almond milk. “Here you go, Evan!”

Evan took the carton from Avery and thanked her. He gave me a nod and a slight smile, then wandered back toward his house.

“Oh gosh, how embarrassing. We have to be more careful about that,” Avery mentioned, moving closer.

“I’m not too worried about it. It’s probably for the best that he interrupted. I was starting to think you liked me.”

She leaned in and whispered, “If you’d like, I could call you a shithead to balance it out.”

I inched closer, my eyes falling to her full lips. “That would probably help.”

Her hand fell against my forearm, and her mouth slightly brushed against mine. “You’re such a shithead, Nathan Pierce.”

I smiled and kissed her gently. “Thanks, Avery Kingsley.”

“Anytime.” She pulled back and took her warmth with her.

What I wouldn’t give to kiss that woman forever. Yet sometimes the small, playful kisses between banter were my favorites. It made it seem as if what we were doing was simply becoming our new norm. Did I love kissing her all over during the wild makeout sessions? Of course. But kissing her in the quiet moments? During the fleeting seconds? Those kisses fed my soul.

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