Page 99 of The Way We Score

We both gulp air, and Dylan squeals, throwing her arms over her head in a V. “You’re having a girl?”

Falling back against Garrett’s chest, I start to laugh as I nod. His arms wrap over mine, and he leans down into my ear. “Sorry.”

“Why are you sorry? I’ve been dying to know!” Dylan claps.

“Baby girls are so fun.” Rachel holds my hand. “We’ll dress her up in the cutest little outfits and put ribbons in her hair.”

“What am I missing? Is she showing?” Allie bursts through the double doors leading to the kitchen. “Damn, Liv! Your boobs are enormous!”

Her voice is too loud, and heat races to my ears. “Shut up!” I push her arm, glancing up at Garrett.

He gives me that sly grin that makes my entire body hot, but Dylan explodes with a laugh, shaking Allie’s arm. “It’s a girl! They’re having a baby girl.”

They’re hugging me, and Garrett’s standing back, grinning when Zane emerges from the kitchen. “What’s this I hear about you wrangling snakes, G?”

“Snakes!” It’s a collective gasp, and his gender oops is momentarily forgotten.

“That’s what I said,” Garrett takes my hand again, leading me to a booth near the large, open windows facing the bay.

“Gloria said Nala almost kicked a hole in the wall, she was so scared.”

“Nala did that?” Rachel’s eyes widen. “She’s the sweetest horse! She’s the one I always ride.”

“Sounds like you had an exciting first day at work.” I scoot into the seat beside him.

“Sorry I wasn’t there to help you.” Zane slides into the seat across from us with Rachel right beside him.

“I didn’t do a thing.” Garrett stretches an arm along the back of the booth behind me. “Aubrey handled it all like a freakin pro.”

Dylan waves her hands between us. “Hold that thought, because I want to hear all about this, but the food’s getting cold.” Her amber eyes shine when she looks at me. “Garrett told me about your food cravings, and we had the best time making our own versions. Allie and I’ll grab everything. Help yourself to drinks.”

Her excitement reminds me of ninth-grade Dylan, three years younger than us, holding my hand and resting her head on my shoulder like I was already her big sister.

“I’ll get them.” Zane scoots, and Rachel stands to let him out.

Pointing around the table, he takes our drink orders, beers for all and sparkling water for me. He goes to the small bar near the pool-table area, where Edward went as soon as they arrived, and grabs us all drinks.

“Talk about the star treatment,” Rachel teases, leaning forward.

I glance up at Garrett, remembering my comment in Blondie’s.

He laughs it off. “It’s not hard to be a star when you own the place.”

Leaning back, I put my hands on the table, taking in his happy demeanor, his relaxed features, the black vest with the law enforcement seal on his chest.

“Aubrey Schiffer is Craig’s cousin, isn’t she?” Zane puts three longnecks and a tall black can in front of me.

“Yeah, and she’s a badass.” Garrett takes his arm off the back of the booth, leaning forward to take his drink.

My lips twist, and I do my best to fight the unexpected zing of jealousy at this new information. “What makes her so impressive?”

“Yeah, I’m not sure if I like her or not.” Rachel sits back in the booth crossing her arms, and I want to reach out and give her a fist bump. “Is she as cute as Craig?”

“Nobody is,” Garrett deadpans, and Zane holds a hand over his mouth.

Forcing a swallow, he shakes his head. “Dammit, G, you almost made me do a spit-take.”

Shifting in the booth, Garrett squints down at me. “Are you seriously jealous of Aubrey?”

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