Page 103 of Pitcher Perfect

My man, Ty. Acting just as I predicted. I might win this bet after all.

One of Hayden’s eyebrows arched.

Ty was first out, with Ethan on his heels. Seth followed.

“This isour”—I smiled at Austin—“new neighbor, Hayden.” I pointed out each of the guys as Hayden made pleasantries.

Ethan and Ty each gave Hayden a once-over. Ty’s was far more blatant.

Dom was last out of the room. As soon as he saw Hayden, he froze. He stumbled back like he’d seen a machete-wielding ghost.

“Dominic?” Hayden looked as shocked as Dom, but he smiled whereas Dom looked like he wanted to make a Dom-shaped hole in my wall.

“What the hell are you doing here, Hayden?”

Hayden’s face fell. “I moved to town recently. You live here?”

“I do.” He crossed his arms over his chest and puffed up. “Why are you here?”

“Work brought me here. I liked it, so I decided to stick around.”

Dom snorted. “Didn’t know you knew how to do that.”

“Hey, that’s not fair. We were—”

Dom held up his hand, palm facing Hayden. “Don’t. Ancient history.”

“Holy shit,” Austin whispered.

I’d never seen Dom show so much emotion.

“You look great. The years have beenverygood to you.” Hayden’s tone was laced with a little heat.

“Don’t fucking push it, Hayden. Fifteen years hasn’t been long enough for you to get cute with me.” He strode past Hayden and picked up a box of books on his way out the door.

“So…” Ty stared at Hayden. “You know Dom.”

“I do.”

“’Kay. Not going to give us anything else?”

“Nope.”

“Right. So, what brings you to Dahlia Springs?”

Hayden ran a hand through his hair.

“I work in construction and was in the area for a job. I liked the town.” He shrugged. “Nice people, beautiful setting, and queer friendly. One of the last lesbian bars in the country? Awesome.”

“You’re looking at members of the alphabet mafia. We love how LGBTQ+ friendly it is here,” Ethan said proudly.

“Caleb and Austin told me about the queer brewery too. I haven’t had the time to check it out yet.”

Ty’s grin turned evil as the rest of us laughed. “We’re the other owners. Well, three of the four of them.” He jerked his chin toward the door Dom had walked through.

Hayden looked outside then back at Ty. “No shit? Dom owns a brewery?”

“Co-owns. He’s the money and operations guy.”

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