Page 49 of Relief Pitcher

“Likewise. I hope it’s not a problem that I’m a bit early.”

I smiled. “Not at all. To be early is to be on time.”

“My thoughts exactly.” He smirked.Oh, this is going to be fun.

“Ethan, I’ve got a question about this invoice for new glassware.” Dom’s gruff voice preceded him as soon as he rounded the corner from the hallway where the office was located. His attention snapped to Hayden like his body knew he was there before his eyes spotted him. He mumbled something about talking to Ethan later and stormed off back to the office.

Hayden sniffed his armpit. “I showered today.” He shrugged.

The three of us chuckled.

Hayden was an interesting mix of jolly and motorcycle guy. Friendly with an edge. He had a wide smile and shrewd blue eyes.

I really wanted him to spill the details about whatever had happened between him and Dom since Dom sure as hell wasn’t letting anything slip. But I needed to respect Dom’s privacy. Even if it killed me, and it just might.

Ethan and I led Hayden down the hallway to the production area at the back of the building and past the office with the door firmly closed. Ethan chatted happily with Hayden about his weekend as we walked. That was one thing I loved about him. He could talk to anyone.

As we neared the exit in our brewing area that led to the employee parking lot behind the building, Hayden spotted our special board. A whiteboard we used to give each other shit and keep it fun at work. It used to have electrical tape dividing it into four chunks, but it had five now that Seth worked for us regularly. I was proud that my section showed it had been over a week since I’d said “Epic.” Unfortunately for all of us, it had only been three days since Austin was caught making out with Caleb at work. We needed to change Ethan’s since it wasn’t any fun tracking how long it’d been since he’d gotten a customer’s phone number now that he had a boyfriend. It had been zero days since someone had commented on Seth’s bow ties.

A hearty laugh rumbled out of Hayden. “Of course it’s been zero days since Dom acted like the boss.” He shook his head, but it appeared more fond than exasperated. “He needs someone to boss him right back.” There was a hint of heat in his words.

My attention snapped to Ethan as his eyes widened. He mouthed, “Oh my god,” as Hayden continued studying the board.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. When I saw Coop’s name on the notification, I fell back while Ethan continued with Hayden.

Cooper: There’s officially a betting pool going over when Coach Gurtner will fuck Coach Sandoval. Want in?

Tyler: You know it. Speaking of fucking. How do you feel about us continuing to do that? *puts on sexy lawyer hat* I’m proposing a casual situation of sex only. We’ve got great sexual chemistry, so why deny each other orgasms during the season? I’ll still be your wingperson though.

Cooper: That took a turn I wasn’t expecting, but I won’t turn down regular sex. Lawyer hats are fine, but I prefer those white lawyer wigs. Hubba hubba.

Tyler: LOL dork. Thoughts on car sex?

Cooper: Favorable thoughts.

Tyler: Good. Got any plans after practice?

Cooper: You, it sounds like.

Tyler: [smirk emoji]

CHAPTER23

COOPER

Danita: When you have time, could you build me a shelf?

Cooper: Like an IKEA thing or from scratch?

Danita: Scratch, obviously. Why buy IKEA when I have you?

Cooper: You owe me dinner, and you’re helping me mount it to the wall.

Danita: Dammit. You drive a hard bargain. Okay, sold.

* * *

My heart rate kicked up as I reached a familiar turnaround driveway. It’d only been a few weeks since I’d been at the house to fell some black cottonwoods, and I was back to fulfill my first official art commission. I’d been creating art on some level for nearly thirty years, but never for someone I wasn’t close to. I knew the people who cared about me wouldn’t put down my work, but a stranger had no reason to blow smoke up my ass. I’d sure learned that in college.

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