Page 55 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

I hum. “Not married to the job, then.”

“No,” he says simply. “It wouldn’t be my first priority.”

I understand what he’s saying, and admittedly, I like it a lot. I want my future partner to be present, to enjoy spending time with me and building a life together. I don’t want our jobs to come before our relationship.

A slap on my thigh has me turning my head. Brad has a huge grin on his face, and it hits me like a sucker punch. Because for a second, just a second, I’d forgotten he was there. He shoots me a thumbs-up, clearly happy Logan and I are getting along, before focusing on the field. The players are out now, warming up.

My throat feels tight as I force my gaze off the side of Brad’s head.

“Have you lived in Vegas long?” I ask Logan.

“My whole life.”

“Hey, me, too!” Brad says, reaching across me to offer my date a high five. “Vegans for life, man.”

A laugh falls from my mouth. “I don’t think we’re called vegans, bub.”

Hepshtsme. “You’re new. You don’t know.”

Logan, looking amused more than anything, slaps Brad’s proffered palm.

“Heck yeah,” Brad says, plunking back into his seat. I’m not sure if he realizes his hand is resting on my leg now, but he doesn’t move it.

“Where were you living before?” Logan asks me.

“New Hampshire.”

“Ah. Were you near the coast or more inland?”

“Right on the coast, actually. I miss the water quite a lot.”

Brad snorts beside me, and I’m more than certain he’s recalling thewatersportsincident. I give him a warning flick on the leg, which prompts him to pat my face like I’m a dog.

“That’s a pretty big change,” Logan notes. “From the coast to the desert.”

“But worth it,” Brad says, not even looking our way. “Joey’s a family man. He’s got a lot of love to give, you know? And of course he loves his mom, too, but he’s not the type of guy to turn his back on anyone. It’s admirable, and I think his family knows just how lucky they are to have him here.”

My heart thumps viciously.

“Besides,” Brad goes on, “he has a pool at his disposal now, so he can satisfy the urge to get his trunks wet anytime he wants. Logan, you like footlongs?”

“What?” I sputter.

“Hot dogs?” Brad says slowly, looking between the two of us. “Or cheesesteak? Popcorn? I’ll grab us some food. What do you want?”

Jesus Christ.

“Uh, anything is fine,” I mutter.

Logan lists something I don’t hear past the pounding of my heart, and Brad nods. He gives my leg a squeeze before getting up and sidestepping out of our row, the jewels spellingJoeyglinting on the front of his fanny pack.

“He’s sweet,” Logan says.

The sweetest.

“Does he go on all your dates?”

I open my mouth to tell himof course notbut realize I can’t. “He, uh… He’s made it his mission to be my wingman. He’s pretty committed.”

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