Page 144 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

“Damn, man, I knew it,” he says, pointing a finger at me like I’ve just won a game in overtime. “Man, you have no idea how much I love you, holy shit,” he continues, vibrating with excitement. “That double save in OT last night? Theglove snag,and then the pad stack? I rewound that three times.”

“Well it’s good to meet you.”

“I’ve delivered here before,” he says. “Never seen you.”

“I’m new here,” I laugh.

Gio barks sharply, trying once again to launch himself at the guy’s legs, his tiny frame full of unnecessary aggression. I tighten my grip on his collar and hold him back. “Dude, chill. He’s a fan.”

The delivery guy laughs, stepping back again like Gio might actually take him down—all ten pounds of him. “I mean, I’d probably be barking too if I got to live with you!”

“Thanks man, I appreciate it.”

The guy hesitates. “Could I…I hate to ask. Can I get a picture?”

“Yeah—sure, no problem.” Austin sneaks up behind me and takes her dog, carrying him out of the doorway and into the living room while the young fan takes a selfie.

“Man, my buddies are gonna freak when they see this,” he says, holding up his phone like it’s a trophy. “You’re their favorite player. Hell, you’re my favorite player.”

I laugh, rubbing the back of my neck.

My stomach protests. “Thanks, that means a lot. Glad I could make your day.”

The guy laughs again nervously, clearly not wanting to leave but aware he’s pushing his luck. “Alright, I’ll let you eat. Thanks again, man. Seriously. Highlight of my week.”

“No problem,” I say, giving him a wave as he finally turns to head back down the hallway. His footsteps echo away, but his excitement lingers in the air like static.

I close the door.

Austin lets Gio loose.

He scampers into the kitchen. Sits.

Stares up at me expectantly, whip of a tail wagging.

“That’s a first,” I say to him, rummaging through the food to unearth a fry. “Is this all it takes to win you over?” He’s been growling at me nonstop!

Unreal.

I toss him a sweet potato fry, and bend over.

Behind me, I hear Austin’s soft footsteps, and then her arms slide around my waist, warm and steady. Her chin comes to rest lightly against my shoulder as she leans into me, her body fitting perfectly against my back.

“Looks like you’ve won him over,” she murmurs, her voice low and teasing. Her breath brushes my ear, sending a faint, pleasant shiver down my spine. “Guess you’re not so bad with small, feisty creatures after all.”

I smirk, tossing another fry into my mouth. “Feisty creatures like you?”

“Ha ha,” she says dryly, but I can feel her smile against my shoulder. “But yes.”

27

austin

Me: You should come up to your brother's place. He’s at practice and I’m here with my dog…

Nova: You brought your DOG?! OMG I love dogs, be right there.

I’m hunkered down in his living room, the massive windows offering me a view of the entire city as I lay wrapped in a faux fur blanket, little Gio burrowed near my feet.

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