Page 21 of Trade Deadline

His face morphs into the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen. “Thank you, that’s really kind.”

Holding the two boxes close to his chest, like he’s protecting precious cargo, Zach turns to the two brothers. “Are you two done? I need a nap.”

Blaine blinks at the two of us. “How come he gets a code name, and I don’t?”

“When you start ordering almost daily, you can have a code name.” I grin.

He narrows his eyes and smiles. “You’re on.” They head toward the door, then he stops and turns to me, “I’ll text you.”

“Be sure to rack up those cheesy pick-up lines for me.”

He winks. “You betcha, baby.”

Six

Blaine

Do you like raisins? How do you feel about a date?

Alex

LOL. I really do like raisins, but I have to be in the mood for a date.

Blaine

Did you know that I’m studying to become a historian?

Alex

Oh really?

Blaine

Because I’m really interested in finding a date.

Alex

*cry laughing emoji*

Blaine

:D

Blaine

Am I making you laugh?

Alex

I’m not sure if I’m laughing at you or with you.

Blaine

I’ll take that as a win.

Blaine

I’ll make you laugh a lot if you let me take you on a date.