Page 93 of Win Big

“He’s adorable,” Everly says quietly. “He really loves you.”

I smile. “I think he’s in love with you, actually. He wouldn’t let go of your hand.”

She laughs softly.

I wake up Owen when we’re at his place. “I was just resting my eyes,” he says, rubbing them.

“That’s good, buddy.”

Heather greets us with big smiles for Owen and more reserved smiles for Everly and me. Often Heather asks me to stay for dinner after I’ve taken Owen out, but she doesn’t today, so I hug my little guy. He wants to hug Everly too, and she kneels down to give him a squeeze. “I had fun,” she tells him. “You taught me a lot about animals.”

“Everly is funny,” Owen tells his mom.

“It was lovely to meet you both,” Everly says, standing and facing Heather. “He’s a great kid.”

“Thanks.” Heather’s smile is tight.

“He’s so smart. He knew how long a giraffe’s tongue is.” She grins. “And elephants are the only animals that can’t jump. I love his curiosity.”

Heather’s pride shines on her face. “He is very smart.”

“See you soon, Heath.” I set my hand on the small of Everly’s back to usher her out of the house. We wave goodbye and leave.

Everly is quiet in the vehicle.

I glance at her as I drive. “Tired?”

“Yeah. All that fresh air and sunshine.” She smiles. “I could fall asleep like Owen.” She pauses. “Are you and Heather really just friends?”

“Yes.” I hesitate, then ask, “Why?”

“She didn’t seem very happy to meet me.”

“Sure she did.”

Her smile is skeptical. “Well, maybe I’m wrong. Just a feeling I got. Thanks for bringing me along, it was fun.”

EVERLY

I’m a mess.

I think I’m falling in love.

The last time I thought I was in love with someone, it turned into an epic disaster. It terrifies me. Excites me. Makes me want things I’m not sure I can ever have.

Because, like the last time, I’m falling for the wrong guy.

Ever since Wyatt took me to the zoo, I’ve been messed up. Seeing him with Owen made my heart swell up huge in my chest. He loves that boy. His best friend’s son.

His best friend died, and he can’t talk about it. That makes my swollen heart ache for him.

The fact that he trusts me enough to tell me about Heather and Owen makes my feelings for him expand. But he’s not telling me everything, and I wish he would.

I’m seeing past the front he puts on for everyone—the jokester, the partier. He’s the honey badger of the hockey world—he just doesn’t give a shit.

Except he does.

I’ve seen how much he cares about his friends. I’ve now seen how much he cares about Owen and Heather. Clearly he cared about his dead friend.

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