Page 31 of The Double Play

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You play video games?” I ask Emmett.

“Just one,” he replies. “I playHalowith the guys whenever most of us have time.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Oh, that kind of game.”

“Not a fan of shooting aliens?” Jason asks.

“No, definitely not. My idea of a good video game is something involving farming while a peaceful soundtrack plays in the background.”

“A game aboutfarming?” Jason’s face mirrors mine when he spoke about aliens.

“It’s calming,” I say with a shrug.

“It’s not like it matters what game we play anyway, because all you want to do is talk. Half the time we lose because you’re arguing about whether or not you could fight a bear,” Emmett says, making me laugh.

“Please don’t bring that up again,” Willow begs.

As if hearing her plea, the waiter–Karl–comes over to take our order. The restaurant is bustling with patrons, and Karl looks harried because of it. His hair is mussed in a way that doesn’t look purposeful, and he can’t seem to stand still for long. He hasn’t come by since dropping off our drinks, but no one seems to mind.

Each of us order, and then Karl is off to the races again.

“Poor guy,” I comment. “I wonder if he’ll even get a second to breathe today.”

“Makes me appreciate the job I have,” Jason says before taking a sip of his water.

Emmett hums low in agreement.

“You both work hard too, though. Based on the game yesterday, and past football games I’ve watched, I’m sure your training is intense.”

“It can be a lot, but I don’t mind. Especially if Willow is there to watch.” Jason winks at his wife, who blushes and smacks his shoulder.

“Please don’t flirt in front of my daughter,” Emmett grumbles. “Or me.”

June looks up from her coloring page. “What’s flirting?”

“Another thing you’re not old enough for yet,” I tell her and she frowns.

“I wish I was older.”

I laugh. “You’ll take that back one day.”

She scrunches her nose before turning her attention back to her coloring book.

“Do you go to Emmett’s practices?” Jason asks.

“Are you asking me if I watch him like Willow watches you?” I say without thinking.

Jason lets out a surprised laugh. “If I was?”

“Jason,” Emmett warns in a low tone that makes tingles go down my spine.

Willow shakes her head and shoots us an apologetic look. “Don’t pay him any mind, Hazel. He’s teasing you to get under Emmett’s skin.”

“I don’t think that’s going to work very well,” I reply.

Willow presses her lips together in an expression that says she doesn’t believe me. The only reason any of this would bother Emmett is if he thought it was unprofessional or rude. He seems adamant about making sure I’m comfortable, but that’s just basic human decency, not any fondness on his part. She probably wants to see something between us the same way Jason does. While I’m flattered, they have to know it’s a ridiculous thought. Emmett is the furthest thing from interested in me.

“Time will tell,” Jason mumbles cryptically.

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