Page 101 of The Way We Win

“That is the sweetest compliment. Thank you, Ron.” I reach over and put my hand on Jack’s forearm.

Ronnie’s eyes flicker to my gesture, and he straightens so fast he takes a step back. “Oh, well, I understand now why you turned me down for dinner.” He nods, looking up at Jack. “A fella can’t get too bent out of shape when the lady prefers Coach Jack.” Then he chuckles, looking even more like a Disney character. “I can’t say I blame ya.”

“Ronnie.” I tilt my head to the side, feeling a little sympathetic. He’s not wrong. “You’re a real dear.”

“Take it easy, Freeman.” Jack does not share my sympathy. He puts his hand over mine, leading me to the entrance of the maze.

Cutting my eyes up at him, I love his sullen expression. It’s so Mr. Darcy. “Oh, come on. You can’t be threatened by Ronnie Freeman. It’s just too silly.”

He turns and looks down at me with those thrillingly stern blue eyes. “I don’t like any man trying to take you away from me.”

Stepping closer, I hug his arm to my stomach and rise onto my toes. “You never have to worry about that happening.”

His expression relaxes a bit, and the corner of his mouth even tilts up with a smile. “Let’s catch up with the group.”

We go to where Rachel is talking softly to Edward at the entrance to the maze. “Are you sure you want to do this? It hasstrobe lights and loud music, and in some places actors jump out and yell at you.”

Edward’s lip curls, and Jack gives him a nudge. “I think you’ll find the singularity in the petting zoo with Hendrix.”

Rachel’s brother frowns at him, thinking a minute. Then he seems to understand.

“Kim?” he asks.

Jack nods. “You got it.”

“Good one.”

He walks away in the direction of the petting zoo, and Rachel and I both turn to Jack with our lips parted.

Rachel is the first to ask. “Are you saying you actually understood all that?”

“More like how is Kimmie the singularity?” I add.

“She’s very small, and she has no interest in the laws of science.”

Rachel blinks at her brother-in-law, and I slide my hand into the crook of his arm. “I never knew you were such a nerd.”

“We’re going to have to hustle to catch up with the others.” Zane walks up to slide his arm around Rachel’s waist, glancing down at her breasts. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Y’all go on ahead. We’ll catch up.” Jack takes my hand again, and warmth slips through my veins.

“Oh, comeon!” Rachel grabs my hand, pulling me. “There’s plenty of time to make out at scary movie night. Anyway, the kids will see you if you do it here.”

My eyes widen at Jack, and he grins, making me heat up even more. Rachel almost pulls me out of his grip, but he holds my hand tightly, never letting me go.

“What the hell took y’all so long?” Garrett booms as we meet up with them around the first turn. “We’ve got to stay together in here—this thing is hard!”

“That’s what she said!” Liv cries from where she’s still on his back.

Dylan snorts a laugh. “Did Allie sneak some purple drink into the maze?”

“Not me!” I hold up a hand. “I’m a rule-following librarian.”

“That’s not what I heard.” Liv wiggles her eyebrows, and I tilt my head coyly.

“Garrett!” Dylan quips. “You sneaked a flask, didn’t you?”

“How dare you?” Garrett’s tone is mock-offense. “I’m the sheriff in this town, little lady… er, pepper.”

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