Page 56 of The Way We Win

“Anyway, I’m sorry I missed the game. I heard it was a nail-biter, and I heard Austin got hurt. Is he okay?” She looks right at me, but I don’t have a chance to answer.

“He’ll be fine.” Jack’s deep voice joins the conversation, and my entire body lights up. “He has a bad sprain, but if he rests it this week, he should be okay.”

I quickly reach into the cooler and pull out a beer, opening it for him. He smiles as he takes it from me, and our fingers graze. It has me nearly melting to the floor.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Liv’s mother nods. “Well, I’ll be heading home now. Is Gigi spending the night with me tonight?”

“She is.” Liv steps forward to kiss her mother’s cheek. “One of the Simpson girls is babysitting her at your house, and I’ve already paid her.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Night, kids.”

“I suppose I ought to be getting home, too.” Miss Ginawraps her shawl tighter around her narrow shoulders. “It’s past my bedtime.”

“Okay, then.” Rachel’s eyebrows rise, her tone teasing. “I guess that means we’re heading out since we’re your ride.”

“Oh, you don’t have to leave on my account!”

Zane exhales a laugh, patting her shoulder. “See you all tomorrow. Good game, bro.”

He nods at Jack, who sips his beer as he watches them leave.

“You ready to make the most of our night off?” Liv arches an eyebrow at Garrett, and he bends down to lift her over his shoulder.

“Let’s go make a baby!” he shouts, slapping her on the butt.

“Garrett!” Liv smacks him on the back. “Put me down. My goodness.”

He doesn’t, and somebody lets out a taxi-whistle as he carries her out the door into the parking lot.

“He knows how to keep her down to earth.” Dylan laughs, holding out her hand to Kimmie. “Are you spending the night with me tonight?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Jack’s daughter jumps up and down, pumping her hands over her head. Then she stops, seeming to remember. “Is that okay, Daddy?”

Jack smiles down at her with so much affection in his eyes. “I guess I can tuck myself in tonight.”

Her brown eyes widen with worry, and she takes her father’s hand. “Will you be sad and lonely?” She quickly grabs my hand. “Miss Allie can spend the night with you. She’s all alone, too!”

I swallow air, and Dylan bursts out laughing. “Kimmie, that is a great idea!” She steps forward to kiss Jack’s cheek. “Isn’t it, big brother?”

His eyes narrow, but he doesn’t respond.

“Speaking of making babies…” Logan catches his wife around the waist. “Let’s get this little one to bed so we can practice.”

“Keep my brother company tonight, Miss Allie!” My face ison fire, and Dylan waves over her shoulder to me as she leads her skipping niece to the kitchen.

Chewing my lip, I glance up at him. “I do not want to make a baby.”

“Good.” He turns, facing me. “Still, they have a point. We are both alone tonight.”

“You’re not too tired for a sleepover?” Somehow I manage to tease.

Shifting his stance, he moves closer. “No.”

“Hey, Allie!” A loud voice from behind me almost makes me throw my beer.

“Shit!” My palm flies to my chest, and I turn around to see Ronnie Freeman standing behind me smiling.

Ronnie teaches math at the high school, and he’s about my height. A little chunky, but always nice and friendly.

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