Page 19 of Playing for Keeps
I laugh. “A place called Opulent. It was nice. Some of his teammates were there too.”
Laney’s eyes widen as she leans forward on the sofa. “Who?”
I pull a face. “Umm… not totally sure. One of them was definitely named Ricky.”
“Ricky Shaw? He’s one of the running backs. He’s hot!”
I laugh. “Well, he asked for my number.”
“In front of Wyatt?” Ash says, her eyebrows shooting up.
I roll my eyes. “Yes, Ash. Because despiteyour best efforts, it wasn’t a date.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she says, acting innocent.
“Oh, really?” I arch a brow. “Then why didn’t Wyatt know I was coming?”
Just then, Ben walks back in and hands me my drink.
“Thanks,” I say, cracking the can open and taking a sip. “Ash?” I prompt when she stays quiet.
She lets out a breath. “Fine. I thought if you two spent some time together, something might click.”
“Ash, I’ve known him as long as I’ve known you. If anything was going toclick, it would’ve happened by now.”
She pouts. “Not necessarily. You’ve never hung out, just the two of you.”
“You like him, though, right?” Laney chimes in.
I shrug. “I like him the same way I like Nash, Cade, or Seb. We’re friends. That’s all.”
“Told you she’d see right through it, babe,” Ben says, pressing a kiss to Ash’s cheek.
“You were in on it too?” I ask.
Ben raises both hands. “I tried to talk her out of it, but… you know how persistentshe can be.”
“Hey!” Ash protests, swatting his arm.
He chuckles. “Baby, I love how persistent you are.”
She lifts a brow. “Doesn’tsoundlike it.”
He tickles her side, and she bursts out laughing, pushing him away. “I’m sorry, Ivy,” she says between laughs. “You could always back out of the dinner. I’ll take your place.”
“No,” I say, maybe a little too quickly. A smile tugs at her lips. “I had a good time. I’ll go. It’s the weekend after next, though.”
Her eyes widen. “Ivy, that’s your birthday! I swear, I didn’t know.”
I shrug. “It’s fine.”
“Does Wyatt know?”
“I haven’t told him.” I give her a warning look. “And neither should you.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s not a big deal–”
