Page 51 of Perfect Alpha

Their relationship has always made me smile. How two people can be so desperately in love after thirty-five years of marriage is something to aspire to. Somehow, they’ve raised two playboys allergic to any sign of commitment, but at least there’s some hope for Gavin.

“Riddle me this,” Gavin begins, leaning his chair back on two legs and crossing his hands behind his head. “Football players have one game a week.One.” He holds up a single finger for emphasis.

Mr. Henderson gives me a wink before guiding his wife out of the house. “Good luck,” he mouths, and I grin.

Bobby narrows his eyes, and I refill my plate. “What’s your point?” he demands.

“Hockey players have like three or some shit,” Gavin reminds him. “And baseball is even busier. It seems like you’re getting off pretty easy.”

“We should trade jobs for a season,” Bobby replies. “See if anyone notices.”

Both of them were always amazing on the field, and Gavin could have made it professionally if he wanted to. He took the scholarship, but only to earn an agricultural degree, keeping his focus on the books and not the ball.

Gavin shakes his head. “We should have thought ahead and gotten matching tattoos, my man.”

Both of their backs are covered in ink, but only Bobby’s extends onto the back of his neck.

“Would make life easier,” Bobby agrees. “Now tell Cade.”

“Tell me what?” I ask, through a mouthful of eggs.

“I’m thinking about asking Lindsay out,” Gavin admits. “I’ve been tossing the idea around for a few weeks.”

Lindsay is one of Gavin’s closest friends, and I’m already shaking my head. “Don’t do it, man. Terrible idea.”

Lindsay went to school with us, and we’ve known her since she was a toddler. She works as a teller at the local credit union with the friendly smile and matching disposition to make her a crowd favorite.

She doesn’t hang out with Britt’s crew, which gives her additional points in my book. Valedictorian was her standout moment in high school, not being a head cheerleader.

Lindsay is the quintessential girl-next-door-pretty who Gavin rescued from a bully when she was in grade nine. She’s been his buddy ever since. Losing a girl like her from his life would be devastating.

“Why?” Gavin demands as he glares at me.

“If you’re friend zoned, you don’t want to hear that shit. Plus, when you get sick of her, and no doubt you will, then you’re losing a really good friend.”

“Yeah, man, that’s whatIsaid,” Bobby exclaims. “He never takes my advice seriously, which makes no sense because I’m the fucking man.”

Gavin rolls his eyes. “No,yousaid I should hit it and quit it.”

“Same shit,” Bobby insists.

“I’m doing it,” Gavin replies. “What do you two knuckleheads know about dating women, anyway? Not much if you ask me.”

His comment brings my mind to Victory, and I have to admit he has a point. I’ve been fucking that relationship up for years, and it’s the only one I’ve ever had. Bobby’s learned everything he knows about women from watching porn, so he’s even less experienced.

“Brother, Iknowwomen,” Bobby replies, with a cocky grin.

“You wouldn’t know how to love one if cupid smacked you upside your arrogant head,” Gavin replies dryly.

“You have the same arrogant head,” Bobby reminds him.

“I’d say slightly less arrogant,” I muse.

“What are your ideas for a romantic first date?” Gavin challenges.

“Uh,” Bobby replies. “Back of my truck? Who goes ondatesnowadays?”

Gavin rolls his eyes. “See? Case closed.”

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