Page 14 of Hard Hitter

I sent him a pointed stare. “Have I ever given you the indication I want to be a backup dancer for your talent show delusion?”

He recovered quickly, reaching over to take a swig from my water. “You have hidden depths we’ve only begun to explore. Who am I to deny your dreams?”

“My dreams involve having food in our apartment the weeks you’re supposed to shop.” And a certain brunette bombshell whose brother would kill me if I acted on any of those dreams.

Mac threw his hands up. “That’s why we’re going to Johnny’s.”

“Your plan is to buy pizza instead of real food for the week?”

He pointed at me. “Yes. Until RJ yells at me. Then I’ll activate the puppy dog eyes to distract her.”

As if she knew we were talking about her, RJ strolled over from the squat rack wiping her neck with a towel. “Aren’t you supposed to be working something besides your mouth, Mac?”

“Already done. Can you keep Parker busy for a bit tonight?”

She narrowed her eyes at Mac. “Why?”

“A certain wildcat I’m meeting. She’s shy.”

RJ groaned. “Not a cheerleader.”

He laid his hand on his chest with a dramatic gasp. “Why, RJ, what do you have against cheerleaders?”

She smacked his arm with her towel. “I don’t want your latest conquest to interfere with Eva’s squad. If she decides to torture you, she might throw me in there too since I live with you.”

The treadmill beeped, and I stepped on the side rails as it slowed to a stop. I wiped my face on my soaked shirt, then frowned at RJ. “Weren’t you supposed to be dress shopping with Eva and Chloe today?”

A faint blush stained her cheeks. “I bailed.”

Curiosity ate at me, but I wasn’t going to ask her for more information. If she wanted to say more, she would.

Luckily, Mac didn’t have any such qualms. “What the hell, RJ? Eva planned this trip around your schedule.”

She scowled at him. “I don’t need another dress, Mac. Parker and I were dealing with some stuff this morning, and it ran late. Eva understands. I’m sure Chloe will too.”

Mac muttered something about Shaw’s dick under his breath, but RJ ignored him. I understood Mac’s frustration. Chloe didn’t have any friends at this university besides us, and despite her outgoing personality, I got the feeling she wasn’t looking for any more. I didn’t like the idea of RJ abandoning her to spend time with us.

I stepped off the machine and reached for my bag next to RJ’s leg. “Did you talk to her?”

RJ tilted her head at me. “Chloe? No, not yet. I’m going over to their place tonight for margaritas and a mini fashion show.”

Mac perked up. “Am I invited?”

“No. Eva’s orders. What are you guys doing for lunch?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Johnny’s for pizza and sweet, sweet tunes,” Mac mimed singing into a mic then wagged his brows at her. “You’re in, right?”

She laughed. “Not this time. Parker promised me Whataburger. He said it would change my life.”

Mac looked pained. “You’ve lived in Texas for six months, and you haven’t been to Whataburger yet?”

“I haven’t had time.” She shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal, but Mac worshipped at the altar of their gravy.

“Blasphemy,” he muttered.

“Next time I’ll invite the whole group, including Chloe.” She raised a brow at me and heaved her bag over her shoulder, waving at us on her way out the door.

Mac shook his head, refocusing on me. “Shower and meet in the front in twenty?”

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