Page 31 of I Got You

“Hank, grab the football, and let’s see what this old man’s got,” Cole orders, and I want to hug him.

“Watch it, kid, or you’ll see just how old I am.” Shane shoots back as Cole smirks.

Hank grabs the ball as Teddy and Garrett come running out of the house. “We want to play!”

“Garrett, you’re with me,” Shane says, claiming him.

Liv bounces up and down. “I want to be on your team, Shaney.”

“Teddy, you’re with me and Hank,” Cole hollers, and Teddy throws his hands in the air like he’s already scored.

“You playing?” Shane asks me like it’s a dare.

I pull my loose jeans up, joining Shane, Garrett, and Liv on one side of the yard. “Somehow, I feel like I’m back in grade school and the last one standing.”

Shane looks at me, his face emotionless. “Something tells me you weren’t picked last.”

I stare at him as he surveys the yard. I have no idea what to make of this quiet impassive man. I know there’s so much hiding inside that large muscular body. Layers upon layers, and there’s an archeologist inside me who wants to gather all my tools and start picking away.

Shane shifts into coach mode, pulling us into a huddle. “Garrett, I need the 411 on Teddy.”

“He’s going with a whoopie cushion, simple but effective. I switched it to his chair when he wasn’t looking.”

“That’s it?” Shane is wise to be skeptical.

Garrett raises and lowers one shoulder. “As far as I know. You better watch your back.”

He and Garrett pound fists as Cole yells at us to get it together.

“Maggie, you snap the ball to me and Liv. Garrett, I’ll fake it to you, then you hang right and back. I’ll wait for the opening.”

I scoff. “I can do more than snap the ball, big guy.”

“I’ve no doubt.” He says it under his breath, and I’d like to know what the hell is going on here. Is he flirting? I…cannot…tell. Quiet Shane, ok. This other version that’s emerging; I have no idea. Poop.

I toss the ball to Liv and Shane, taking off, and in seconds, Garrett scores. Shane tosses Liv in the air and gives us each a high five. Hank takes the ball, and I know his competitive ass will aim for Cole, so I rush him and get in his face as Shane runs at Cole and Teddy. Shane scoops Teddy up under one arm on his way to Cole and blocks the pass.

The game continues, and the laughter and smack flow which feels normal. When Cole announces the burgers are done, we head into the house, and I can tell by the way Shane is walking his knee is sore.

I bump his shoulder. “You want some ice?”

“Nah. It’s ok. It’s just a little tender still.”

I give him the side eye. “Liar.”

He growls, and I laugh.

We assemble our plates and take seats at the table, where I set out napkins, silverware, and bottles of water. One by one, we sit, and as expected, a loud farting sound erupts when Teddy hops up into his chair.

“Awe, man. Who found me out?” Teddy demands.

“You know what they say about snitches.” I try not to laugh. “Besides, it's not nice to prank a newbie.”

“It was just a little fart joke.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, well, it’s not like there isn’t enough of that with you boys already.”

We take our places around the table, and Liv pulls her chair closer to Shane. I smile at him as he helps her with her plate.

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