Romancing the Grump (Appies, #4)

by Jenny Proctor

hold the elevator!” Van and Alec round the corner at the end of the hall and start jogging toward us. Felix holds the doors, waiting for our teammates to catch up, while I pull the elastic out of my hair and smooth it back, tying it into a knot at the back of my head. It’s too long—longer than it has been in months—and I make a mental note to text my barber and schedule an appointment. My beard could also use a trim, and—why am I suddenly so concerned about my appearance? The minute the elevator doors open, I know exactly why I’m concerned. The reason is standing at the end of the hallway outside the conference room, looking just as good as she did this morning. Beside me, Van whistles low. “Whoa. Who’s the⁠—” “She’s the Appies’ new attorney and my girlfriend’s best friend,” Felix says, cutting him off, “and you’ll treat her with the respect she deserves.” “When have I ever not treated women with respect?” Van stands a little taller. “She came to a game once, didn’t she? I wonder if she remembers me.” I clench my jaw. Felix just told me Summer is single. It will take Van less than five minutes to ferret out the same information, which means soon, the whole team will know. I’m not much of a gambler, but if I were, I’d put money on someone making a move within a week or two. The thought shouldn’t irritate me. But by the time we reach the meeting room, I’m frowning, my jaw tight, mental images of my many teammates chatting Summer up like she’s a prime rib and they’re a pack o...