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“Don’t laugh. With all the women you’ve left heartbroken, you could be one scorned woman away from a thriller plotline.”
“You say that like there’s a plethora of attractive, fun, single guys out there.” “Isn’t there?” “How many of your friends are single?”
“Galaxy,” I say, then add, “Mikey.” Our goalie. “Two guys and both hockey players.”
“Nothing. It’s just that you all still treat me like Ty’s annoying little sister.” “That’s because you are.”
grabs a handful of my hair, then tugs it. “What the hell?” I ask, then laugh before I can think better of it. “And you wonder why we treat you like an annoying little sister.” “Wow, was that a laugh? I didn’t know you were capable of that noise,” she taunts, then says. “You should do it more often. It sounds nice.”
“You’re just going to make fun of him.” “Only if there’s something to make fun of.” I’m definitely going to make fun of him.
A date that isn’t happening because of me. I should probably feel bad, but I don’t.
“Bold of you to assume I didn’t want to get to know him the same way.” I can’t tell if she’s kidding.
She knows she’s shocked me and she likes it.
Not that any of that gives me the right to be an asshole. I can’t seem to stop myself lately.
sleep like shit. It’s not the weird house, but the fact that Jack is sleeping across the hall.
“I’m Everly. A friend of Jack’s.” “Well, this is a treat. I can’t remember the last time Jackson brought a girl home.”
Jackson? That’s fun. I file that information away for later.
“Friendly, accommodating…are you sure you’re talking about my Jackson?” A tiny quirk of a smile lifts one side of his mouth.
“It’s a little unnerving how much you two look alike,” I say.
He’s spent a lot of his life doing everything he can to not be like his old man.”
Maybe because everyone was so relieved that I even went to college, I forgot how big of a deal it is that I did it.
but for now I’m house-sitting and annoying your son into letting me use his pool.” His body shakes with laughter,
Nobody wants to drink hard liquor before sunrise and nobody wants to be the person responsible for them either.
Jack’s agent is a fun time. Basically the opposite of Jack in all ways,
“Oh good. You answered this time.” I snort quietly and steal a glance at the man sitting in the passenger seat.
“Jack, the director of the children’s hospital called again this morning. I cancelled everything else through June, but I wasn’t sure what you wanted to do about that one. They have you on the schedule but weren’t sure if they should expect you.” “When is it?” “Today. They’re expecting you in two hours.”
“If you want me to send over some signed jerseys and let them know you’re still on the mend and we’ll reschedule at a later date, just say the word.”
“Yeah. Tell her I’m sorry and –” “He’ll be there,” I blurt out.
“I’m sorry, but children in the hospital do not want a signed jersey. They want you.” “I can’t even drive.” “I’ll take you.”
but friend to friend, I think getting out could be good for you.”
“We’re friends now?” He cocks a brow. “Depends on the day,” I say teasing him.
“Your house is a fortress of sadness. You can’t keep hiding away. And kids are fun and genuine, and they don’t care that you’re not in peak form.” He smiles again,
“That’s all I’m committing to for the summer,” Jack says. “No other events.” “Got it. If you’re only doing one, this is the one I would suggest too.”
“Make sure they know that he’ll need to sit because of his knee and that he might need to cut the visit short if it’s too much too soon.”
but that isn’t a new quirk so I’m sure they’re aware.” James’ laugh plays over the speakers and Jack rolls his eyes.
“Hospitals scare me,” I say, sticking close. “I saw one too many Grey’s Anatomy episodes as a kid.” His lips quirk with amusement. “I didn’t think you were scared of anything.”
once Jack steps into the room of kids, a lot of them,
One little girl runs over and tackles him around the legs, then stares up at him in wonder.
She looks at him the same way most grown women do, but it’s way cuter when she does it.
I start to protest, but then the man smiles. It makes my stomach flip.
“Take a load off, Ev. You look stressed.” “That’s because you stress me out.” “I’m perfectly agreeable right now.”
“Yeah, exactly. It’s scaring me more than being in this hospital.” Then he laughs. Truly terrifying.
I watch for the next hour as a dozen kids and some parents wait for their turn with Jack. He’s gracious and personable. He signs jerseys and sticks and tons of other sports memorabilia items. All with an appreciative sm...
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“I can’t tell you how much it means to them when you stop by.
always the highlight around here. You’re good to us and we appreciate it more than I can say.”
“Wrap an arm around my shoulders and let me have some of your weight.” “No.” “Why not?” “I’m fine. I can walk by myself.” With a huge eye roll, I move to him. “You can but you don’t have to, Jackson.” He definitely glares at me and I fight a smile.
Once we settle into place with me helping him, a new kind of awareness hits me. The smell of him, burnt oranges and cinnamon and something else – something rich and lush, is like a drug.
“I’m sorry I’ve been such a dick to you. The accident and my dad…” He trails off, some of that moodiness returning as he runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry.” “It’s fine.” “No, it’s not fine.” His voice takes a hard edge. “People shouldn’t treat you like shit. Least of all me.”
“Okay, well, how about a clean slate then?” He snorts a quiet laugh. “Seriously?” “I can admit that I have enjoyed riling you up a time or two.” “A time or two?” “Fine. It’s basically a hobby at this point.” The smile Jack aims at me makes warmth spread through my chest.
to behold in all his bulging bicep and ripped ab glory. “Ev?” Jack’s voice breaks me out of my haze.
“And Barnaby is gone?” “Who?” “I named your beard,” I admit with a sheepish smile.
Jack aims a playful glare at me that makes things feel more normal. “Not today.” “Well, it’s only noon.” He lets out a short huff
I’m shooting him a confused look when he motions with his head toward the right side of the patio where he has a whole workout setup. Yoga mat, bands, a medicine ball.
“You must be Jack’s girlfriend.” “No,” I say quickly. So quickly that Jack lets out a small snort. “I’m just a friend,” I clarify. “Oh.” He keeps that megawatt smile aimed at me
