Scored(48)

“It would have to be a guy…” She eyes me. “You don’t think Dallas—”

“No. That would put him in an awkward position, especially considering he’s never met the guy.”

“But you’re dating now,” she points out, like I don’t know it’s been three weeks since we’ve gone exclusive. Or almost two months since we started seeing each other.

It feels surreal at times. Dallas also makes me feel good, sexy… desirable. When we’re together, there is nothing he wants more than to please me sexually and satisfy me as well. I can’t complain about anything, not the private dinners, the nights at his house… the ones at mine. We spend our time making love and watching Netflix. When he reviews film, as he calls it, I catch up on my reading or work on upcoming events at the Franklin-Hayes House.

We’re basically a couple. A real couple.

And it’s not scary at all.

“Earth to Paige.”

Oh, crap. She caught me daydreaming. “Let’s brainstorm who else we can ask.” I search my brain. “Not Nolan, because he’d spill his guts, and not Finley because…”

“Finley,” Layton finishes, then perks up. “I know the perfect guy to ask. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before, but luckily your sister’s name made me think of him.”

“Who?”

“Aiden McHugh. How can he not want to help his best friend’s little sister?”

I make a noise. “Because he’s Aiden.”

“Which is why Joe will never see it coming.”

I consider her choice. “I have to admit that it’s unexpected.” I nod my head. “I say go for it.”

Parking the car in front of our townhome, she turns to me and smiles widely. “Don’t worry about my dress. I look damn good in it.”

“The muffin top makes it extra delicious looking?” I smack my lips and make an hourglass figure in the air with my hands.

“Har-har. Don’t quit your day job, Owens… or your daydreaming about Dallas.”

*

“He said yes,” Layton sang out as she danced into the living room. “Aiden agreed to help me.”

“Did you have to promise your firstborn?” I put my attention back on the television, watching as Dallas narrowly misses getting tackled and scores by the skin of his teeth or tips of his toes. Whatever. My heart jumps in my throat every time he hits the field. When they show his face while listing his stats. When he’s chatting with Aiden on the sidelines or getting into the game with growly faces and big hand gestures, my heart is going faster than an entire flock of bird wings.

“No, he said if Joe was cheating on me, I’d owe him a night.”

My head whips to her. “A night of what?”

She blushes. “A night of me.”

“And you agreed?” I’m horrified, not because of the sex, but rather the extortionist who wants it from her. “Why?”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” she says tightly. “My wedding is less than three weeks away, Paige. I don’t want be jilted at the altar, or worse, find out after we’ve said our vows.”

I jump up from the sofa and grab her in a hug. “I’m sorry you’re having to go through this.”

“Me too, but at least you’re happy.”

Taking a step back, I let go of her. Layton’s eyes shine with sincerity. “It feels weird at times.”

“You’re weird.” She plops down on the sofa. “Why are you watching football?”

Guess she doesn’t want to talk anymore, and I have to respect that. “Because Dallas is playing.”

She grins slyly. “Does this mean you’re in lahve with him?”

My heart stutters, then quickly recovers as my brain reminds me that great sex, easy banter, and an exclusive relationship doesn’t equal love. “I’m only in lahve with this white cheddar popcorn.” I grab the bowl and shove it in her lap. “Stuff your face.”

Grabbing a handful, she pops it in her mouth. “Who has possession of the ball?”

“I’m pretty sure they’re all possessed to let themselves be tackled.”

“Pretty sure that’s not the goal.”

“Yet… it keeps happening, and they know it’s part of the game.”

“In other words, you have no idea.” She shoves the bowl back. “There’s no shame in not being able to play the game. Just admit it, Owens.”

“Are you seriously bragging about knowing more than I do about this, Price?”

“Anyone who’s watched a game longer than five seconds knows more than you do.”

I start to argue, but then shrug. She’s right. “Whatever. I’m trying to be a good girlfriend and learn. Plus, Dallas said he’d give me a pearl necklace tomorrow night if I can list all the guys who tackle him tonight. So here I am, taking notes.” I hold up my phone and shake it.

Layton slaps my arm, her hand resting there. “He’s buying you jewelry? We can be twins. Finally.”

Blood rushes to my cheeks. I should have phrased that differently. “Ahhhh. I don’t think that’s what he meant by a pearl necklace.”

She blinks at me, her nose scrunching. “What other kind is there?”