Fumbled (Playbook #2)(46)

TK has always been that way. One time, in study hall, he snuck into Mrs. Hanson’s room during lunch and planted fart noise machines all around. Mrs. Hanson’s face got so red I was sure her head was going to explode. TK had in-school suspension for a week. I don’t know if it’s comforting or disturbing to know he’s the same way ten years later.

I look over at TK, lifting an appraising eyebrow. “I think I’ll risk it.”

“Can’t blame you,” Vonnie says. “TK, you’re a pain in my ass, but you are fine.”

This time, it’s me and TK laughing and Justin standing there catching flies.

“What?” Vonnie purses her lips. “Look at him. Over there all topless, trying to impress Poppy. I’m supposed to be immune to all that?” She draws air circles around TK’s abs. “I’m married, not dead.”

“Put your shirt on, asshole,” Justin yells, chucking a black Sharpie that only just misses TK’s head. “Out here lookin’ like fuckin’ wilderness Fabio.”

“Aww, shit!” TK runs in place and brings a fist to his mouth. “You got jokes, Lamar? You mad ’cause you’re fifty-five and still haven’t shaved?” He drops his hand and turns to Vonnie. “Tell your man that women don’t find jealousy attractive.”

“Women don’t find jealousy attractive, babe.”

“Whatever,” Justin pouts. “I’m gonna go shower. We don’t have meetings for a couple of hours, you and the boys want to grab something to eat?”

“If you think I’ve been dirtying the kitchen, cooking a nice dinner, only for those boys of yours to tell me they don’t like it and want chicken nuggets while you’re gone, you are mistaken. We’re eating out no matter what. The only question here is if you’re coming or not.”

“Damn, Von,” Justin groans. However, even the reporters on the sidelines could see the smile he’s doing a terrible job of disguising. “You could at least pretend to miss me. Treating me like this in front of TK. You know he never shuts the hell up.”

“Boy, bye.” Vonnie laughs. “You better take your stinky self to the shower and meet me in the parking lot in twenty. The boys snacked all practice long, but you know they’ll probably be whining about being hungry again in less than thirty minutes.”

Boys.

Glad to see Ace isn’t the only miniature, never-ending food pit.

“I’ll be out in fifteen,” Justin counters, leaning in and planting a quick, sweet kiss on Vonnie’s forehead. And for just a second, all the sass drains from Vonnie’s body and I watch her eyes go soft as she looks up at her husband.

It’s an oddly private moment to take place in the middle of such a public event. And I feel a little guilty for watching, but I know that even if they were circled by hundreds of screaming fans and flashing cameras, they wouldn’t notice any of it.

I don’t know if it’s because, in my heart, I knew after I left TK, I’d never have something like that again, but seeing happy couples used to cause jealousy to course through me. But now, standing next to TK and hearing Ace’s peals of laughter, it’s not there.

I’ve been so nervous to let TK back into our lives. I said it’s because I don’t want Ace hurt, but if I’m honest with myself, it’s my heart I’m worried about. I know the kind of man TK is, and he’s a good one. I know he will never bail on Ace. What I don’t know is, after all his time as a party boy, star football player supreme, if he’s ready to settle down. It might seem fun to play family man now, but how long until the novelty wears off and he wants his VIP club status back? I locked my heart away and convinced myself I was fine with a lifetime of one-night stands and flings, and I was fine until TK trotted his sexy ass back into my life. One glance at him, dripping with booze, angry eyes and all, and I knew he had the power to break down the walls I’d spent ten years building up.

I just didn’t know he’d do it so fast.

And it terrifies me as much as it thrills me.

“Sparks, you good down there?” TK’s damp skin brushes against my bare arm and his padded legs bump into my hip, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“Really?” I pull my sunglasses to the top of my head, giving him an unobstructed view of my glare. “A short joke? That’s what we’re doing right now?”

“Who?” His green eyes go wide and he moves a callused hand to his chest. “Me?”

“Oh, don’t play innocent with me, Moore. I’m not Vonnie, I’m not falling for any of . . .” I gesture to his glistening, tanned, lightly dusted with chest hair, rock-solid chest. “This nonsense.”

Lies.

I want to lick him.

“You’re a shit liar, Sparks.” He smirks, totally cocky this time. And I’d be lying if I said cocky TK isn’t my kryptonite.

“I know.” I don’t even try to lie because, well, because TK is topless, smirking, and leaning down like he’s about to kiss me.

He doesn’t kiss me.

“You and Ace want to go eat?” he asks.

“Sure.” Truth? I always want to eat.

Or drink.

Or eat and drink.

But mainly, right now, I want to do anything with TK and Ace. I want to soak up enough goodness with them both so that when this ends, I’ll have enough memories to get me through.