Page 65 of Somehow You Knew

I nearly choke on my fry. “They still do that?” I remember watching a few games as a kid, and my aunt always looked forward to it each year.

“Hell yeah. It’s tradition,” Parker says. “And Dallas is the reigning champ. But not this year.”

“Keep dreaming, little brother.”

I turn to look at Parker. “Why not this year?”

“Because everyone is tired of him winning, especially our little sister.”

“Hazel thinks if she gets Penn, Parker, and Grady on her photography studio’s team, they can claim the title.” Dallas rolls his eyes. “But it’s fine. I’ll let them keep being delusional long enough for me to recruit the most tactical team and clench the title for the third year in a row.”

The shit-talking continues, and as I wait for my burgers, I have to admit that this is a good group of men—a group of men that Hazel is pretty fucking lucky to have in her life, even if she wants to beat them at some cheesy-ass small-town game.

***

“I’ve got your lunch.”

Hazel holds open the front door she just unlocked, stepping aside as I walk in the studio.

“Thank you,” she says, locking the door behind me.

“Are your clients gone?”

“Yeah. They left about thirty minutes ago.”

I set the bags of food on the reception counter and study her for a beat. Her expression is unreadable but neutral, maybe a little guarded. “Are you okay?”

She nods, but it’s shaky. “Uh-huh.”

“You sure?”

This time her uneasiness sharpens into irritation. “I’m fine, Gage.” She grabs a Styrofoam container from the bag and takes it over to her desk. “Honestly, you didn’t need to do this. I thought you were just joking when you said you were bringing me lunch.”

“I didn’t want Nathan to think you would be alone after I left.”

She pops a fry into her mouth, not looking at me. “Why do you care?”

My stomach tightens. “Why would I not?” For a moment, I debate bringing up the fact that Nathan slapped her, but think twice when Hazel finally lifts her gaze, her blue eyes stormy.

“I’m a big girl, Gage. I can handle myself. I have been long before you came into the picture.”

“I know you can, but the way you reacted to that guy…”

She brushes her hair from her face. “I was just caught off guard.” She flashes me a fake smile. “Seriously, I’m good.”

I don’t believe her. Not for a fucking second.

But I also know Hazel could argue circles around me for days. And if she doesn’t want to talk, no amount of pushing will make her. So instead, I choose to let it go for now and head to work before I have to explain to Axel why I’m late. “Fine. Call if you need me. I’m just up the street.”

She nods. “Okay.”

“See you at home,” I say, casting one more glance at her before I head for the door. “Make sure to lock up after I leave.”

She stands from her chair and follows me to the door. “I know, Gage.”

“Just looking out for you, Spitfire.” And then I leave, not enjoying the way my stomach is in knots knowing that this need to protect her is overwhelming me, and I don’t know what to fucking do about it.

***