Page 8

Chapter Eight

Isaiah

“ G reat game.” Johnnie slapped me on the back. “I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

I rolled my shoulder.

And tried not to wince. “Yeah, he got me good.”

“Plenty of ice tonight.”

“Yeah, that’s what Francine suggested.”

Our trainer was, frankly, one of the best in the league.

I glanced over to Jason. “How’s the head?” He’d taken a hell of a knock.

“Went through the concussion protocol, and I’m fine. Really, nothing to worry about.”

Except head injuries and concussions were a real concern in our lives. Without any padding, if the player’s head hit the ground, nothing would cushion the fall. Take an elbow or knee to it as well, and… Yeah, we’d all been through concussion protocol.

“Oh, Becca brought Cassandra to the game.” Roger grinned. “So I’m going to pass on the celebration.”

Johnnie slapped Roger on the back, much as he had with me. “You’re not going to bring them?”

“You think you can refrain from swearing in front of my eleven-year-old impressionable and stubborn daughter?”

“Nothing she won’t hear once she starts playing.” Johnnie’s eyes shone. “Our little girl, all grown up.”

Roger smacked him on the chest. “You had nothing to do with her upbringing, thank God. And you’re not going to get near her now.

Sure, she’s old enough to hear swear words.

She’s also old enough to take them home.

You know what Tristan’s like—parrots every goddamn thing he hears. Linus and Evelyn will hear everything.”

Johnnie laughed uproariously. “What exactly did you say when you hit your thumb with the hammer when we were hanging that family portrait and, to commemorate the occasion, your entire family was watching?”

My ears perked. I hadn’t heard this story.

“I might’ve…” Roger winced.

“Said Jesus Fucking Christ ?” Another laugh from Johnnie.

Oh dear.

“Yes, my dearly beloved grandmother-in-law would’ve smited me on the spot.” My friend rubbed his forehead. “I’m still not certain Becca’s forgiven me for that transgression.”

“Well, at least you don’t have an actual parrot.” I grinned.

Johnnie and Roger groaned.

Jason’s parrot was legendary. Our teammate liked to bring Walter to every gathering he could get away with. Little fucking bird had the biggest potty mouth of all of us.

“I’m not coming tonight.” Roger jutted his chin. “I have standards. You two don’t meet them.”

I laughed. “Oh my God, you did not just say that.”

“Daddy!” Cassandra darted toward us as we made our way to the greeting area.

Roger scooped her into his arms. “Hey, bug.”

“Harrumph.”

We all chuckled.

Cassandra was growing up so damn fast.

I want that. I want someone to greet me with that much enthusiasm. Even if I can’t have a kid, a partner would be nice—

“Isaiah!” Becca called my name and waved me over.

I pulled her into a hug, grateful for her evident happiness to see me. Not exactly the usual, but she always gave everyone hugs. I figured Johnnie would be next—along with some good old-fashioned teasing.

“You big lug.” She smacked my arm.

I stepped out of her embrace.

She pointed behind her.

Badarse stood there with the most uncertain look on his face.

Clearly, he dreaded my reaction. Well, yeah, because holy shit, he’s here…

“Nice to see you again.” Was I supposed to shake hands? Offer a hug? Surely a kiss was out of the question.

“Hello, Mallow.”

I cocked my head. “Uh, that’s not my name.” I stepped closer, hopefully out of Becca’s hearing. “It’s Isaiah.”

He offered me a beautiful lopsided grin. “You’ll always be marshmallow to me.”

“Hey, who are you?” Johnnie stepped up beside me. “This area’s restricted.”

“Yeah, you should be going.” Roger came up on my other flank.

“He’s with me.” Becca pushed her way past all of us and linked arms with Badarse. “Travis joined me for the game. Cassandra and I decided we wanted him to join us.” She eyed me. “I’m certain Isaiah doesn’t mind.”

Oh my God, the woman was a firebrand. Even if I didn’t want to see Badarse—Travis—again, I wouldn’t dare speak up against Becca.

“No, I’m so glad you brought him.” I met Badarse’s gaze. “I didn’t realize you were a rugby fan.”

He held my gaze. “I’m an Isaiah fan.”

Holy hell.

Johnnie roared with laughter. “Oh wow, Isaiah has a boyfriend.”

“We didn’t—”

“I’m not—”

Badarse and I started to speak at the same time and then we stopped at the same time.

I turned to Johnnie. “Fuck off, okay? He’s my…friend.”

Badarse leaned over and whispered, "Hey, Mallow. Don't go around telling people I have friends. It's bad for my image." He pulled back and met my gaze. "Take me home... and teach me about rugby."

I blinked. "What?" I swallowed. “Can you repeat that?”

"I wanna learn about rugby."

"Why?" He’d come to the game and sat next to Cassandra and Becca. Which I still couldn’t believe. If Cassandra hadn’t taught him about the game, then what had they discussed? The thought made me slightly queasy.

"I dunno." He offered that adorable smile again. “Let’s give it a shot.”

"You like me?" Processing this was proving difficult because my own emotions swirled. A week ago, he’d walked out on me. Now, he stood before me and wanted…more.

I was intrigued.

"Fuck off. You're a mallow... just fucking teach me about rugby so next time I come to your game I can understand what you're doing out there..."

“Just kiss him already.” Johnnie joined us, standing where he could put his hands on both our backs and try to squeeze us together.

Badarse and I were strong enough that Johnnie had to really strain.

In the end, I moved forward first.

My companion, of sorts, moved closer as well.

Becca appeared on the other side and stuck her arm between us, wagging her finger at Johnnie. “You leave them alone. If they want to kiss, then they’ll kiss. If they want to be left in peace, then we’ll damn well leave them in peace.”

Then, as if this wasn’t all crazy enough, Cassandra wormed her way between Badarse and me. She glared at Johnnie. “You need to be respectful.”

My teammate appeared immediately contrite, as he bowed his head a bit.

“Consent is important.” She put her hands on her hips. “They have to give permission first.”

Jesus, we’re getting a lecture from an eleven-year-old who is apparently smarter than all of us.

“You’re right.” Johnnie stood taller. “I apologize.”

“You’d better.” She held the serious expression for another moment before glancing up at me. She gestured to Badarse with her chin. “I like him.”

I held her gaze for a moment longer before meeting his eyes. “I think I might like him too.” Especially if he was willing to learn about rugby.

Becca grabbed my hand. “Why don’t we head out for a quiet dinner together?” She eyed the gaggle of guys hanging with wives, girlfriends, or just by themselves. The rowdy bunch.

I usually went with them, but I wasn’t a drinker and didn’t always fit in. I met Becca’s gaze. “I’d be up for that.” Then I met Badarse’s eyes. “You? Or do you want—”

“I want.” He held my gaze with those mesmerizing blue eyes. “I’d really like.”

Not knowing what was coming next, but willing to give it a shot, I held out my hand. “Let’s go.”

Cassandra clapped, then hugged Johnnie around the waist. “You’re coming too, right Uncle Johnnie?”

For a moment, he looked longingly over at the other guys who were heading out to our favorite pub. He ruffled Cassandra’s hair—in a way he knew drove her nuts. “Of course.” He glanced at me. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”