It doesn’t work.
When my phone buzzes, I already know who it is. Bayleigh.
My mouth pulls into a grin before I can stop it.
Bayleigh: Sorry I was cranky last night. You made my brother’s blood pressure spike. I got defensive and feel bad. Congrats on getting a rise out of Benton.
Me: Pretty sure that’s a new record for me. Should I be proud or concerned?
Bayleigh: Both. He’s probably still pacing in his room this morning.
Me: He’ll live. Tell him it builds character.
Bayleigh: Or ulcers.
I can almost hear the teasing in her tone, even though I’ve never heard her voice. The thought makes my stomach do a stupid flip.
Me: So you’re saying the problem’s genetic.
Bayleigh: I’m saying both of you need leashes.
I grin, leaning back, feeling the tension from the day ease out of my shoulders. I picture her copper hair tucked behind her ear, green eyes sharp even when she’s teasing.
Milton notices. “Who’re you texting that’s got you smiling like you just got traded to the top seed?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He pauses the TV, staring. “Oh, Iwould.Because you never smile like that.”
I glance at him, debating whether to lie, then shrug. “Bayleigh Lennox.”
He chokes on his beer. “So it wasn’t just a one-game-I-didn't-know-who-you-were thing? You actually like this omega?”
“Yeah.”
“No shit?”
“No shit.”
He stares at me for a beat, then laughs, low and disbelieving.
“You’ve officially lost it.”
“Probably.”
He leans forward, elbows on his knees. “You realize how bad that looks, right? Rival team, rival family—your brother’s sworn enemy’s baby sister. This is like hockey Romeo and Juliet bullshit.”
I snort. “Relax. Their bullshit isn’t my bullshit, and frankly, they both need to stop throwing tantrums over Gina.”
Milton raises a brow, unconvinced. “I don’t disagree.”
My phone buzzes again, saving me.
Bayleigh: Went to get coffee from the kitchen. Benton’s still sulking. Says I embarrassed him by not storming off when you came over.
Me: I feel personally honored to be the reason your brother’s blood pressure’s up.
Bayleigh: You’re welcome.
