I’m right—and Fletcher’s right—and he knows it as well as I know that Fletcher called him on it in the changing room the other day.
I’ve excused it for years because I know why Silas plays rough. He’s looking for approval from our father. And if you think our father gives a damn about the gentlemen’s agreements to play a dignified match on the rugby pitch…unfortunately, you’ll have to think again.
“You want Hallie growing up the way we did?” I add, softer.
“Fuck you.”
There’s no heat to it, though he does get a few looks from some of the other parents.
Fletcher’s letting Hallie pet Sweet Pea, but he says something to her that sends her running back to us. “Aunt Gow-die, I ready to pway!” she says. “Put me in, coach!”
“When my sister started dating my best friend, I was happy for her,” Beck says to Silas. “Made my life a lot easier.”
“You set your sister up with your best friend,” Sarah, his wife, reminds him. She’s holding their middle daughter, who’s still in the cutie-patootie toddler stage, while their oldest clings to Beck’s leg.
“Also made my life easier.”
“He’s not my friend,” Silas says.
“He could be.” I leave it at that and head the same direction Hallie came from to meet Fletcher halfway to our group.
And then I have to restrain myself to keep from hugging him. And possibly kissing him.Dammit, dammit, dammit. “What are you doing here?”
“We were walking by. Heard an old lady scream and came to investigate.”
I briefly squeeze my eyes closed while I try to not smile. “Fletcher.”
He grins.
And not a little grin either.
This is a full-force,I saved all of my grinning muscles for an entire week so I could grin at you like thisgrin behind that ever-thickening dark beard and accompanied by the most mischievous twinkle in his bright green eyes. “Goldie. You know I’m not here to fuck spiders.”
I am completely unable to resist the smile blossoming on my own face in response, and not only because I recognize the phrase that one of my Australian clients uses regularly. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“You’d come to cheer me on for my last match of the season. Why shouldn’t I be here to cheer you on for yours?”
“Fletcher.” I’m positive he knowsexactlywhy.
“It’s what friends do. Frankly, I’m disappointed in your lady friends that they’re not here too.”
I like this man.
I like him entirely too much.
He’s absolutely irresistible.
And I think I’d say that even if he were sporting that horrid mustache.
Oh god.
I would.
I’d think he was handsome in his mustache.
I try to give him my sternyou need to leavelook. “I have to go coach. All the old ladies are safe here. You should continue on your way.”
“We’re curious now. This seems fun.”
