“Watch the language, okay?”
Easton nods, and Leighton touches Monroe’s arm. “Do you two want to go get your shoes on, and we’ll go for ice cream?”
“Yay!” They both run for the front door.
Once they’re gone, Leighton nods to Easton.
“We’re in teams of three, and whoever has more bases—whether stolen or hits—at the end of the month has to buy the other three dinner.”
“And you guys won in April?” She looks at me when she asks.
I nod.
Her head tilts. “And when was this dinner?”
“Jackass,” Decker mumbles.
Leighton’s eyes don’t leave mine. She’s waiting for me to tell her, but I don’t want to see those eyes filled with guilt. Because I was happy to be here and not at a steak restaurant.
“I don’t like red meat.” It’s a lame response from a guy sitting here eating a burger.
A small smile forms on her lips, and our eyes hold. Does she know how beautiful she is? How the curve of her neck is so appealing, you’d think I was a vampire?
“Tuesday,” I finally say.
She nods, and the guilt-ridden eyes are there, but then her smile grows wider. “I guess I’ll have to take you there then.”
“No need, we’ll beat them this month,” Easton says. “Ouch. Fucker.” He glares at Decker.
Leighton pushes her chair back and gets up.
I glare at Easton.
“It was really good, thank you all.” She takes my plate and hers.
Both kids run back in with their shoes on.
“I had more fun than a night out with Drew,” Easton says. “And I get to show off my nails tomorrow.” He looks at Lincoln, who holds up his hands to show off his matching nails.
“Can we go now?” Monroe asks.
This is the perfect time for Decker and Easton to tap out, make an excuse, and I’ll stay. I lean back and shake my head at the guys.
“Sure,” they say in unison.
My hand fists around my napkin, wishing it was a fork and I could throw it at them.
“I’m gonna go change out of my scrubs.” Leighton heads toward the stairs.
Decker and Easton join me in the kitchen to help clean up.
I don’t really talk to them or entertain their conversation about playing Texas and who is pitching, because I’m annoyed and confused. Annoyed because I want to be alone with Leighton, to have all her attention on me, but what is the point when we’re both in such different places—neither of which seem right to pursue a relationship.
“Something wrong?” Decker asks.
“Nothing.” I put the salad lids on and put them in the fridge.
“Oh, he wants us gone.” Easton pushes himself up on the counter, not helping to get things cleaned up.
