“Yeah, well,” I shrug. “That’s my life, and at this point, I’m unfortunately used to it.”
It had never been fun finding out yet another “boyfriend” had only dated me for nothing more than bragging rights with their friends. Thankfully, over time, I’d gotten better at spotting who was genuine and who only wanted me for my last name.
And yes, I’m fully aware of that being part of the reason it’s taken me so long to let Fletch in. With baseball being his life, it’d be reckless of me to ignore that he too could be attracted to the connection to my dad that comes along with dating his daughter.
Luckily I’m saved from having to go any further down that emotional rabbit hole as the one and only Boone Wright strides through the front door of the giant house.
“Hey, Fletcher. Welcome to The Wright Way Ranch,” he beams, heading down the stairs to greet us.
And damn! He’s somehow even better-looking up close. Between his broad shoulders and sun-kissed skin, I’m practically speechless.
I'm allowed a moment to gawk as Boone heads for Fletcher first.
Fletch drops my hand and meets him halfway. The two exchange one of those classic manly greetings. No simple handshake here. Iinstead it’s the kind with maximum testosterone as they pull each other in and finish it off with a dramatic back slap.
“I’ve heard only amazing things about you,” Boone gushes as he pulls away from their embrace.
“Same here,” Fletcher smiles, an appreciative gleam in his eyes that lets me know I’m not the only one fangirling right now. “And from what Theo’s told me about all the trouble you two used to get into, I’m going to assume we’re going to get along just as well.”
“I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment or a warning,” Boone chuckles, before his gaze lands on me. “I take it you’re the special date I was told about.”
“That would be me. I’m Hollis” I say, attempting to play it cool as I step forward and offer my hand. He takes it, giving it a sturdy shake. “Although... you should probably know, I was forced into this, so I’d use that term lightly,” I tease, glancing toward Fletch.
“If this is your way of dropping hints to Boone that you’re still available,” Fletch says, possessively sliding in next to me. “You might want to rethink your strategy, because there’s no way this date is ending without you falling at least a little bit in love with me.”
“I can assure you, I wasn’t hinting at anything,” I laugh, a blush creeping up my cheeks as my eyes dart from Boone back to Fletch. “If anything, it’s you who might need to do some rethinking, because I’m not planning on falling in love with anyone anytime soon.”
He leans in, lowering his voice, even if it’s still loud enough for Boone to hear. “You say that now, but give it a few hours.”
“Well, Fletch, if it makes you feel any better, I’m pretty sure I’m already halfway there,” Boone cuts in before I even have the chance to come up with some kind of comeback. “I saw some of your highlights from last night’s game. You’re a total badass.”
“Eh, it was nothing.” Fletcher pretends to brush off the compliment with a wave, but the smug grin gives him away.
“Uh huh,” I call him out, my voice dripping in sarcasm. Can’t have his head get too big on me, especially if I expect to come out of this date unscathed. “You always get that many trick plays and home runs.”
“Just another day at the office,” he jokes back and winks before reaching for my hand again as his fingers slide over mine.
“So, you two ready to have some fun?” Boone asks, clapping his hands together.
“That depends.” My eyes flick between the two men, who both seem to look a little too pleased with themselves. “What exactly do we have planned for the day?”
When Fletcher told me to get ready for our date, all I’d been told was to wear a pair of jeans and some cowboy boots. Luckily for him, I’m a born and bred Texan, which means my closet has more pairs of boots than heels. You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the girl.
“Can’t tell you. It’s a surprise,” Fletcher cuts in before Boone can spill any secrets. “Just know that Boone and I have planned the perfect day.”
Boone nods in agreement.
“Alright. Well then, let's do this.” I exhale and roll back my shoulders.
I’m tired of the constant overthinking and guarding my heart like it’s made of glass.
I’ve dreamt about coming here for years, and something tells me that with Fletch by my side, it’s somehow going to be better than I ever could’ve imagined.
So for once, I stop fighting and let go.
22
Fletcher
