I’m guessing they’ve already been talking on the side about the specifics of how and when Callie got pregnant, so it’s pretty easy to figure out what he’s going to ask. I figured it was coming.
“I’m pretty sure I’m with Goldie on this one. Let’s all remember she’s my sister.” Hayes clips on his chest guard.
“Come on. We’re all wondering. Either they were seeing each other behind my back, or it happened under our noses.” Easton fastens his chain around his neck.
I give Easton a look. “Let’s get one thing straight. You were trying to date her, but you never did accomplish that.”
It’s true. Easton and I were having a friendly little competition about getting with Callie. I went along with it because I’m a competitive guy, but I had no intention of ever following through. Plus, I never thought Callie wanted either of us, much less me, until that night. It was just us boys busting each other’s balls.
“Just tell us when it happened,” Easton says. “And I want it noted that you weren’t dating her either. It was a one-night mistake.”
“A mistake?” Hayes glances at me.
I shake my head. It wasn’t a mistake. I might’ve been naïve and thought that at first, but now… fuck, I can’t even process what’s happening with Callie. I’ve never in my life wanted to spend every free minute I have with a woman before.
“Stop stirring up trouble,” Decker says, tying his cleats.
“It’s what I’m good at, but I’m not this time. It’s genuine curiosity.” Easton stands up and faces us, hands on his hips.
I glance at Hayes, knowing two things. One, Easton isn’t going to let this go. Two, Hayes doesn’t want to hear about the time I fucked his little sister.
I open my mouth, but Easton quickly puts up his hand. “Wait. I want to guess.”
“Seriously?” Decker and I share a look that, for the first time in forever, says we’re on the same page.
Then we divert our gazes just as fast.
“Let’s see… how far along is she?” Easton stares at the ceiling as though he’s trying to do the math.
“I don’t like this game.” Hayes pulls his phone out of his locker and texts who I assume is Leighton.
I wouldn’t mind being able to text Callie whenever I wanted. “She’s fourteen weeks.”
Decker’s eyebrows shoot up like he’s surprised I even know.
“It’s my baby too, asshole.”
He holds up his hands.
“See, Kodiak… bad fucking idea.” Hayes gives Easton a death glare.
“Was it that day we went to Lincoln Park? For yours and Decker’s birthday? Yes.” Easton points. “That had to be it. You were a little extra grumpy since you’re turning into an old man, and you were looking for some comfort.”
“Careful there,” Hayes warns. “Don’t make it sound like he was using my sister.”
“Hate to break it to you, Carlisle, but it was a one-night stand. They were using one another.”
Hayes stares down Easton, but Easton is oblivious.
“Was it your birthday?” Easton asks again.
I don’t answer, pulling out my phone and burying my head in it, not entertaining this line of conversation.
“Let it go, East,” Decker says. “It’s their business.”
Thank you, brother. Although I’ll never tell him that.
“Fine,” Easton says, and I glance up, not believing he’s actually going to let this go. “I guess it’ll be left a mystery…” Then his eyes light up, and he points at me. “Saffire.”
