“Better conversationalist. Whatever.”
“So you don’t think it’ll work?”
“Oh no, I want it to work. She’s great. Really sweet and smart and interesting. We had some really nice moments. We just needa little help getting things going, I guess.” He shot Ty a sheepish look.
“Why do I get the feeling that favor’s about to come into play?”
“If we just had some other people along, it would kind of smooth things over. I was thinking we should plan a double date.”
Ty wiped the sweat from his forehead with the tail of his tee. “Sorry, pal. I’m on a dating moratorium, remember?”
Luke’s eyes pleaded. “Come on. It’s just a onetime thing.”
“That’s what my date with Marissa was supposed to be, and look how that turned out. Why don’t you ask one of the other guys? Wheeler’s got a girlfriend.”
“I barely know him, much less his girlfriend.”
“Drury then. He’s dating that insurance adjuster from the mainland.”
“Or you could just make an exception. Trinity already knows you, and you’re good at keeping the ball rolling, conversationally speaking. It’s the perfect solution.”
Tyson frowned. He really didn’t want to start something with another woman. He was still paying for the last time. Although it could also serve as a distraction from his unsettling feelings for Jenna.
The basketball thumped rhythmically on the pavement while they caught their breath. “Come on. You could even bring Jenna if you wanted.”
Ty’s gaze shot to Luke, searching. Had he read Ty’s mind? Did he know Ty was having weird thoughts about Jenna?
As Luke searched his eyes a speculative look appeared. “What’s going on?”
“What?”
“You have a funny expression on your—” Luke narrowed his eyes. “Is there something going on here I don’t know about?”
Tyson swatted the ball away from Luke and dribbled it out, then turned back toward the basket.
Luke hadn’t moved from his spot near the post, but his face had broken out in a wide smile. “Thereis. There’s something going on between you and Jenna.”
Ty’s face heated. “Nothing’s going on. Now are you gonna get down here and guard me, or should I just make the basket and put you out of your misery?”
“You always change topics when you’re uncomfortable with the subject. When did this happen? And why didn’t you tell me? I think it’s great.”
Ty dribbled toward the basket. “It’s not great. It’s not even happening.”
“Well, why not?”
Ty barely spared Luke a glance as he put up a shot—and missed.
Luke gave a smug grin as he rebounded the ball. “You’re flustered. Jenna Greene’s got you flustered.”
“I’m not flustered.”
“And protesting an awful lot. Look, you and Jenna would be great together. She’s perfect for you. Why are you fighting it?”
“She’s a good friend. I’m not giving that up.”
“You wouldn’t have to give it up, dork. You’d just have to embellish it a little. And from that hot-and-bothered look you’re wearing, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”
Ty scowled. “I’m not hot and bothered. And I’m not ruining a great friendship for some temporary romance.”
