“So, how’s practice going?” Wyatt asked after a moment.
“Good. Been busy going over new plays.” Out of everyone, Wyatt knew exactly what I was talking about. The first few weeks of practice were mostly spent going over playbooks and memorizing routes. Probably the most tedious part of playing football.
“Which reminds me,” I looked up from the cartoon I was coloring in, “do you guys want to stop by practice tomorrow?” I decided not to mention Perry being the one that wanted Wyatt to come. I’d let Wyatt deal with him fangirling.
I could see Josie opening her mouth to ask about the kids, so I interrupted her before she could.
“The kids would love it, and Coach won’t mind.” I made a mental note to call him once we were done with lunch to ask. If everyone came after practice, there shouldn’t have been a problem with it. “Maybe play a little game of touch.”
Landon smirked. “Wouldn’t mind kicking your ass on the field.”
“I’d like to see you try, grandpa.”
“I’m only thirty-five, dipshit.”
“You couldn’t even catch me when I was seventeen, asshole,” I shot right back, no heat to my words.
Lydia jumped in, eyes narrowed. “Language.”
Her glare had the two of us shutting our mouths. Lydia Boone was someone you didn’t mess with. That glare was one that easily got all her employees in line. It’s no wonder she ran one of the biggest magazine companies in Toronto. I was definitely more scared of her than anyone else.
“Yeah, we can come on by,” Josie butted in, sending me a smile. “Just text us a time. We don’t head home until Friday anyway.”
“Did ya hear that, big guy? Going to come see what Uncle Maty does.” I bounced Jayden with my knee.
The next hour flew by as we ate and talked. It felt like old times being with my brothers as we shared past memories with the kids. I felt a pang of guilt for missing out on little moments with my nieces and nephew. While I didn’t live that far away, it was still far enough that I couldn’t be around often.
I knew they all understood that my job and passion was here. Making it professional had been my dream since I was a kid, and here I was, living it. At least football season wasn’t too long and afforded me the opportunity to go home for a decent chunk of time during off-season.
With the pizza long gone and the kids starting to get a little fussy, it was time to head out. I trailed behind Wyatt, who held Jayden, while Josie held Wrenley. Kai was blinking sleepily on Landon’s shoulder.
It was nice seeing my brothers happy with their families. Eight years ago, I couldn’t see either of them married with kids. Wyatt was trying to come back from a season-ending injury, and Landon had just opened his own ice rink. Then it all changed when Wyatt met Josie. Who knew getting stuck in an elevator could be life-changing?
If they hadn’t gotten stuck, Landon wouldn’t have met Lydia, Josie’s boss. Trevor wouldn’t have met Tasha, Josie’sbest friend. And I wouldn’t be Uncle Mateo. Crazy how life works sometimes.
I smiled as Josie walked in front of me, chattering away about one of the kids. I was too busy nodding along to notice a small figure heading in my direction until it was too late. My right side ran right into the person, forcing the two of us to stumble.
I didn’t register my hands shooting out and grabbing their waist to stop them from falling back onto the sidewalk. But I did notice bright red hair falling out of a messy bun.
A pair of stunning green eyes clashed with mine as the two of us stared at one another. My arms were still wrapped around her waist, holding her against me. Time seemed to halt as I stared at the beautiful woman in front of me, a light dusting of freckles covering her nose and cheeks.
A clearing of a throat jerked me out of my trance. I quickly dropped my hands and took a step back.
“I’m sorry. You’re not hurt, are you?” I used the excuse of making sure she was okay to give her a once-over. A pair of black leggings encased her long legs, paired with a simple pink crop top that showed off her bare arms. Arms that were also covered in little freckles. I didn’t know why, but my heart rate picked up at the sight.
“I’m fine, but you need to watch where you’re going.”
I couldn’t stop my lips from twitching at the sassy tone, those eyes narrowed as if she could tell I was trying not to smile. “You are absolutely right. I’ll make sure to watch out next time.”
She made a little noise as if she didn’t believe me, but pressed her lips together as if to stop herself from saying anything else.
I knew I was staring, yet I couldn’t seem to look away, especially not when she raised an eyebrow as if challenging me to say something. It was like we were having our ownlittle stare-off. Amusement filled my chest at the fact that she didn’t seem to care or know who she was currently looking at.
“Um,” The woman in front of me finally looked away, taking in the other girl who must have been her friend, standing off to the side. An unspoken look passed between the two before the beautiful redhead stepped around me.
Our eyes met one last time before she and her friend walked off. I stared after her figure, eyes briefly taking in her pert ass. As she walked farther away, I couldn’t help but feel like I should have gone after her.
2
