Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Troy

After I send the text inviting Anna to join us for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, I have a hard time sitting still. Waiting has always been the hardest part for me, no matter what I'm waiting for.

I'd hoped she respond immediately, but after checking my phone five times in less than three minutes, it's clear she's not going to.

"You've got it bad, don't you, dude?" Nick comments.

I narrow my eyes at him. "Shut up."

He just laughs at my non-denial. Holding up his hands in surrender, he shakes his head. "Alright. I won't comment on how she'll have you whipped in no time."

My glares don't have the same effect his do. "Fuck you."

"Language!" he chortles, but we both know that only matters if his kids are around. "Don't be mad, man. I know all the signs. I've lived it, after all."

"You're admitting that you're whipped?"

He gives an exaggerated nod. "Oh, yeah. We all know it's true. I've never tried to deny it. Why bother? Tina'd just come in and remind me she carries my balls in her purse." He leans closer, lowering his voice to a stage whisper. "It's the best, man. I wouldn't have it any other way."

That makes me laugh, but I nod. It's the truth. He really wouldn't want his life to be any different than it is. He's literally living the dream—great career doing something he loves, amazing wife, and adorable kids.

I know he's trying to distract me, and I'm grateful. I'm used to having to wait, dealing with adrenaline, and keeping a rein on my need to move. It's something I've had to do constantly almost my whole life. Game days are chock full of anticipation, especially as the faceoff draws closer. The warm-up time helps, giving an outlet for all the pent-up energy, but once you're waiting for the puck to drop, you have to leash the need to move until it's time.

This is different, though. There's no opportunity to move, no anticipation of the release of the tightly coiled spring. Because I'm waiting for a text message, not action. And a woman to come roast food on sticks with children present.

What was I thinking? Why did I let Nick convince me this is a good idea?

"Dude," Nick says, breaking into my thoughts. "Chill. It's going to be fine."

"Easy for you to say," I mutter.

He laughs. "That's true. But I'm still right, even if you don't want to admit it. Worst-case scenario, she turns you down. You'll survive, I promise."

I quirk an eyebrow at him. "I'm not sure that's actually the worst-case scenario."

Spreading his hands, palms up, he invites me to elaborate. "Please explain."

I shift in my chair, picking up my phone and casually checking the screen, making Nick laugh again. "If she doesn't come, that might be okay, y'know? What kind of date is this anyway? You'll be here busting my balls, the kids'll be all hopped up on sugar and excitement, Tina'll be busy wrangling them, and Anna and I'll be … what? Caught in the hurricane that is roasting things on the fire with two preschoolers? Seriously?"

Nick looks affronted. "Excuse me? My kids are awesome, thank you very much."

"Your kids are awesome," I agree easily. "And you know I love them. But you have to admit, this isn't exactly a romantic setting."

Chuckling, Nick runs a hand over his face. "Okay. You got me there. I guess parenthood gives you wacky ideas of romance." He shrugs. "I just thought it'd be fun. And make you feel less like a third wheel."

"Whoa!" I hold out a hand. "Who're you calling a third wheel?"

He gives me a cut the shit look. "You. Dozer brought a chick, and it's me and Tina together when it's adult time. You're right, maybe it would've been better to have"—he pauses, holding out a hand for me to supply the name.

"Anna."

Nodding, he continues, "Maybe it would've been better if Lisa were on tonight while Anna joins us, but …" Another shrug. "I guess I figured, who doesn't like s'mores? And sitting around a fire on a perfect summer evening? Plus, you obviously want to see her again. It gives you a low pressure opportunity to get to know her better and for her to see you being normal."

I laugh. "You think being around you makes me look normal?" I screw up my face like I'm thinking it over, then nod. "Yeah, okay. I can see that."

He flips me off, but he's laughing. "See? It'll be great. We'll just make sure Anna has space from the kids while they're roasting their own marshmallows."

"For sure. I'll stay far away, too. No one needs a flaming marshmallow to the face."

Groaning, he covers his face with his hands. "Oh god. This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?"

"Hey! You just sat there convincing me everything would be fine? Don't you dare act like this is a terrible idea now!"

He's laughing, starting to protest, but I get a text alert—finally.

Holding my breath, I pick up my phone.

"Well?" Nick presses. "Is it her? What'd she say?"

But I ignore him in favor of reading her response.

Anna

That sounds like fun! What time should I be there and what's the address?

Immediately, I find the address in the mapping program on my phone and text her the link and tell her to get here as soon as she can.

"It was her," I tell Nick, putting my phone down, taking deep breaths to clear the remaining adrenaline from my system. "She's coming."

He goggles at me. "And now you're calm?"

I shrug. "I think you're right. It'll be fine. We'll have a nice time. And if nothing else, I can win points by rescuing her from your crazy family."

Laughing, he lets his head rest on the back of his chair. "It'll be your second opportunity to be her knight in shining armor. Careful, or she'll expect it all the time."

I laugh lightly at his comment too, but honestly? The idea of being her knight in shining armor all the time doesn't sound so bad to me.