Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

TANNER

I t’s been an awkward week since that night in the batting cage. She lived with us those first few days but wouldn’t make eye contact with me and barely said two words to me. She left her room just in time for me to head out and went back to her room as soon as I arrived home. That’s never been the case before that night. She never acted like she was on the clock. She would always arrive early and always stick around when I’d get home for dinner or to finish a movie. I hate this strain in our relationship.

I haven’t seen her for the past few days. Harper was with Fallon, and Bailey had a road trip. But I’ll see her tonight at the Sports Illustrated reveal party.

Even though it’s my night with Harper, I need to be at this party. Fallon is taking her for the evening. She should be here shortly to pick her up on her way home from work.

I’m attempting to tie the bowtie on my tuxedo when Harper walks into my room and gives me a huge smile. “Wow, Daddy, you look like a movie star. ”

I smile at my princess. “Thanks, bug. I can’t get this tie done right though. Any chance you know how to do it?”

She shrugs. “I can try.”

She makes several attempts but fails adorably.

We eventually hear the front door open and close. Fallon’s voice carries through the house. “Hello? Anyone here?”

Harper yells, “In Daddy’s room, Mommy.”

We hear her make her way up the steps and then she walks in. Her eyes take in my outfit, and she lets out a whistle. “Damn, Tanner, you look good. Really good.”

“Mommy, that’s ten dollars.”

“ Damn is a bad word? Since when?”

“Daddy says it’s a lazy word.”

Fallon smiles. “Hmm. I don’t want to be lazy.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Hot diggity dog, you look good, Tanner. Is that better?”

Harper giggles. “Yes.”

Fallon takes notice of my tie situation. “Do you need some help?”

“Please. Harper, take note. Your mommy is a pro at this.”

Fallon walks over and expertly works the tie, as she’s done many times for me in the past. I smile down at her. “This reminds me of that time I had to stop at your office in New York on my way to the big ESPN event in Connecticut.” I look at Harper. “I was going to the biggest sports awards ceremony in the country each year. Mommy was the only one who could make my tie look good. I had the car service stop at her office on the way just to fix my tie for me. It was before you were born.”

Harper shakes her head in amusement. “That’s so silly. Why didn’t Mommy go with you? She loves sports too.”

I pinch my eyebrows together. I don’t remember why .

Fallon steps back and gives a forced smile. “I had another hour of work. Daddy couldn’t wait that long.”

My shoulders fall. It’s not that I couldn’t wait that long. I wouldn’t wait that long. I now remember the fight, but I was so caught up in appearances, I refused to wait for my wife like any decent husband would have.

I nod at the memory. “I should have waited. It was wrong of me. I’m sorry.”

She visibly swallows, gives me a small smile, and says something I’ve said to her several times throughout the past few years. “Water under the bridge.”

I take in her nicer-than-normal appearance. She’s usually dressed for work when I see her. “You look pretty. What are you ladies up to tonight?”

Her face lights up. “We’ve got a girls’ night. We’re doing hibachi with Dylan, Cassandra, Andie, and Amanda.”

Harper gasps. “We are?”

Fallon nods. “Yep.”

“Yay. Thanks, Mommy. I’m going to catch the shrimp in my mouth on the first attempt this time. Bailey and I were practicing.”

Fallon lets out a laugh. “I bet you were. Only you would practice for something like that. Will Bailey be at the Sports Illustrated event tonight?”

I answer, “She will. Arizona is one of her closest friends. A bunch of the Anacondas and Cougars are going. The crew is taking a party bus up to New York City for the event, but I declined their invitation. I’ll take my own car service and make some business calls on the way.”

And I don’t want to make Bailey uncomfortable. Things are a little weird between us right now.

A few hours later I’m at the party, sipping whiskey, chatting with Reagan Lawrence-Daulton and her husband, Carter. They’re a remarkably attractive couple, both in their thirties. She’s tall with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a stunning figure. He’s huge, built like a linebacker, with dark hair and a beard. Aside from Beckett Windsor, they’re probably the most famous people in Philly and easily the most photographed couple. Though Arizona and Layton might be giving them a run for their money lately.

When Reagan first bought the Cougars and then brought the Anacondas to Philly, she proposed that Layton and Arizona enter into a public relations relationship. Her reasons seemed a little far-fetched at the time, but I have to admit that she’s achieved everything she wanted to. Both teams are thriving.

She didn’t want them to actually date, and I don’t think she knows they’re the real deal yet, but they’re definitely real and the public is loving every minute of it. They’re nothing short of a PR dream.

Reagan smiles. “So, Tanner, Layton and Arizona aren’t looking so fake anymore.”

I inwardly laugh. Reagan is very perceptive. I guess there’s not much she misses.

I smirk as I give her a bit of a tongue-in-cheek response. “My lips are sealed. I’m afraid I’m bound by attorney-client privilege.”

She lets out a laugh. “What a bunch of bullshit. Hopefully it plays out well and they hold it together for a few more months. My internal spies told me that their photo session was hot as hell, and they might be the cover couple.”

My eyebrows raise. “That would be incredible. I guess we’ll find out within the hour. It would be great for both teams and for each of them individually. My phone will be ringing off the hook if that happens. Sponsorship opportunities will flow like champagne.”

She nods. “I agree. I can’t wait to find out for sure, but I’m feeling confident.”

She already knows the answer. I can tell. Reagan Daulton has eyes and ears everywhere. She’s a force to be reckoned with.

An attractive, slightly older couple approaches. They both have dark hair and green eyes and look familiar, though I can’t place them.

The woman wraps her arm around Reagan in a warm, familiar way. “Thanks for inviting us, doll face. It’s all so exciting.”

She kisses the woman’s cheek. “Of course, Mom.”

Mom? The woman doesn’t look more than a few years older than me.

“Mom, Jackson, this is Tanner Montgomery. Tanner, this is my mother, Darian Knight, and her husband, Jackson Knight.”

Ah, that’s why they’re familiar. Jackson is a well-known developer in Philly, and he happens to be Trevor’s father.

I take Darian’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

She smiles warmly. “You too. Trey DePaul’s wife, Gemma, works for me. She has for years. Well before she started dating Trey.”

And that’s why she looks familiar. I must have seen her at their wedding.

I shake Jackson’s hand as well. “It’s nice to finally meet you. My daughter is very close with your granddaughter, Dylan.”

He smirks. “She’s a ball of fire like her mom, isn’t she?”

I chuckle. “She sure is.”

Jackson whispers something in Darian’s ear, causing her to grin widely and nod. They excuse themselves and leave the room .

Carter attempts to bite back a smile, and Reagan shakes her head. “They’re definitely finding a closet right now to have sex in.”

My jaw widens. “Are you serious?”

Carter chuckles. “Reagan’s mom is like a horny teenager. They do this all the time.” He winks at Reagan. “We should go give them a run for their money.”

And…that’s my cue to walk away.

I mingle for a bit before making my way toward the bar for a refill. As I approach, I see Bailey with her back to me. She’s in a gold dress that is extremely short and tight. I’m surprised she’s wearing such a revealing dress. It seems unlike her.

I place my hand on her lower back and whisper in her ear, “You look stunning.”

She turns around, and I immediately realize my mistake. Pulling my hand away like she’s on fire, I say, “I’m sorry. I thought you were Bailey. You must be Kamryn.” I hold out my hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you. I’m Tanner Montgomery. I know we stood together in a group a few weeks ago, but I don’t think we were introduced.”

She smiles. It’s a completely different smile from Bailey’s. It’s more playful and full of mischief. I briefly think of the ex-boyfriend that Bailey mentioned. How the hell could he not tell the difference? Yes, they’re identical, but the contrast is blatantly obvious to me.

She takes my hand in hers. Her touch is different too. “Sorry to disappoint, though I’m impressed you knew the difference. You must know my sister very well. It’s nice to meet you too.”

Her tone is laced with innuendo.

Before I can respond, Cheetah approaches. “Oh look, it’s two of my favorite people, together.”

Kam turns to him. “Oh look, it’s my eighth favorite feline. ”

Cheetah lets out a laugh as he rubs her back. “You know cheetahs are your favorite animal. Don’t deny it, Kam bam.”

“I’m not sure about that, kitten.” She turns to me. “Though I know my sister’s favorite animal. Silver foxes.”

Everything Bailey has mentioned about her sister is becoming clear as day to me. This girl is trouble with a capital T.

The lights dim, mercifully ending the conversation. After remarks by the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated , they lower a screen where the contents of the issue are revealed. Arizona and Layton’s interior photo is nice, but when they’re revealed to be the cover couple, there’s a collective gasp.

It’s extremely provocative. I can’t believe they’re publishing it. They’re half-dressed in each other’s jerseys with their undergarments showing. Her legs are wrapped around him while he has her pinned to a scoreboard with his face buried in her neck. She looks like she’s mid-orgasm. Wow. This will catapult both their modeling and sponsorship careers into the stratosphere. I better prepare my office for the onslaught coming when this issue hits the stands.

As the buzz fills the room, Bailey approaches and gives me a forced smile. “Hello, Mr. Montgomery. You look nice.”

I take in her appearance. Her dress is a bit more demure than her sister’s, though still sexy. Everything about her is sexy. She oozes class in a way Kamryn doesn’t. I rub her arm. “You look exquisite.” She’s a vision in white. It contrasts beautifully with her olive-toned skin.

“Thank you. Can I introduce you to my sister and one of my friends? Both Kamryn and Ripley have a bunch of sponsorship offers. I know they’re too small for you to take on as clients, but maybe you can offer them some advice?”

“I’d be happy to.”

After offering to provide my services to an elated and surprised Kamryn and Ripley, I pull Bailey aside. “Can we talk?”

She exhales a breath. “Sure. What’s up?”

“I want to apologize for the other night.”

She shakes her head. “No need.”

“There is a need. I shouldn’t have let it get that far. I was wrong.”

Her face falls. That’s clearly not what she was hoping for.

I take her hand in mine. “You’re everything a man could ever want in a woman. We’re just in different places in life, and you’re Harper’s nanny. She adores you. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your relationship with her.”

She looks up at me with sincerity written all over her gorgeous face. “I love Harper.”

“I know you do. Can we go back to how we were before that night? I like it when you come early to chat and when you stay for dinner. Dinners you usually prepare. I consider you a friend and I don’t want to lose that because of a moment of indiscretion.”

Pain slices through her face but this needed to be said. I can’t give in to the temptation that is Bailey Hart.

She eventually nods. “I’d like that too.”

BAILEY

We’re on the bus on the way back from the party. Arizona is on Layton’s lap, and his hand is up her dress. Trey and Gemma are in a dark corner practically having sex. They’re marriage goals. I would give anything for a man to look at me the way Trey looks at her.

And then my eyes find Ezra across the bus, and he’s drinking me in with his heated gaze. He’s looking at me that way. Why have I been denying myself this? Tanner doesn’t want me. Ezra does. He’s handsome, kind, sweet, loving, and age appropriate. Why haven’t I truly considered it before? Maybe it’s time I give things a chance with him.

I stand, walk over to him, and sit down. He leans over and whispers, “Are you okay? You seem a little off tonight.”

The way he can read me and the genuine concern in his eyes flick some sort of switch in me. The sides of our bodies are pressed together. The comfort of his body suddenly feels like a warm blanket on a cold day.

I look into his eyes and nod as I thread my fingers through his and quietly respond, “I want to go home with you tonight.”

He visibly swallows. “You do? Are you sure?”

“Yes. I want to…I want to give things a go with you. You and me. Together.”

His look of concern morphs into a huge smile. He squeezes my hand. “I’d like that. I think I can make you happy.”

I think so too.

He spends the remaining bus ride with his thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. Regardless of who we’re each talking to, his hand is always on mine.

By virtue of geography, we arrive at his place first. I imagine everyone on the bus is in shock when I stand with Ezra and walk with him toward the exit door.

I catch my sister’s look of concern, but I hold up my hand and shake my head. I don’t need Kam trampling this. It’s my decision. I need to do this. I need to stop fantasizing about a man I can’t have and start spending time with a wonderful man I can. One I know for a fact cares deeply for me. One who would never reject me.

Her lips tighten into a line, but she respects my wishes and doesn’t get involved. Instead, she mouths, “Call me,” and I nod that I will.

Everyone else is whistling and catcalling, but I ignore them and stay the course. Ezra wraps his arm around my shoulders, his way of shielding me from the onslaught.

The rest of the unmarried guys on the team have apartments and condos in the city, but Ezra has a house in the suburbs. It’s not as big as one would anticipate from a professional baseball player, but as soon as I walk in, I understand why he chose it. It’s homey. It’s warm. It’s Ezra.

I can’t help but smile, especially at the wraparound porch with rocking chairs. “I love this place. It’s so you.”

He gives me a shy smile in return. “It reminded me of the house I grew up in. The guys give me a lot of shit for not living in a bachelor pad in the city, but when you grow up in a small town, city living is a shock to the system. I’m not too far from them, and I prefer the peace and quiet.”

I rub his arm as we walk into the house. “It’s perfect, just like you.”

He nervously chews on his lip. “Can I get you a drink? Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat.”

I shake my head. “No thanks.”

I walk over to the wall of pictures that appear to be of Ezra and his family. Looking at the big family picture, I immediately identify the sister he’s mentioned to me. I point to her. “This must be Leigh. You two look alike. She’s beautiful.”

I suddenly feel the warmth of his body pressed to the back of mine. He pulls my hair to the side and runs his lips along my neck. “It’s you who is beautiful.” His fingers run up and down my arms. “You have no idea how long I’ve dreamed of having you here. Touching you. Feeling you. Kissing you. Making love to you.”

His hands move to the zipper on the back of my dress. “Is this okay?”

I nod, and he slowly slides the zipper down my back. I can feel his hands shaking as he does so. It’s sweet how nervous he is.

My dress eventually falls to the floor. I step out of it and turn around. I’m in white satin panties and a matching strapless bra. It’s in stark contrast to my sun-kissed, naturally darker skin.

His hazel eyes drink in my entire body while the bulge in his pants pushes against his zipper. His jacket is gone. He must have removed it when I was looking at the photos. Ezra Decker is imposingly handsome.

I can now see his hands shaking and he notices my line of sight. “I’m sorry. I’ve fantasized about this so many times. I’m having a hard time believing it’s real.”

I wish I could say the same, but I can’t. My fantasies are full of a certain bearded, older man.

I hate that I’m thinking about Tanner right now. Ezra deserves all my attention. I shake off my thoughts and do my best to return them to the wonderful man standing in front of me, dying to touch me.

I grab his hand and bring it to my face. “It’s real, Ezra.”

The backs of his fingers stroke my cheek before he moves his lips toward mine. I welcome them with my own and slide my tongue into his mouth.

His taste is like him. Sweet. Comforting.

Before I know what’s happening, I’m pinned to the wall and his hands lift the backs of my thighs until my legs are wrapped around him. I lock my ankles and try to match the intensity of his kiss.

His hardness presses between my legs while his hands roam my body. It feels good, but I don’t feel the same fire I felt with Tanner.

Stop it, Bailey .

I’m committed to pushing Tanner out of my mind. Ezra is here and wants me. Desperately wants me.

His hands squeeze my ass, and he mumbles into my mouth, “You taste even better than I thought you would.”

He kisses down my neck, which is a big erogenous zone for me. I love having my neck kissed. I finally relax and begin to truly give in to the pleasure, relishing in what he’s doing to my body .

His hardness rubbing me and lips on my neck finally have me where I need to be. In the moment, enjoying this.

Ezra’s face is clean-shaven and is rubbing against the area between my shoulder and neck. I can’t help but start to imagine what Tanner’s bearded face would feel like on my neck. I bet it’s rough. I bet he’s rough. Everything about him is just so domineering.

I moan, “Tanner.”

Ezra freezes. At first, I don’t know why. It takes me a moment to realize what I’ve done.

Oh my god .

He slowly drops my legs and takes a step back. His face is pained while the guilt fully sinks in for me. I’m a horrible person.

Tears fill my eyes, and I cup my mouth with my hand. “I’m so sorry, Ezra.”

He runs his fingers through his wavy hair. “It’s Tanner? I knew it was someone, I just didn’t expect it to be him.”

Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes and let the tears spill over. “I don’t want it to be.”

“But it is.”

I nod.

“Why did you come home with me?”

“Because I want it to be you.”

“But it’s not.”

I shake my head and croak out, “No. I’m so sorry. I don’t deserve you.”

Without another word, he turns and walks upstairs. I take a few long, deep breaths. I should get dressed and call an Uber, but I slide down the wall and let the tears continue to fall. I’m so ashamed of myself. I’ve hurt an innocent man.

He returns a few minutes later with an oversized sweatshirt and enormous shorts. “I’ve had too much to drink to drive you home, and I don’t want to put you in an Uber alone at this time of night. If you’re comfortable staying here, I’ll make up my guestroom for you and drive you home in the morning. ”

I reach for him, “Ezra—”

He steps back. “It’s fine. I get it. You’re not into me.” He drops his head. “You never will be.”

“I want to explain.”

He shakes his head. “No need. It only makes this worse.”

He hands me the clothes, and I quietly and quickly slip into them. I have to roll the shorts ten times to get them to stay up. “Thank you. I understand if you don’t want to talk. Can we watch a movie or something? I don’t want to say goodnight to you yet.”

It seems that much colder to simply go to bed. I want to spend time with him. He’s still my friend. I can’t lose that.

He sighs. “Sure. What do you want to watch?”

“It doesn’t matter to me.”

He turns on a movie, and we silently sit down on the couch together. I barely remember any of it before I pass out.

I wake in the morning enveloped in warmth with something very hard poking my ass.

Blinking my eyes a few times, I realize that I’m on Ezra’s sofa, he’s wrapped around me, and he doesn’t have a shirt on.

This feels nice. Why can’t it be enough for me?

I’m contemplating falling back asleep in the security of his arms when I hear music blaring and the song “I Just Had Sex” by The Lonely Island begins playing. I giggle as I lift my head to see Cheetah standing there with a big smile, holding his phone up, singing and dancing along with the lyrics.

Without having to open his eyes to see who it is, Ezra groans. “Go away, Cheetah.”

Cheetah chuckles. “I’m just glad your dick still works. Though sex is easier when you’re naked in the bedroom, not clothed on the couch. Has it been so long since you had playtime at the farm that you forgot how the hokey pokey works?”

Ezra starts to answer, “We didn’t—”

I cover his mouth with my hand and interrupt, “We didn’t even make it to the bedroom before we tore each other’s clothes off and went at it.” I nod toward my dress on the floor. “And the only farm analogy appropriate here is that Ezra is an animal in the best way possible. I got cold during the night and grabbed a sweatshirt that smells like him.” I inhale it deeply. “Hmm. So good.”

Cheetah lifts an eyebrow. “Ezra Decker an animal in the sack?”

I nod and Ezra sighs. “I forgot that we had plans for this morning. We need to run Bailey home. Go wait outside. We’ll get dressed and meet you in your car.”

“Fine, party pooper.”

He walks out and I turn around in his arms. I look up at him and run my fingers over his handsome face. “I’m really sorry about last night, Ezra.”

“It’s okay. You didn’t have to lie to Cheetah.”

“Yes, I did. You can tell the guys whatever you want about last night. I’ll go along with it.”

“Does it really seem like my personality to brag about my sexcapades like Cheetah does and Layton used to before Arizona?”

I twist my lips. “I suppose not.”

He begins to stand, but I hold him close and sink my nose into his chest. “I don’t want to lose our friendship. You mean a lot to me, Ezra.”

He relaxes and hugs me back. “You won’t. You mean a lot to me too. Tanner is a lucky man.”

“I’m not with him and don’t think I ever will be.”

He gently caresses my hair. “He’d be crazy not to fall for you. I did the first night I met you. You’re everything a man could possibly want in a woman. You’re kind, smart, and so damn beautiful that sometimes I find it hard to breathe around you.”

I tilt my head up and softly kiss his lips. “You’re going to make some lucky woman incredibly happy one day.”

I get home and see Kam asleep in her bed. That’s a rare sight.

I need to confide in someone though, and I don’t want it to be her. She can be overbearing.

I let myself into Arizona and Ripley’s apartment. Arizona’s door is open, and her bed is made. She must have slept at Layton’s. I open Ripley’s door. “Rip, I need to talk to—”

Shock isn’t a big enough word for what I see. Ripley is naked with Quincy equally naked. His face and hands are on her breasts. “Holy Red Wedding! What the fudge is this?”

Quincy quickly covers their bodies. I had no idea that they were sleeping together. Oh my god. I wonder if Arizona knows that her best friend and brother are doing it.

She mentions that it was a one-time thing, but Quincy looks annoyed by the comment, and I’m not sure I believe her. Nonetheless, I leave them to it and tell Ripley to let me know when she’s free to talk.

About fifteen minutes later, she texts me to come back, and I do. I walk in and she pours me a cup of coffee. I look up at her. “What the freak is going on?”

She sighs. “Don’t make a big deal of it. Quincy and I fool around sometimes.” Her eyes fill with tears. “It’s meaningless, which is why we don’t want anyone to know.”

“Arizona?”

She shakes her head. “No. No one.”

“Rip, why are you crying? Maybe you care more than you’d like to admit.”

“It doesn’t matter. He’ll never want more than casual. In what world does a man who looks like Quincy Abbott end up with a woman who looks like me?”

“Because…beautiful men and beautiful women don’t end up together?”

“Because fit men and fat women don’t end up together.”

“Don’t call yourself fat, Rip. You have curves. Men love curves. You’re perfect. You model lingerie for crying out loud.”

She mumbles, “Plus sized,” and then sighs. “It’s not happening. Drop it. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Wiping her tears, she says, “Enough about me, though I hope you’ll keep this between us.”

I nod. “Of course.”

“Did you sleep with Ezra? I honestly thought you were into Tanner.”

I exhale a breath. “Tanner isn’t interested in me. I wanted to try things with Ezra. He’s so sweet and so into me, but in the end, I couldn’t do it. Why can’t I have casual sex like my sister does?”

She rubs my back. “There’s nothing wrong with needing an emotional connection with someone before the physical.”

Tears fill my eyes. “I’m so fudging attracted to Tanner. On all fronts.”

“Does he know?”

I nod. “He does. We kissed once but he ended it. He said he can’t do it to Harper and that I’m too young for him.”

“But not that he wasn’t attracted to you?”

I twist my lips and think back. “I suppose he didn’t say that.”

“Maybe it will happen one day.”

“Doubt it. I just want someone to set me on fire the way he does. Hell, I think I’d settle for half as much as he does.”

Before we can continue, Kam walks in. She’s wearing panties and a crop top with no bra. Her nipples and the bottoms of her breasts are more than visible. She rubs her eyes like she just woke up.

I shake my head. “You can’t just walk around the apartment building like that, Kam. We’re not in a college dorm anymore. ”

She waves her hand dismissively. “Meh. It’s fine. It gives the weird ginger across the hallway something to look at. It’s probably as close as he’ll ever get to seeing a woman naked.”

Ripley narrows her eyes at Kam. “You know his name is Justin, and what’s wrong with gingers?”

“Ginger women? Nothing. You’re all hot. I’ve banged a few ginger women in my day. Ginger men? Not so much. What do you call a ginger man in a porn film?”

Ripley contemplates for a moment before asking, “What?”

“The cameraman.”

I can’t help but giggle. Ripley does her best to swallow hers down.

Kam continues, “What do ginger men miss most at a great party?”

I bite back my smile. “What?”

“The invitation.”

Ripley and I can’t help but burst into laughter.

I shake my head. “Oh my god. Your mind is truly bottomless. It’s one of the great mysteries of life.”

Kam curtsies. “Thank you. Speaking of mysterious behavior, you didn’t call me. I know you didn’t sleep with him. Why did you go home with him?”

“Maybe I did sleep with him.”

She rolls her eyes. “You didn’t. It’s a twin thing. I can feel it when you have sex.”

I scrunch my face. “Eww. That’s weird. Though I wish I could feel when you did. I’d be much more satisfied. Twin orgasm telepathy would be the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Kam wiggles her hips. “You would have been having a great time last night if it worked.”

“Who were you with?”

“Doesn’t matter. I want to know about you.”

I blow out a breath. “You’re right. I couldn’t go through with it. He’s so adorable, and I wish I could, but we just hung out.”

“It’s because you want Daddy Tanner. He wants you too. ”

I shake my head. “He doesn’t.”

“Trust me, Bails. He does.”

“He’s not attracted to me.”

She scoffs. “Not to sound like a narcissist because we’re twins, but you’re hot as hell. Also, I met him last night before you officially introduced us. When my back was to him, he thought I was you and told me how beautiful I looked. The second I turned around, he knew I wasn’t you. He sees you, Bails. I’m telling you, he’s interested.”

I shrug. “I’m not forcing it. It’s not my style.”

She gives me her unique Kam mischievous smile. “But there are always ways to help things along. Men are simple beings. They’re so easy to toy with.” She throws her arm around my shoulder. “Ever heard of playing hard to get?”