It’s not at all beach weather but the sun is shining, so we’re embracing it. And when Keeley pulls an Aussie Rules football out of her bag, I squeal.
“You didn’t!” I race forward, snatching the ball from her hands, handballing it to myself.
“I did. But you’re going to need to teach us how to play.”
“I know how to play.” Luke punches the ball out of my grasp and grabs it off the sand, kicking it to Reed who catches it easily. “I may have watched a few games when I heard Keeley was planning this.”
My jaw drops. “Wow. I’m impressed. And I have to admit, you don’t suck.”
“Of course I don’t,” Luke scoffs. “I’m good at everything.”
Easton rolls his eyes as he grabs Isaac’s hand. “I’m going to take Isaac for a walk. We’ll—”
“Can we stay, Dad?” Issac tugs on Easton’s hand, pulling him back toward Paige, a pleading smile on his cute little face. “I want to play.”
Paige bites back a grin as her eyes flash to Easton’s, and she gives him a shrug. Easton forces a smile and Keeley bursts out laughing. “Easton’s in. Who else wants to play?”
It turns out that Luke isn’t the only one who watched an Aussie Rules game. Or two. Dylan, Thomas, and Reed all admitted they’ve seen it before, but when it comes to playing, I wish I had a video camera.
Despite his clear annoyance at having to play, Easton’s actually the best by far. His handballing is on point and that man can mark. Reed’s probably the second best, and a spark of pride runs through me every time he kicks the ball. But it’s when he grabs Isaac and lifts him over his shoulders—helping him secure a mark over Easton—that I really pay attention. And I hate to admit, my ovaries tingle.
That man is dad material and it suits him.
I’m beginning to wonder if there’s anything he’s not good at. He’s definitely proven himself in the boyfriend department. And now this.
Amelia nudges me in the stomach when she notices me staring, and it brings me back to a time I was doing the same to her about Luke—teasing her when I caught her watching him. But this is different. She was having Luke’s baby; I think Reed’s hot. I can’t help it if everything he does reels me in.
As the game goes on, the guys draw a crowd, and soon enough, we have a cheer squad. A solid mix between teenageboys braving the cold to surf and girls out for a walk, clad in their skimpy exercise gear, laughing and flirting whenever they can. Not that the guys notice. They’re all obsessed with their own women. Even Reed doesn’t pay them any mind.
When Luke’s cockiness gets too much, knocking Dylan over when he attempts what we call a specky—marking the ball with his knees on Dylan’s back—Keeley calls time, confiscating the ball to avoid any injuries.
“I think we’re going to need a few more practices before the preseason event. But I’ve got to admit, it’s a good start,” she says as we all grab a drink, no longer worried about the cold weather, well and truly warmed up. “My award for the best player goes to Isaac for his amazingscreamer…” She trails off as she says the word hesitantly.
“Screamer is correct. And I agree, Isaac, you were amazing.”
Isaac beams up at us, his shoulders bouncing in giddiness, and when I glance up at Easton, I’m surprised to see him smiling.
“That’s my man.” He lowers his hand in a fist bump and Isaac matches his energy, making it look like his hand explodes after their fists touch.
A strange tension runs through me and when I glance over at Paige, seeing her loving smile back at her boys, my heart jolts.
Do I want that?Jesus. I think I do. A hand wraps around my shoulder, pulling me out of my head and I laugh, having no idea what I’m laughing about. “How’d I do, Hayley Baby?” Reed says, drawing my attention as he winks. “Do you think I’ve got what it takes?”
“You’re a natural.” I spin to face him. “I’d be proud to take you home.”
“Really?” He raises an eyebrow and smirks. “I’m going to hold you to that. I’d love to visit Australia. Maybe I’ll retire there. Get away from the drama over here.”
He winks like he’s joking, and I smile despite the nagging feeling starting low in my belly. Reed shouldn’t have drama in his life, and I’m contributing to some of it. I can’t help with his family stuff, but I can help with Bria. He needs to talk to her, and he needs to do it soon.
CHAPTER FORTY
Reed
After the Australian football was put away, a group of young kids nearby kindly tossed us aproperfootball—not that I would ever say that out loud to Hayley.
We messed around with our new friends, teaching them some skills, having a friendly game until it was time for them to leave. And while I was more in my element, I’ve got to admit, watching Hayley shine with her Australian rules skills was something to behold.
When we all get hungry, Dylan and Thomas head off to grab burgers and I settle on the sand, watching Hayley as she chats animatedly with the girls, dancing around as she reenacts one of her football moves. I’m about to join their conversation when Luke calls out, drawing our attention.
