Page 154 of Cheap Shot

“Let me pull up the Harriers’ social media page,” Sebastian said.

“Since when doyoufollow the team’s social media?” Luke asked, peering out of the cabinet he had his head inside of to stare at Sebastian’s knees.

“Since … recently,” Sebastian said with a laugh.

Luke bit back a smile as he worked at the large nut that held the faucet to the sink. “Hey, Sebastian, can you hand me the safety glasses and penetrating oil?”

Sebastian let out a choking noise. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Luke huffed. Okay, so maybe he hadn’t thought that one through. But it was what the stuff wascalled. And with old, corroded metal he needed something to loosen it up. “It’s in a bottle.”

“Is this it?” Harper asked, the bag rustling.

“Uhh, I think so,” Sebastian said. He ducked down and stared at Luke with one eyebrow raised. “Man, plumbing is as bad as hockey commentary, huh?”

Luke chuckled and took the offered glasses and bottle of oil. “Pretty much.”

As Luke worked at getting the old faucet loose, Sebastian showed Harper the bunny pictures.

She giggled and squealed about it and Sebastian ducked his head under the sink to say, “Youarepretty cute with a bunny.”

Luke glared at him. Cute. He wasn’tcute. He narrowed his eyes and warned Sebastian, “Later, I’m gonna make you regret that you said that.”

Sebastian smirked. “Oh, I’m looking forward to it.”

By the time Luke was done swapping out the faucet, and adding the toe kick trim, it was time for dinner, and his stomach was rumbling.

Brie had made a very mild white chicken chili. It was good, but he’d had to ask Sebastian if she had any hot sauce in the refrigerator. “I grew up in the southwest,” he explained with a shrug, dumping some hot sauce into his bowl and stirring. “I like a bit of heat.”

Sebastian shook his head when Luke offered him some. “No thank you,” he said drily. “I’m a wimp when it comes to spice.”

Luke dug into his much tastier chili.

They ate it with a salad and some tortilla chips and, after, Luke kicked back, rubbing his belly appreciatively. “Might need to get Brie’s recipe,” he said. “I probably ate too much but that was good.”

Sebastian eyed him like he was confused about something.

“What?” Luke asked.

But Harper sat back and patted her belly, imitating Luke. “So full,” she said with a grin.

“That’s because we worked up a big appetite replacing the faucet,” Luke said, flexing.

Harper giggled and did the same.

“Well, I guess that means you two should rest while I do the dishes,” Sebastian offered with a smile, rising to his feet.

Luke ended up helping with the drying anyway.

After the dishes were done, they watched two episodes of some weird kids show that Harper liked, and she whined when Sebastian told her it was time for bed.

“But Uncle Sebby …”

“Harper, you need to go get changed into your jammies,” he said firmly, standing and holding out a hand to her. “I’ll be up in a few minutes to help you brush your teeth and wash your face. And then I’ll read you a bedtime story.”

She pouted. “You’re mean, Uncle Sebby. Mr. Luke, willyouread me a bedtime story?”

“Sure,” he said, getting up with a groan. “Just pick out a book.”