Page 56 of Stopping Short

“This is perfect. Man, I can’t wait to dig in.” I rub my hands together.

It isn’t often that I can eat somewhere during the season and go wild. Normally I need to pick and choose certain items to make sure I won't feel sick or sluggish on the field the following day.

I glance around as I place another chicken wing on my plate and find everyone watching me.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Everyone glances around and though I can tell they all want to say something, no one wants to speak up.

“Well, I’ll say it. That’s a crap ton of food, Jacks!” Mom stares at me like I'm crazy.

“I'm a growing boy,” I murmur as I pout at my plate.

“Yeah, which way are you trying to grow?” She chuckles.

“Mom!”

“Is there even food left for everyone else?” Cali grins.

“I wonder how many whole chickens he could eat in a day…” Kelsey taps a finger on her chin like she’s thinking.

“I'm really happy I'm not paying for your food bill anymore, son.” Dad pats me on the back.

“Oh my gosh.” I roll my eyes and lean back in my chair, folding my arms over my chest.

“Ignore them and eat. I love these muscles and they need protein to stay like this.” Harper squeezes my bicep and I can’t help but smile. I’d do just about anything to make sure she’s more attracted to me.

“Jeez, they’re adorable together,” Cali says, placing her hand over her heart.

“I only have one question…” Kelsey watches us carefully. There’s an amused grin on her face and I know whatever she says next is only to try to embarrass us, but there’s nothing about our relationship I find embarrassing. “When’s the wedding?”

“Do you remember soon after we got married, when Harper came home from school and she made you guess what happened at school that day?” Cali glances over at Maddox, she’s already laughing and I can only imagine the story they’re about to tell.

“Yes,” he groans. “I never thought my sweet innocent girl would tell me she kissed a boy. I nearly died.”

“Excuse me?” I’m smiling, but I stare with shock at my girlfriend. “Who were you kissing?”

“Cody Robinson.” She shrugs like it doesn’t matter, but I can see how hard she’s trying to keep a straight face.

“Cody Robinson? Seriously? You’re going to make me beat up Cody Robinson?” I dramatically fall back into my chair like it’s the end of the world.

“I find it funny that you think you could beat up my nephew,” Mason chuckles. “He’s got more muscle. He isn’t afraid of protein.” He eyes my still very full plate.

“I'm not afraid of protein! I got criticized for taking so much!”

“Cody wouldn’t have cared. Are you afraid of protein, bro?” Kelsey asks, her eyes lighting up with amusement.

“Seriously, Kels?” I groan, scrubbing a hand down my face. She never hesitates to bust my chops.

“Well, don’t be hating on my nephew for going after your girl before you did.” She shrugs, taking another bite of her food.

“I'm shocked I’ve never heard about this before. Why didn’t you tell me, babe?” I stare at my beautiful girlfriend and can’t help but think how lucky I am to have her in my life.

I'm just teasing her, I couldn’t care less if Cody kissed her way back when. I only care about the here and now.

“Oh my gosh! How adorable is that!” Cali gushes. “You call her babe?”

“It was forever ago!” Harper giggles and snuggles up to my side.