Page 33 of Sportsball is for Lovers

“We fly out at noon,” Yoni answers. “You have time for brunch?”

He frowns and shakes his head. “Have to be at the studio for pre-game prep. It’s a matinee game.”

“Shame. Wish I could have spent more time with you.”

“Me, too,” Jared says quietly.

But for some reason, he isn’t looking at his brother.

He’s looking at me.

Leighton comes over, bubbly as ever. “Oh my goodness, Sylvie. You didn’t tell me you were here with this hunk!” She squeezes Jared’s arm, and he winces and shifts away.

“I’m not here with him,” I tell her flatly. Leighton is one of the biggest gossips in the industry. I can’t tell her anything.

“We’re… friends,” Jared says awkwardly.

Yoni laughs outright. “He’s my big brother, Leigh. He’s single and has a full-time job.” He raises his eyebrows.

Hers shoot up. “You’re shitting me.”

“Nope.” He pops the P. “One hundred percent single and ready to mingle. Know any women looking?”

Jared looks like he might murder his brother.

I might help him.

It would certainly be justified. Wouldn’t it?

“Do you live locally?” Jared asks Leighton, visibly pained.

“Outside Detroit,” the Southern transplant says with an exaggerated drawl. “My wife got a job at a research lab out there, and since mine can be done from anywhere…”

“Nice. What kind of research?”

She laughs. “You don’t care, honey.”

No, but I do. Why is he pursuing this?

He shrugs. “Making conversation.”

“Can I talk to you?” Seething, I ask him through gritted teeth.

It isn’t a question.

Lu and Yoni exchange a look. I ignore them.

“Now.”

Obediently, Jared follows me into the alcove.

“What the hell?” I demand.

He glares at me. “What do you mean?”

“You’re being weird,” I snap.

“You’re being weird,” he retorts.