Chapter 19
Tyson went in for an easy layup and winced as the basketball hit the rim and bounced to the ground. He and Luke were at Veterans
Memorial Park, a seaside playground that was uncrowded on this Wednesday evening. Gleeful sounds carried from the children
frolicking on the nearby monkey bars, and a soaring seagull’s cry pierced the air.
“You’re off your game today.” Luke took the ball out. “That’s the second layup you’ve missed.”
Tyson guarded him as he dribbled toward the basket. Layups had always been his thing in high school. Either he was getting
old and out of shape or . . . he was just distracted by thoughts of Jenna. Disliking the thought, Tyson swiped the ball from
his friend mid-dribble.
“Guess you’re not asleep at the switch.”
“Don’t underestimate me.” Ty tried to dart toward the basket, but Luke blocked his move.
“I was going to let you win anyway.”
“As if I’ll give you a choice in the matter.” Ty regularly schooled Luke on the court. But Luke almost always beat him at
pool.
“I want you feeling good by the time we’re done anyway—I have a favor to ask.”
“I always feel good after I beat you fair and square.” Ty darted around Luke and put up a jump shot. It hit the backboard and whooshed through the net. “And just like that I’m up by four.”
“Lucky shot.” Luke’s face and neck were pink from exertion as he worked his way toward the post. The evening was warm, though
a nice breeze came off the water.
Ty gave him some coverage, his foot- and arm-work automatic. So automatic, his thoughts went straight back to Jenna. Turned
out nipping these feelings in the bud was easier said than done. Only two days ago he’d committed to no touching, and he’d held his ground so far. But the other night she’d been the one to close the space between them. Albeit just to
view the laptop screen. He could still feel the warm press of her leg against his.
In an uncharacteristic move, Luke bolted around him and put in an easy layup. He caught the ball as it fell from the net.
“Man, you are distracted today. What gives?”
“Just a little tired, that’s all.” That was no lie. He’d hoped telling Jenna about the accident might magically make the nightmares
disappear. No such luck. “How’d your date with Trinity go?”
A smile bloomed on Luke’s face as he dribbled the ball in place. “It was good. Real good. I enjoyed talking to her, but . . .”
“What?” Ty asked when Luke didn’t continue. “Trouble in paradise?”
“We’re both introverts so there were some awkward silences. I’m just not smooth like you.”
Ty smirked. “I’m not smooth.”
“Better conversationalist. Whatever.”
“So you don’t think it’ll work?”
“Oh no, I want it to work. She’s great. Really sweet and smart and interesting. We had some really nice moments. We just need a little help getting things going, I guess.” He shot Ty a sheepish look.
“Why do I get the feeling that favor’s about to come into play?”
“If we just had some other people along, it would kind of smooth things over. I was thinking we should plan a double date.”
Ty wiped the sweat from his forehead with the tail of his tee. “Sorry, pal. I’m on a dating moratorium, remember?”
Luke’s eyes pleaded. “Come on. It’s just a onetime thing.”
“That’s what my date with Marissa was supposed to be, and look how that turned out. Why don’t you ask one of the other guys?
Wheeler’s got a girlfriend.”
“I barely know him, much less his girlfriend.”
“Drury then. He’s dating that insurance adjuster from the mainland.”
“Or you could just make an exception. Trinity already knows you, and you’re good at keeping the ball rolling, conversationally
speaking. It’s the perfect solution.”
Tyson frowned. He really didn’t want to start something with another woman. He was still paying for the last time. Although
it could also serve as a distraction from his unsettling feelings for Jenna.
The basketball thumped rhythmically on the pavement while they caught their breath. “Come on. You could even bring Jenna if
you wanted.”
Ty’s gaze shot to Luke, searching. Had he read Ty’s mind? Did he know Ty was having weird thoughts about Jenna?
As Luke searched his eyes a speculative look appeared. “What’s going on?”
“What?”
“You have a funny expression on your—” Luke narrowed his eyes. “Is there something going on here I don’t know about?”
Tyson swatted the ball away from Luke and dribbled it out, then turned back toward the basket.
Luke hadn’t moved from his spot near the post, but his face had broken out in a wide smile. “There is. There’s something going on between you and Jenna.”
Ty’s face heated. “Nothing’s going on. Now are you gonna get down here and guard me, or should I just make the basket and
put you out of your misery?”
“You always change topics when you’re uncomfortable with the subject. When did this happen? And why didn’t you tell me? I
think it’s great.”
Ty dribbled toward the basket. “It’s not great. It’s not even happening.”
“Well, why not?”
Ty barely spared Luke a glance as he put up a shot—and missed.
Luke gave a smug grin as he rebounded the ball. “You’re flustered. Jenna Greene’s got you flustered.”
“I’m not flustered.”
“And protesting an awful lot. Look, you and Jenna would be great together. She’s perfect for you. Why are you fighting it?”
“She’s a good friend. I’m not giving that up.”
“You wouldn’t have to give it up, dork. You’d just have to embellish it a little. And from that hot-and-bothered look you’re
wearing, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”
Ty scowled. “I’m not hot and bothered. And I’m not ruining a great friendship for some temporary romance.”
“Who says it has to be temporary?”
“It’s not worth the risk.”
“Does she feel the same way?”
“I don’t feel any way!”
Luke chuckled. “All right, buddy. Have it your way.” He smirked as he drove in for a layup. The ball swished through the net.
“Then since she’s just your friend, you won’t mind helping out your old pal with a double date, will you?”