Chapter 22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Chloe answered the knock with a puzzled look. “You’re lucky I don’t go to bed at grandma o’clock like Paige.”
Garrett held up a six-pack. “Peace offering.”
She stepped aside, waving him in. “Either you need something or you’re hiding from your fans after Madison wiped the floor with you at Brewfest.”
He chuckled and dropped onto her couch. “I wouldn’t say wiped the floor.”
“She jumped into your arms,” Chloe said, retrieving two glasses from the kitchen. “You two could’ve sold out a rom-com premiere right then and there.”
Garrett didn’t answer. He flipped on the Twins game, and for a while they watched, commented on a questionable strike call, a diving catch, and Chloe’s prediction that the bullpen would blow the lead.
Chloe glanced at him. “Okay,” she said. “You didn’t come over to critique the Twins. What’s really going on?”
They watched another batter work a full count before Garrett finally broke the silence.
“Do you like her?” he asked.
“Is this a trick question?”
“No,” he said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “You never liked Gabriella.”
“Because Gabriella sucked. Madison doesn’t. She’s funny, smart, and a total badass. She doesn’t put up with your crap, but she also doesn’t ask you to be anyone else. That’s rare, G.”
He exhaled slowly, staring at the bubbles rising in his glass. “It’s been a long time since I wanted something real. And I didn’t expect it to sneak up on me like this.”
Chloe sat beside him, nudging his shoulder. “You two are good together. Don’t let that fear voice in your head make the decisions. The only thing stopping you is you.”
He shook his head with a crooked grin. “You’re not the only one to give me that kind of advice.”
“Maybe you should start listening then.”
“She named the cider after us.”
Chloe grinned. “Oh, she definitely did.”
“I need to stop being a stubborn ass and go get her.”
“Best thing you’ve said yet. Now get out of here and let me get some sleep.”