I pull away, resting my forehead against Ben’s. I know Nash means every word, but there’s a teasing edge in his tone; a side of him I haven’t seen before.
“Leave them alone,” Paisley chimes in. “They’re adorable.”
Nash doesn’t reply, but Ben chuckles, taking my hand and leading me to the booth. He slides in next to me as I turn to Wyatt.
“Hey, Wyatt,” I say, leaning in to hug him. “When did you get back?”
He hugs me tightly. “Yesterday. It’s good to see you, Ash.”
“You too.” I pull away as he gestures toward Ben.
“Where have you been hiding this guy? You know he’s my biggest fan, right?”
“I’m not sure that’s exactly what he said,” Seb quips with a laugh.
Wyatt waves him off. “He’s a Cardinals fan, which means he’s a me fan by default.”
Ben laughs, and I roll my eyes. “God, Wyatt, your ego never ceases to amaze me.”
Wyatt shrugs. “Just calling it like it is,” he says, taking a sip of his beer.
“Maybe Ben should settle this,” Seb suggests. “Who’s your favorite player?”
Ben shakes his head. “I don’t think I should get involved.”
“Ha!” Seb exclaims. “So, it’s not Wyatt!”
“How do you figure that?” Wyatt challenges.
“If it was you, he’d have said,” Seb explains.
I glance around the table, barely believing that we’re sitting here debating football. Just last week, Nash wouldn’t even acknowledge that Ben and I were dating, and now they’re drinking beer together.
Ben squeezes my hand, and I turn to him.
“You okay?” he whispers as Seb and Wyatt continue their banter.
“I’m more than okay,” I say, my heart full. “I don’t know how you pulled this off, but thank you.”
He smiles. “Anything for you.”
“You’re going to have to settle this, Ben,” Nash calls out. “If only to shut these two up.”
Ben makes a face at me before turning to Nash, and I laugh.
“I’m not sure I have a favorite player.”
“Ahh, cop out!” Seb shouts.
“Come on, Ben, just give us a name,” Nash presses.
“Alright, alright. Lewis Wright.”
“The quarterback?” Wyatt groans. “It’s always the quarterback.”
Ben chuckles. “He just seems like a good guy.”
“He is,” Wyatt admits. “That’s the annoying part.”
