Page 68 of Game Misconduct

He chuckled. “That’s progress.”

“How about we say we’re dating, even though technically we haven’t been on an official date.”

“I brought you lunch,” he pointed out.

“That’s true, and we can count the double date with Kerry,” I added. “Oh, and the night I ordered from the deli.”

“Hey! There’s three. That’s definitely dating.” There was a sparkle in his eye, and I decided it was my new goal to see that a whole lot more often.

“So, we’re clear? We’re dating? Things are new?”

He eyes lit. “Yes.”

“That was the weirdest conversation I’ve ever heard. I can’t believe my son had to witness that.” Reese appeared out of nowhere and reached for Callen. I handed him over too stunned to speak.

“Can you keep what you heard to yourself?” Parker asked.

Reese eyed him. “Why should I?”

“Because I’m new to the team and don’t want a nickname or reputation to come from this. Also, it’s not just about me. I don’t want Vivi dragged into whatever twisted joke the team comes up with.”

Reese looked to his son, then back to Parker. “You’re lucky he’s here. I’ll let this one go, but only because Callen is here to witness. I don’t want him thinking his dad is anything but kind and merciful.”

“Of course. I will let him know as soon as he understands those words.” Parker stepped to the side so Reese and his son could pass.

Once we were alone again, Parker lowered his head to place a quick kiss on my lips. I didn’t even get to savor the sensation before he pulled back and took my hand in his. “Let’s do this.”

We went back down the hall to where the group had dispersed into the living room, kitchen, and dining room. The majority of the main floor was open, so as soon as one person spotted us, it felt like everyone turned to see.

“Oh, there they are!” Emma said in a singsong voice. “The newest Fury couple!”

A few people cheered, and I had to force myself not to run or at least cover my face.

Parker waved his free hand like he was greeting fans. “Thank you. Thank you. We’re glad to be here.”

“You two are the cutest,” Dani squealed. “I saw this coming. Didn’t I, babe?” She turned to Jake, who nodded.

“Hey! I called it too!” Mikey shouted from across the room. “The night we set up the event, they both asked me about each other, and I said it was only a matter of time.”

Lance stood. “I can confirm.”

I turned my head into Parker’s shoulder. This was too much attention for me. I didn’t know how he was standing it.

“You all might have seen it coming, but I was the one that made it happen,” Mitch boasted.

“Yeah right, Dory,” Schultz challenged.

“I pushed them together. They each told me they had feelings for the other, and I may or may not have sabotaged one of Vivi’s dates to make sure they realized they needed to stop admitting how they felt to other people and talk to one another.”

My jaw dropped. “Wait, what do you mean you sabotaged my date?”

His face turned pink as he laughed. “You don’t think my friends are really that bad, do you?”

I almost shivered at the thought of Ezra. He was gross and rude. A bit too gross and too rude.

“Oh my gosh. That was an act.” How did I not see this sooner? I had no reason to think Mitch would trick me. I simply trusted him.

“Of course, it was. It took some conniving. Ezra is usually a much more put-together man, but he eventually got into the role.”