Page 18 of The Cheerleader is Off Limits

“And leave the kids orphans when you go to jail for murder? You wouldn’t,” I joke.

“You’re being fucking annoying. Get to the story.” He nods at me. “And by the way, I could not care less about the ages of the women you date. The problem is always their maturity level. If they had half the sense that Elianna has, it wouldn’t be a problem. Also, for the record, I was actively tryingnotto be attracted to my children’s nanny.”

I shoot him a look that I hope lets him know that I’m not buying whatever he’s selling. “Were you? I don’t remember it going down like that at all.” I put my hands up to prevent us from going even more off topic with this trip down memory lane. “But back to Sloane. She’s moving here to start college at Towson. Her parents are wildlife research scientists, and she’s been traveling around with them for most of her life until now.”

“Wow. Sounds like she’s lived a pretty cool life. So what happened?”

“Nothing. We talked a bit at the airport bar and at the terminal, then I accidentally got high and fell asleep on the plane. Truly, dude, I have no idea what was in those gummies because they hit mehard.The last thing I remember really is telling her that she’s just too young for me.”

“Did you get her number?”

“Nope.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound like you.”

“I did get her last name, so I suppose I could have Margot find her for me,” I joke, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my students, it's that high school girls know how to find anyone on social media. I lean forward on my elbows and move my empty plate to the side. “I liked her. But I think I’m finally ready for more, and what’s the likelihood that a twenty-one-year-old is too?”

“This is good. This is growth. I am proud of you.” He smiles, and I can see it all over his face that he means it.

“Oh, fuck off. I swear this shit’s your fault.”

He furrows his brow. “What exactly did I do?”

“You had to go falling in love. I was immune to all this bullshit until I saw you and Ellie.”

“I’ve been married before. You didn’t have these thoughts about settling down before?”

“No, Bianca lowkey sucked,” I pause and dart my eyes upward, “may she rest in peace,” I say putting my hands together as if I’m praying. “Let me rephrase, she sucked foryou.You sucked for each other? I don’t know. You just seem so much happier with Ellie and I want that.”

He sighs. “Well, I agree it’s less likely that she’s ready for that at her age, but it’s not impossible. Or maybe you could do this thing called dating for a few years, and then, perhaps, whenshe’s twenty-five, she’ll be ready. If you two are compatible.” My thoughts drift back to those stunning blue eyes and her smile and her curves and those golden waves that fell all around her tanned skin. She was gorgeous as hell, and I know I didn’t imagine a spark. A year ago, I would have already slept with her by now if her signals were any indication. “You look exhausted. You want me to give you a lift home? Or are you staying?” he asks, and while the urge is strong to pass out in the nearest bed possible, which would be in my brother’s guest room, I was ready to be home after a week away.

I yawn and get up to rinse my dishes and put them in the dishwasher. “I can get an Uber.”

“Stop it, you live fifteen minutes away. Let me just tell Ellie.”

“Tell Ellie what?” My soon-to-be sister-in-law enters the room wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants because, even during early August in Maryland, when the low temperature is eighty degrees, she’s somehow always cold.

“I’m going to take River home. Can you wrangle SJ off his game at eleven?” he asks as he pulls her into his arms and presses a kiss to her nose. “Don’t fall asleep either while I’m gone,” he murmurs against her cheek before pressing a trail of kisses down her face. I never would have thought my brother would be into public displays of affection, but he is always touching Ellie in some way. Almost unashamedly so. For someone who’s had a cooler and more stoic personality for most of his life, it’s amazing to see how warm Ellie has made him.

She giggles before turning her gaze to me. “How was North Carolina?”

“Good, the team is looking great. I think we have a great season ahead.” I make my way toward them and pull her in for a hug. “I told Isles I’d come over tomorrow and you can tell me all about the girl you want to set me up with.” Even as I say this,Sloane’s face flashes through my mind, and again, I think about tracking her down on social media.

Ellie taps her fingertips together conspiratorially and gives me a cheeky grin. “Perfect. I think you’ll really like this one.”

“You’ve said this before,” I tell her as I grab my backpack from where I dropped it.

“You slept with one of them!” she counters.

“Two, actually. But,Elianna,” I say with an emphasis on her name, because I know she hates it, “we’ve been through this. One does not always have anything to do with the other.” Ellie lets out a dramatic sigh and narrows her eyes.

“Besides, he may not be interested. He likes someone.” My brother interjects.

“What?!” She looks up at Rowan and then at me. “What!” I can see the excitement in her eyes, and when the time comes, I know Ellie will be the happiest for me that I found someone.

I groan. “Do you have to tell her everything?”

“Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to. You’re lucky I didn’t text her in real time as you were telling me.” He scoffs before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll be right back.”