Law #3: Don't Fall for the Athlete: Sweet Second Chance Romance (Laws of Love) by Agnes Canestri (ebook and pdf reader .txt) 📕

makes me remember how, when we were secretly dating, Wyatt and I used to orchestrate plausible excuses in perfect synchrony to deaden any suspicion.

Strangely, this memory doesn’t awaken any bitter feelings. Instead, I recall our white lies with a particular fondness.

“They went back to their hotel already, “Laia replies. “Eva didn’t feel good, so we cut the meal short.”

“What’s the matter with her?” I arch my brows. It’s hard to imagine Laia’s feisty cousin being anything but healthy and full of life.

Instead of a worried grimace, sheer joy spreads on Laia’s face. “She’s pregnant. I’m going to be an auntie!”

“That’s wonderful!” I clap my hands. Eva has become a friend to me this past year, and I’m thrilled for her happiness.

“Congratulations to her. And to her husband,” Wyatt says. “Starting a family is a big and extraordinary step.”

Laia lifts a brow. “One you might consider in the future?”

Wyatt clears his throat. “One that every man should experience someday.”

“With the right woman,” Laia interjects with a grin.

My cheeks heat.

What is Laia trying to do? Doesn’t she remember that I have no interest in knowing what Wyatt’s future intentions are?

“Yes, indeed.” Wyatt’s baritone turns smooth and husky, just like when he asked me if I wanted him to stop only a moment ago.

The small hairs on the back of my neck lift. I wish it were illegal for men to speak in such a seductive drawl.

“Look, there’s Dev!” I’m glad when my brother offers the opportunity to direct my attention away from the mushy swishing in my ribcage.

Devon comes over to us. “So you were right, my love.” He smiles at Laia then shakes his head. “Katja’s obsession with scheduling me for a physical is too much, perhaps, but I should probably think about that eye exam she’s been chewing my ears about.”

Katja is my brother’s secretary and self-designated health coach. She considers it her responsibility to revolutionize Devon’s coffee drinking habits and motivate him to attend all possible preventive medical appointments.

Wyatt grins. “You’d look cute as a bug in a pair of glasses.”

My brother rolls his eyes. “Time catches up with all of us, my friend. Even warriors like you.”

I expect Wyatt’s smile to tighten. He told me how worried he was about his age and the influence it will have on his career. But he laughs at my brother. “Yeah, we don’t get younger, but perhaps it ain’t that bad. With age comes much-needed wisdom.”

Devon chuckles. “Yep.” He throws his arm around Laia’s waist and squeezes her. “I’m sure glad I grew more mature. I used to be a dope before—”

“—before you discovered what’s truly good for you…” Laia raises herself to her tiptoe and plants a soft kiss on his neck.

My brother beams at her. “I did.” Then he turns to Wyatt and me. “So, what are you doing here?”

Although he doesn’t add, “I didn’t expect to see you two together,” his puzzled glint conveys this omitted part perfectly.

Wyatt and I exchange a glance, and with a small wiggle of my brow, I let him know I’ll take the lead. It’s better not to jump into each other’s sentences like we did with Laia.

“I went to Daisy’s Creamery,” I say, pointing toward the road that leads back to the park. “I guess I wasn’t alone in my wish to get good ice cream, because as I entered, Wyatt was there, too.”

“How do you even know that ice cream parlor?” Devon asks. “I never took you there, did I?”

Wyatt shrugs. “I didn’t know it. I stumbled upon it.”

“A coincidence,” Laia says, giving me a glance that suggests she would’ve loved to say “serendipity” but restrained herself for my sake.

While Laia speaks, I catch Devon tilt his head toward me and mouth a silent “Truce for good?” at Wyatt.

When my brother realizes I’m watching him, he adds in a jovial tone, “So, what flavors did you pick, mate? I love their cream and cognac.”

“Sweet avocado cayenne,” Wyatt answers.

My brother’s eyes flick to me. “Your favorite, huh? You convinced someone else to try that weird flavor that looks like whipped lettuce.”

“Hilarious,” I answer. “It’s their best creation. Period. And it’s not just me who thinks so. Monica only had one portion left tonight—which just proves my point.”

Devon grabs at his chest and his forehead drifts into theatrical bewilderment. “And is the parlor still intact, or did the windows crack from you two bickering over who would get that last delightful scoop?”

Laia taps his shoulder. “Dev, cut it out. They obviously shared it. Didn’t you?”

My neck prickles as I hum a soft, “Yeah, we did.” I don’t know why I feel so abashed about confessing this. It’s not like dividing a ladleful of ice cream is an intimate act.

Laia smiles at me warmly, then her eyes move to Wyatt. “Since you’re here, would you like to join us for a walk in Encanto? It’s so nice around the lagoon at night.”

And romantic. 

Which is probably why Laia suggested it to us. I know exactly what my dreamy future-sister-in-law is doing, and I disapprove.

Wyatt rubs his neck. “I should head home. I have an early appointment tomorrow. Joe, my teammate and friend, is in Phoenix for this weekend. He wants me to show him a nice spot for a run, so we scheduled an early jog over at South Mountain Park.”

Devon’s face illuminates. “What time are you meeting?”

“Joe proposed sunrise because of the heat, but I convinced him that 6:30 am would still be fine.”

My brother, a passionate jogger who knows all the trails in and around Phoenix, nods. “Should be okay, especially if you turn around at Fat Man’s Pass and detour back through Hidden Valley instead of doing the total distance. I might even join you.” He blinks at Laia. “Would you mind?”

Laia smiles. “Not unless you want me to come too. I’m still sore from today’s yoga.”

Wyatt pumps his fist in the air. “Great. Joe and I…”

While Wyatt and Devon discuss the details, I use the occasion to talk some sense into Laia.