Page 138 of Game Plan

“I thought you girls said we were having a double date or something,” Rutherford asked, dropping his bag at his feet and removing his jacket, his attention drifting to the living room where we had set up some snacks and a selection of board games.

“We thought it would be fun to have a night in.” Amber poured wine into glasses and offered me one as the guys went to grab cans of beer from the fridge.

Mason kicked his shoes off, removed his jacket, and closed in on me, kissing my lips. “I like the idea. I’m exhausted after our training session. We went all in, and my body is sore everywhere. I’ll need a very thorough massage later tonight.” He winked, and I was sure I blushed fire-engine red. “Did Jules and Shawn cancel?”

Mason was about to meet my friend and her boyfriend for the first time tonight. We had decided, on our way back from Elk River, it would be fun for the six of us to hang out together since we were all coupled up.

“Nah. They’re just running late. Amber and I prepped some appetizers in the meantime, but Shawn and Jules are taking care of the Chinese food. Shawn used to work at Wok ‘N’ Egg Roll as a delivery driver last year and says he has access to special deals and can get us secret items that are not on the menu.”

Rutherford rubbed his hands together. “Sweet, I love the sound of that. I’m a sucker for Chinese food. Where are the guys?”

“Library. Bailey has a test on Wednesday, and Craig promised he would help him study. He has a presentation to prep for too, so they left about forty-five minutes ago. They should be back around ten.”

“These two. They’re like a couple,” Rutherford said.

Mason exhaled. “I’m just happy my brother has a friend. The last few months have been tough enough on him. I don’t want him locking himself in his room all the time, brooding. He needs to start living again outside of the team.”

Rutherford nodded and added nothing. I had no clue what he knew about Craig’s situation, so I remained silent.

“C’mon, guys. What do you fancy tonight?” Amber asked, changing the subject. I thanked her with a quick gaze in her direction, and she winked. “We have Monopoly, Scrabble, Snakes and Ladders⁠—”

“Snakes and Ladders? What are we, kindergartners?” her boyfriend asked, with an amused expression.

“We were thinking of playing the eighteen-plus version. Each snake comes with a shot glass. I know we all have class early tomorrow morning, and you guys don’t usually drink during the season, but it still could be fun—for a night. Anyway, we can also play charades or Draw It, Guess It. We’ve already got a bowl full of words and expressions we can use for either game.”

I looked between our boyfriends. “We could team up as couples. Or boys against girls.”

“Let’s do couples,” Mason said. “I wanna see how well Mel and I can communicate without words.”

“Fine by me,” Rutherford said. “Amber and I are great at this.”

Mason beamed. “Man, you’ve never played against us. Mel and I, we’re the real deal.”

“If you play like you do on the field, maybe we’re in trouble, then.” Rutherford lifted a giggling Amber up and lowered her onto the kitchen counter, kissing her and murmuring sweet nothings into her ear.

“Wanna go upstairs while we—” The doorbell rang, cutting Mason off mid-sentence.

“Jules and Shawn.” I clasped my hands together. “I’ll get the door.” The scent of Chinese food filled the entryway as soon as I let them in.

Mason neared us, shook their hands after I made the introductions, and took the paper bag from Shawn.

Amber jumped down from the counter when we all walked into the kitchen, her cheeks bright pink and her eyes full of mischief.

“Amber, Devin, these are my friends Jules and Shawn. Jules, Shawn, this is Devin Rutherford, one of Mase’s teammates and roommates, and Amber, his girlfriend.”

“Wine?” Amber asked Jules.

She exchanged a glance with Shawn. “It’s okay, Ju, I’ll drive.”

The reality of the situation seemed to have dawned on Amber because she looked at Jules with a guilty expression. “I’m sorry, I forgot about the whole driving under the influence thing. For what it’s worth, I think your DUI designated driver service is a great idea. I can’t wait to try it.”

Jules took her hand in hers. “It’s fine. No need to be sorry. It’s all good. Shawn and I just never drink at the same time. It’s one of our rules.”

“It’s one of ours too,” Amber said. “Anyway, we have soda and juice if you prefer. Since Mel and I are spending the night here, I didn’t think it through when I offered you booze.”

“Amber, I would love a glass of wine.” Jules smiled, and the tension in Amber’s back vanished.

“Awesome. Let me pour you some.”