Page 39 of The Overtime Persuasive

Apparently, jealousy has stripped away a few million years of evolution, because some primitive part of me is now a territorial tomcat, searching for a corner of Eva’s life to mark before Tripp turns around and comes back first.

Which is all so completely ridiculous. Eva isn’t anyone’s anything for the taking. She’s Eva. My sister’s best friend. Someone who will always be around me and my universe because of our logistics and who we know.

Again, see definition for “sister’s best friend.”

That doesn’t stop me from peeling another label from the sheet and asking, “What are you doing Friday night?”

Eva doesn’t look my way, but continues packing a box. “Working.”

“After work.” I keep my voice nonchalant. “Like, when you close the store.”

“These days? Usually more work.”

I glance at the stacks surrounding us. Right.

“Our coach is having everyone over before the opening game next week. Nothing official. Dinner. For only the team and their people.”

Eva narrows her eyes. “Their people?”

“Wives. Husbands. Girlfriends. Boyfriends.” I shrug. “Whoever they want there.”

Eva tilts her head. “And which one of those am I?”

“A person I want there.” The answer falls out of my mouth so easily, and without any hesitation. It surprises both of us.

I see the start of a smile on the corner of her lips as her hands still over the packing slips. “Are you asking me to go with you?”

I swallow a huge lump in my throat. “Yes.”

“You’re asking me to go with you to this intimate dinner with your team.” The grin taking over Eva’s lips twists wickedly. “And I’m going as your date?”

I swallow again, and this time fight the urge to choke. “That’s generally what going with me would make you.”

“No, it isn’t.” She wags a finger my way as she reaches for tissue paper. “I go places with Lucy all the time, and she’s never tried to date me.”

“My sister has more self-control than I do.”

I really don’t know where the words are coming from, but I can’t stop them now. Eva blinks, and I briefly consider putting one of her labels over my mouth.

Then she grins. “Apparently.”

Did I plan to ask her to come with me to this dinner? No. I only found out about it an hour before I walked through her door, and planned on going alone. Never even had it on my radar to take someone, but here we are.

Now that I’ve asked, and said the words out loud, I can’t see anyone else on my arm but her.

“So, come with me.”

“I can’t lose an entire night this week, Liam.” She groans, gesturing at the boxes. “I know it’s only Tuesday, but I still have all of these to finish, and waiting for me after this project is done is a to-do list a mile long.”

“Favor for a favor.” I have officially reached the bargaining stage, folks. You see, in my mind, leaving her alone now means Tripp gets access. I will have none of that, thank you. Not until I get to shoot my shot. “You give me Friday night, and I’ll give you two extra evenings here each week.”

Her mouth falls open. “You’re bartering manual labor for a date?”

“I’m offering a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“You’re bribing me.”

“Is it working?”