Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 4) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith

Do it. Do him, for Pete's sake."
    I laugh. "I don't know about all that."
    "Well, I know you've not been laid in at least three years."
    "Stop it. Sadie might hear you."
    "No, she won't. So, when is the date?"
    I shake my head. "I don't know."
    "Just remember: go crazy."

Chapter Eight
    Ashton
     
    “Your son is in the other room, sick as a dog, and you’re grinning like a fool.” Brooke is wearing a small smile herself. “Why is that, Ash?”
    “She said yes,” I say simply with a shrug of my shoulders. “And hey, he’s got a stomach bug, so don’t try and pin this on me. I haven’t fed him fast food. He probably caught it at school.”
    “Don’t try and change the subject. Where are you going to take her?”
    “I’m not sure yet. I honestly thought I would be sending her flowers and gifts for the rest of my life. She didn’t seem like she would ever change her mind.” I smile sweetly at her and add, “If she needs someone, are you up for babysitting Sadie?”
    “Sure. Go ahead and tell her that I will, actually. They can hang out and I can gauge how it went by how she is when she comes to pick Sadie up.”
    “You’re the best, Brooke.”
    She smiles as Reed calls out for her. She goes to him as the victory pulses through me. Now I need to make sure this date is perfect, so she’ll give me a second one.
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    Lexie agreed to let Brooke keep Sadie for our date tonight. I haven’t been this nervous since I found out Brooke was pregnant. What makes it even more nerve-racking is that because it’s been a long couple of days, I offered to just have a relaxing dinner at my place. She seemed skeptical and weary when I told her, but she didn’t cancel. My phone on the counter starts buzzing with incoming texts.
     
    Brooke: Remember to be a gentleman
    Brooke: Don’t do anything to freak her out
    Brooke: Have fun, don’t make too many forward comments
     
    I laugh. Fortunately, I’m unable to reply before there’s a knock on my door. Standing on the other side is a beautiful Lexie in dark jeans and a modest blue blouse. My gaze travels over her twice before words leave my mouth.
    “You’re beautiful, Lexie.” I smile, stepping forward to kiss her cheek. “C’mon in.”
    There’s a small blush on her face, and she seems a bit surprised. “A date usually implies going out,” she says.
    “Yes, well, I thought a nice easygoing dinner here sounded better. Don’t worry, I’m not going to seduce you.”
    Lexie rolls her eyes as I grin on our way to the dining room. I had just finished setting the table before she arrived. The lights are dimmed as four candles burn brightly to give us more light. I help her out of her jacket, hang it on the back of her chair, and then pull it out so she can sit down. Before I do the same, I pour us each a glass of wine. Our plates are already filled with food, and I clear my throat as we begin to eat.
    “I feel like I should apologize for us not telling you that I was Reed’s father. Brooke didn’t know about me trying to ask you out until that playdate either.”
    “It’s okay. I understand.” She takes a bite. “This is really good,” she says. “Did you cook this?”
    When I nod, I can see the tiniest expression of her being impressed over my pork chops and homemade mashed potatoes. “This is Reed’s second favorite meal, so I figured I couldn’t go wrong with it.”
    "I'm betting chicken nuggets is his favorite. Sadie is the same way."
    I chuckle. “Yep. I’m ready for the pizza phase. There’s only so many chicken nuggets I can eat.”
    "I know what you mean. So, how's practice? I see Jax is still beating you in points." A small smile appears.
    “Practice is good. Jax won’t be able to hold it, though. He’s a good guy, but he’ll fall behind about halfway through the season like he did last year. How did that become your favorite team anyway?”
    Lexie hesitates. "Sadie's father was a huge Gamblers fan. He was stationed near Vegas, and