Worth the Chase

Another round of banging, followed by the sound of Ben’s voice. “You gotta be kidding me.”

“What? Who is that?”

My soon to be ex-friend. Why the hell is he here right now? Doesn’t he have lives to save or some shit? I check the clock, forgetting I’m normally at work at this time and Ben comes over to crash during his long shifts, since my place is closer to the firehouse. Remind me to revoke that offer.

More knocking.

Not tonight, pal. Maybe if we stay quiet, he’ll think I’m not home and leave.

Another round. “Dude, I saw your truck outside. I’d let myself in but don’t want to catch you spankin’ it.”

Oh, come on!

“Sorry, let me get rid of him.” I hop off the couch and head toward the door, opening it a crack. “S’up, dude. What do you want?”

“For you to hold me after a long day. What do you think? Open up. Got any beers?”

I jam my foot against the doorframe so he can’t nudge it open farther. “No beers. I’ll see you later, though.”

“Dude, what’s your problem? Let me in.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Dude, open up! I’ve had a shit day.” He pushes against the door, and I stumble back, allowing him entry. Dammit! How he’s stronger than me, I have no idea. “Dude, are you seriously watching Twilight again? Oh…there’s a chick on your couch.”

“Yeah, asshole. Maybe it’s time you leave.” He ignores me and walks closer to the couch. There’s no way he’s leaving quietly. Then it hits me. If Ben recognizes her, I’m dead. “Dude, for real, you’ve got to—”

“No shit…” He walks around the couch. “I know you.”

This is bad. Really bad.

Bridget reaches her hand out to him. “Hi. Bridget. We met at my cousin’s engagement party.”

Recognition sets in, and Ben’s eyes light up like the Fourth of fucking July. He steals a peek at me, his smug smile telling me all I need to know. I’m busted.

“That’s right. You’re Kip’s cousin.” He takes another glance at me before giving her his full attention. “Fancy meeting you here.” He smiles wildly. Instead of getting the hint and leaving, he takes a seat next to her. “What are we watching? Oh, I see, Chase’s favorite. Is this the first round or second? Our boy here can’t get enough of his vampire romances.”

“Fuck off, dude. Time to go.”

“Not a chance. I see you already have a beer waiting for me.” He snags one of the untouched beers and turns to Bridget. “You don’t mind if I stick around and watch with ya, do you?”

Say yes.

Say yes.

“Not at all. We can experience it together. I haven’t seen it, but I know Chase loves it. Especially the sparkly part.”

What the hell?

Ben bursts out laughing. I scowl at them both. “Oh, I like you.” He falls back against the couch, throwing his arm over the back.

His comment pisses me off. He just smiles wider. Bridget, the traitor, seems to find this funny as well. They also know nothing. The glitter scene happens to be one of the best parts of the movie.

“Well, Edward Cullen waits for no one. Shall we get comfy and watch some soft-core vampire porn?”

I’m going to murder him.

Bridget giggles, and I hate that he gets that sweet little sound from her. Those musical giggles belong to me.

“Why the frown, Steinberg? Don’t like sharing? Bridget and I can play cards or something while you watch your flick. I know you normally like to be alone when you—”

“Just start the fucking movie.” For someone who saves lives for a living, he should see the danger in my glare and shut the hell up before I put an end to his.

Bridget covers her mouth, concealing a snicker, and starts the movie. Ben looks at ease, sipping on my beer, next to my girl, as the beginning credits play.

They ruin the first movie with all their lame ass jokes.

By the second, they quiet down, and I’m semi able to enjoy it because they become invested. It’s hard not to be.

When the third one ends, I steal a glance over to see Bridget has fallen asleep.

Ben stretches out his arms. “Man, great movie.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” I roll my eyes.

He looks over at Bridget, then tilts his head and makes stern eye contact with me. “Gotta ask, what are you doing, man?”

“Nothing.”

“It doesn’t look like nothing. It looks like you have Kip’s little cousin at your place. And I’ve never known you to be a gentleman, so I’m gonna ask again, what are you doing?”

“I don’t know,” I hiss under my breath. “It’s complicated.”

“As complicated as Levi and Hannah? Because this sure looks like the same thing, and if I’m not mistaken, you’re the one who had the biggest problem with it—”

“My problem had nothing to do with them. It had to do with you all ditching our guys’ nights for chicks. Selling out to hang out with girls instead of manning up and doing the right thing.”