That Hot Night

I frowned. “One bad review could be very bad for your new delivery business.”

Reese snorted a laugh and rolled her eyes. “This was a special favor. For a friend.”

I frowned. “You and Janey are friends?”

“I meant you, dummy!”

Oh. “Right. I knew that. So, what’s in the bag?” I could already smell the garlic and the barbecue sauce, both made my stomach growl in anticipation.

“So, you and Janey huh?”

“Nope,” I told her and reached for the bag again, a move she blocked me. Again.

“Really? Because she didn’t send Jackson lunch, or any of the other Hometown Heroes. What makes you so special?”

“My good looks, or haven’t you heard?”

My own best friend barked out a laugh so offensive I was tempted to check my reflection in the mirror. Almost. “Somehow, I don’t think your pretty boy features are what a woman like Janey is interested in, unless... Well, maybe so,” she agreed easily. Too easily. “Maybe I’m wrong,” she said and finally dropped the bag right in front of me.

“What’s that supposed to mean?’

Reese laughed again. “You are a little touchy today. I wonder why?”

I shrugged and opened the bag, finally. “Ribs and chicken? How did I get so lucky in the best friend department?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m a culinary genius, and you love putting my meat in your mouth.” I glared at her intentionally dirty words and pulled the container from the bag.

“You’re lucky I’m too hungry to risk you taking this back.”

“Good, I’ll settle for the story of you and Janey, Tulip’s unlikeliest couple.”

“We’re not a couple.”

“Not yet, or not ever?”

Wasn’t that the million dollar question? “I don’t know, honestly.” I gave Reese some of the details of how me and Janey came to be. “It was that damn dress. Or maybe it was Santa Fe.”

“Or maybe it was fate,” she added in a wistful voice.

“Being in love has made you a little annoying,” I told her, only half playing. I was happy to see Reese happy and in love, but I also missed her sarcasm and cynicism when it came to men and relationships.

“I know. Sometimes I catch myself being annoying and I roll my eyes at myself because, it’s wonderful and I wouldn’t change it for the world. And I now want it for you.”

“Reese, please. The woman only wants a sexual relationship with me, she’s not gonna fall in love with me.” And I wouldn’t fall in love with her, hell I wasn’t even sure I believed in love.

“Janey wants to use your body and toss you aside? I have to say, I’m both surprised and a little impressed by her.”

“Yeah, great, that’s just great” I grunted bitterly around a mouthful of Reese’s creamy Cole slaw.

It was a mistake to reveal that much emotion to Reese, and I realized it too late, when her eyes went round in shock. Genuine shock. “Holy crap, you like her!”

“I didn’t say that.”

“No, but you didn’t not say it either.” Reese leaned forward in her seat, blond hair swinging around her shoulders as she took pity on me. “Janey sent a message. Your presence is requested early Sunday morning at the firehouse. Bring your gear, she said.” Reese smirked. “She said you’d know what that meant, but now I want to know too.”

“Bye Reese,” I told her with a roll of my eyes that pulled a loud laugh from her petite frame.

“Oh no,” she said and leaned back in the chair as she crossed her legs. “I’ve got plenty of time for my bestie.”

The worst part of having a female best friend is that she never missed an opportunity to throw my words back in my face. “You’re not gonna let this go, are you?”

Reese arched a brow and shook her pretend magic eight ball, looking at the imaginary screen. “Outlook not so good. Spill.”

So, I did. I didn’t spill everything because I was a gentleman and Reese didn’t really want to hear all the details. “The sex is great, obviously, and I have no problem with a casual relationship.”

“Ew, too much information. Please.” She let out a pretend shudder that earned her a scowl. “What? Sorry but I don’t need to know all that about anyone but Jackson.”

“Remember that the next time you want to tell me how you got a bruise on your thigh.” Her cheeks reddened at the reminder and she raked both hands through her hair.

“Okay fine, noted. But seriously, do you even want anything more than sex? With Janey, or anyone else?”

I sighed, tired of hearing this question. “Why does everyone assume that I have some fear of commitment? Did it ever occur to any of you that a man doesn’t settle down until he finds the right woman?”

“And none of the women have been right?” I heard the disbelief in her words but I refused to back down.