That Hot Night

I spread my arms wide and dropped my shoulders. “Seriously. No idea.”

“Okay,” she sighed and nodded. “Tell me what happened. Everything.”

She was the only person I could talk to about this but dammit, I didn’t need relationship advice. “It’s not a relationship.”

Reese snorted. “Whatever you need to tell yourself lover boy. But you’re here talking to me because something is off in your non-relationship.” Her brows lifted, skepticism written all over her face. “So?”

“Okay fine.” I told Reese about the firehouse photo shoot.

“Sounds hot. I wonder if the matchmakers got any photos.”

“The match…son of a bitch!” It all came tumbling out then, that damn kiss that had made me forget where I was and who I was. The way Janey moaned and arched into me, into my touch. The way her tongue slid against mine in an erotic dance that the old ladies had interrupted. “Eddy showed up talking about some woman she wanted me to meet.”

“And you seemed eager to meet her?”

I frowned at the question. “I told Eddy I wasn’t interested and that I didn’t need her help.” And I looked right at Janey as I spoke the words so she would know. And understand.

“I think you have your answer right there. No girl wants to hear about some super perfect model that’s perfect for the guy she’s having a relationship with…or not.”

Now that it was all laid out like that, yeah it made sense. “But I told Eddy I didn’t need her help.”

Reese’s eyes lifted towards the sky and she raised her hands. “Lord save us all from oblivious men!” I tried not to be offended even though I sent her a glare to let her know I didn’t appreciate being lumped in with all the stupid men in the world. “Okay Rafe, my beautiful best friend, I’ll level with you.”

“Please do.”

Her features softened when she looked at me and I braced myself for whatever well-meaning insult was about to come my way. “You’re a good guy, a really good guy actually, but you’re not exactly a safe bet for a girl looking to settle down.”

“Who said anything about settling down?” I pushed off the wall with a scowl and folded my arms over my chest.

“See?” She pointed the wooden spoon she used to stir one of her incredible barbecue sauces in my direction. “Look at how fast you distance yourself from any and all talk of commitment.” To prove her point, Reese stuck the spoon back in the pot and did an impression of me. “You couldn’t say louder that you’re not interested. And that’s fine.”

“Not this again. When I find a woman I can’t live without, then I’ll settle down.” Janey might or might not be that woman, she definitely intrigued me and the sex was incredible, but it was too soon. “If I’m such a bad relationship bet, why is she pissed?”

Reese shrugged and rolled her eyes playfully. “We’re complex creatures, what can I say?”

“Yeah, thanks for nothing.” Reese laughed at my tone, turning back to the stove and yet another simmering pot on yet another burner. “What smells so good?”

She laughed again. “It was only a matter of time, Rafe. That’s what I love about you.”

“My handsome face and smokin’ hot body?”

“No, dummy. Your simplicity. It’s always food or women with you, two things right up my alley.” She flashed a smile, unaware that her compliment sounded like an unintended insult.

Was I really so shallow that women and food were all I talked about? No, the answer came immediately. “You want to hear about my job?”

“Nope. But I also don’t want to hear about Ty’s job either. I love you both and the work is dangerous. And that’s scary.” Reese tilted her head and flashed that sympathetic look that women seemed to master by high school. “I didn’t mean in a bad way, you know that don’t you?”

I nodded because I knew Reese would never insult anyone on purpose. “Still, is that what she thinks too? If so then maybe she’s right to keep her distance. This thing is doomed.”

“Oh my god you are such a drama queen!” Her outburst startled me and Reese laughed. “Don’t be scared Rafe. Feelings are scary things, believe me I know, but you either have to confront them and move forward or just move forward. Alone.”

Alone. Right now, that wasn’t an option. I wanted Janey and I knew she wanted me. It was too soon to talk about commitment and forever, but it wasn’t too soon for a little romance. “Think you can whip me up one of your famous picnic baskets?”

“Absolutely. Come back in thirty minutes and it’ll be ready.”

I flashed a smile and crossed the kitchen to wrap her small frame in my arms, squeezing tight. “You’re the best. I hope you know that.”

“I hope you know if you don’t get your hands off my woman I’ll throw you under the jail.” Jackson’s voice boomed behind us and I turned with both arms still holding Reese tight.