The Right Men for the Job

“Vico,” she said, voice like warm honey, teasing him, “I appreciate your concern, as I'm sure Deacon does.” She paused. Deacon nodded. “But we haven’t finished with you yet.”

Vico’s expression broke into a relieved grin. Astrid cupped his face with her hands and kissed him. “For as long as you want to be here, I want you, both of you.”

Deacon slapped Vico’s back. “That goes for me too, buddy.”

“I have champagne…and spicy snacks…” Astrid tempted, lightening the atmosphere.

“Okay, I’ll come on the celebratory picnic under one condition.”

“What’s that?” Astrid said.

“This picnic has to last until dusk, until every one else has gone from the site and we can take full advantage of it, if you know what I mean…”

There was no doubting what he meant.

“You got it,” she replied, and then linked arms with them both and the three of them headed to the truck together.

Deacon opened the truck door and helped her in while Vico went around to the driver’s seat. “You do realise we are both madly in love with you?” he whispered, unable to help himself.

She stilled, staring at him, and then smiled. “That’s just as well,” she replied, and winked.

When he climbed in alongside her in the cab, Deacon couldn’t keep the grin off his face.