“Yeah, I know. Let’s go.”
Pulling the pair apart they walked them outside. Separately. Talk about behaving like children. Those two just couldn’t seem to help themselves.
But Zach wasn’t going to let their friends ruin his and Libby’s night. After he dropped Cat back at the house, he’d finally have her all to himself, at his place. And they could be as loud as they liked.
He was one lucky man.
***
Three months later
If someone had told Libby this is what her life would look like six months after moving to Woodvalley, she would have laughed in their faces. But here she was. Loving every minute.
Happily sat between her two best friends, she watched her fine ass boyfriend run around in his shorts. They were at the annual police versus firefighters baseball game. She didn’t have a clue who was winning. She was simply enjoying the view. And it was glorious. Life was good, and it wasn’t just because she was still sickeningly in love.
Two weeks ago, Cat had made the move back to the States. And after much nagging, Libby had convinced her to stay in Woodvalley for a while, to try it out and see how it fit. She was cautiously optimistic that with her help, Cat would fall in love with Woodvalley just like she had.
“So, guys, I have some news,” Libby announced.
“Oh my God, you’re pregnant, aren’t you?” Cat chimed, a look of doom on her face.
Libby flashed her friend a dirty look, while Rachel guffawed next to her.
“Anyway ... as I was saying, since we already spend every night together anyway, Zach and I decided that it would be a good idea to just bite the bullet and officially move in together.”
Rachel squealed in excitement. “Oh, sugar, that’s amazing news. Congratulations! Are you moving in with him, or is he gonna move into the house?”
“Yeah, honey, that’s great news. And you’re definitely not pregnant?” Cat added.
Libby simply laughed. “No, I’m not pregnant. It’s way too early to even start thinking about that. But I’m actually really excited about moving in together. You guys both know what a huge step that is for me and for once, I’m not scared shitless. I can’t wait. Zach will be moving into the house since I own, and he rents. Actually, Cat,” she turned until she was looking at her friend, “Zach wanted to know if you wanted to take over his lease. There’s still a couple of months left on it, so you could move in and then decide later if you want to stay?”
This was definitely part of Operation: Get Cat to Stay Here, and her best friend knew it.
“Uh-huh. I’ll think about it, honey.” She gave Libby that “I know what you’re doing” look. Libby simply beamed as they all went back to enjoying the game.
Twenty minutes later, the Woodvalley Police Department were celebrating their victory while Zach, Hunter, Benny and Luke were all sulking. Luckily, Rachel was on hand to give out cupcakes to turn those frowns upside down. And if that failed, Libby had brought beer.
She began by offering Zach some cake. “Sugar will make you feel better, baby.”
A devilish glint lit up his face. “You’re right, princess, sugar it is.” He agreed before launching at her. Next thing she knew, she was being smothered in kisses. On her cheeks, her mouth, her nose and into the crook of her neck.
“Stop!” She giggled. “That tickles!”
“Jesus Christ you two, get a room will you?” Cat mocked as Zach continued his onslaught.
Once Libby had finally wiggled free of his clutches, she was ready for a beer. But as she passed bottles around the group something caught her eye, something she’d never noticed before. There was a weird exchange happening between Hunter and Rachel. He would look at Rachel and look away, then Rachel would look at Hunter and look away.
What the hell is going on?
“Looking good, kitten,” Cody called out as he swaggered over to the benches. Oh dear. Here we go. Often, like now, it was hard to tell if Cody was a brave man, or a really stupid one. “Fancy practising first base with me, or shall we skip it and go straight for a homerun?”
Stupid. Definitely stupid.
“I wouldn’t think you’d be so eager to strike out again?” Cat sassily replied. A round of ‘ooh and ahhs’ erupting from the group.
Cody threw his head back and laughed. He was enjoying fighting with her best friend way too much. Cat didn’t exactly give off the impression she was hating it, either. It was so odd. She’d never seen this side of her friend before. She normally got on with everyone.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about my balls, darlin’. If you want ... I’m more than happy to show you just how well they’re doing.” He winked.
All three women rolled their eyes while the men stifled their sniggers.
Seriously, how old are they?
“Annddd ... I’m out.” Cat threw up her hands in defeat. “Later, Libby. Have fun playing with your balls, Cody.”
Cat was up and off moments later. Swaying her hips all the way over to the exit. Damnit.
