“I’m good.” Benny paused. “So… What was your favorite match?”
Excited to talk about it, he ignored Doug’s groan and went back in time to Bear Destruction versus the Kobra Khan. An hour and one selfie later, he knew he needed to leave. It had grown late, and Benny needed to work in the morning.
“Great meeting you guys. Nice to have the faces to go with everything Maggie says about you.” He grinned at Benny.
Doug raised a brow. “What does she say, exactly?”
“You’re her best friends. And she loves you guys.”
“Well, that’s true.” Doug smiled. “We are a big deal.”
“The ego on that one.” Benny rolled his eyes.
Reggie readied to leave and said to hell with it. He didn’t want to talk to the guys at work and have them all over his ass. Talking to his family was as bad, if not worse. His father might share more tips on how to properly woo a lady. Great for an earlier generation; a bit out of touch in this decade.
But Benny and Doug had a warmth and shared affection Reggie wanted. “Can I ask you guys something?”
“Sure.” Benny nodded.
“How do you know?”
“Know?” Doug asked.
Benny understood. “He means if you’re in love. How do you know?”
“And don’t read anything into that,” Reggie said. “I just met Maggie not too long ago. We’re friends. I was just curious, because you guys are married. Most of my friends have girlfriends, though two are nearly engaged. You went all the way. How did you know you picked the right guy?”
Benny nodded at Doug. “He’s good with words. I’ll let him tell you. Me? I saw a fuckin’ hot guy who made my heart race. I thought about him day and night and still do. That’s how I knew.”
Doug gave Benny such a loving look that Reggie felt oddly out of place. And then he found himself thinking of Maggie in those exact same terms and felt a light sweat break out. His feelings for her didn’t make a lick of sense, considering he didn’t really know her.
“I would add to that eloquent statement that love isn’t logical,” Doug said. “Sometimes what makes sense to others doesn’t make sense to us. No one can tell you how to feel, Reggie. And no one can tell you you’re wrong for feeling what you do.”
“Yeah?” He brushed a hand over his head, nervous and not sure why. “Because I got burned by an ex who has a kid, and my friends keep telling me I’m repeating a pattern with Maggie. But she’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. And she’s hot as fuck.” He blinked, not sure why he’d confessedthatto her friends.
Doug’s smile made his face light up. “I have no idea what your past was like, but Maggie is unlike anyone I know. She’s sweet, genuine, and loyal. And she doesn’t play games. If that’s someone you want in your life, you’ve picked the right woman.”
“See? He’s got all the words.” Benny smiled at Doug.
“Yeah, he is pretty good at that. Well, I need to go.” Reggie opened the door. “Thanks, guys.”
“Anytime, Reggie.” Benny stood. “And don’t be afraid to use my number. Doug and I are always down for beer and sexy firemen.”
Doug covered his eyes. “I can’t take him anywhere.”
Benny frowned. “I’m at home.”
Reggie laughed and left, comforted and not sure why.
***
Friday morning, Maggie felt sad. Then exhilarated. Then guilty for feeling exhilarated.
Two whole weeks to herself. She had no idea what she’d do with all that time.
Stephen had returned early from a conference and wanted Emily to stay with him for two weeks. While she loved her daughter dearly and would miss her, Maggie couldn’t deny she could use some downtime. Not worrying about what to make for dinner or how to occupy her little girl all day. Constantly inspecting clean teeth, a clean face, and picked-up toys could be wearing.
“Are you sure?” she asked him on the phone. She pulled it back to stare at it. Yep. Stephen Swanson’s contact name and number looked back at her. She put the phone to her ear again.
