“She’s at her dad’s for two weeks. Freedom,” Maggie said with a sigh. “I miss her, but it’s nice to be Maggie Swanson for a while. Not just Emily’s mom.”
“Must be tough.”
“It’s not, really. Uncle Doug and Uncle Benny help me out a lot. And her dad lives in the city.” She smiled. “So what’s it like working with Reggie?”
He turned to see the guy staring a hole through his head. “It’s all good unless he thinks I’m messing with you. Then he’ll kill me.”
She laughed, genuinely amused. Again, different from Amy. Her amusement wasn’t calculated, not an act to draw notice. She seemed pretty self-contained, not needing Reggie to be with her every second. Mack liked that Maggie didn’t seem fake.
“What’s it like dating Reggie?” he asked, sincerely curious.
“It’s scary and wonderful at the same time. He’s a special guy, and I don’t want to screw it up.” She laughed at herself. “Plus, he’s intimidated by my muscles. So I have to be extra gentle so I don’t scare him.”
Mack laughed. “Is that right?” He smirked at Reggie. “Did he mention I beat all of them in a pull-up contest recently?” He flexed, knowing he was a lot less impressive than Reggie but still a powerhouse all on his own. Mack reveled in the nasty look his friend shot him. “Yeah, all this prime firefighter strength wrapped up in an attractive package. I rule our little team.”
The guys overheard him, as he’d meant them to, and suddenly surrounded him and Maggie.
She was laughing and trying not to bobble her drink. Reggie saw her, and while everyone was looking at Mack, Mack was looking at him.
The lovesick look on his face told Mack to beware. Maggie Swanson was no passing fancy for his friend. She was the real deal. Mack just hoped she proved to be up to handling Reggie’s neurotic ways. Because the big lug looked like a tough guy who could crush you without a care, but he had a marshmallow of a heart. And it would take a strong partner to help protect Reggie from himself.
Mack shared a glance with Brad and raised a brow at Maggie.
Brad smiled. Tex nodded.
So she was cool. Accepted. In a way Amy hadn’t been.
Reggie saw them grinning at her and relaxed, covering up his dopey feelings with a grin.
Yeah, Maggie seemed lovely. But would she be there for Reggie when he did something stupid and started to ruin a good thing? The king of overcompensation had issues.
I sure the hell hope she sticks with you, buddy. You deserve to be happy.
And I deservenotto sit by your moping side at work for months on end.
***
Maggie laughed on the way back to Reggie’s house. “I had so much fun. Thanks for inviting me, Reggie. Or should I call you ‘slugger’? Holy crap, you’re good at hitting.”
He smiled with pleasure.
“Go ahead. Brag. You deserve to.”
“Well, since you mention it… I’m the team hitter. I rarely get less than a double.” He flexed. “It’s all about the arms.”
She sighed, overdoing it all on purpose. “My hero.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “I was impressed. Doug and Benny were too.”
“Yeah? Good.” He sounded pleased and casually said, “I think the guys liked you.”
“Well, I liked them. Let’s see. Brad is Mr. Responsible Team Leader. A lot like you. Tex is the lanky, tall drink of water the ladies love. Sorry, but that accent is just sexy.”
He frowned. “Go on.”
“Mack is the real lady-killer. Laid-back, a comedian. But he’s got hidden depths, I could tell.”
He blinked. “Ah, right on. And me?”
“You? Why, you’re the guy everyone trusts to save the day. Big, strong, and sexier than all of them put together.”
