“Hey, don’t sound so judgy. The henna face tattoo was cool. It was a look.”
A bad one. Fortunately, those face tattoos weren’t permanent. “And second, who gives a crap what anyone thinks? You are the mighty Bear Destruction, and everyone else can go screw off. You’re also able to walk without a limp or spinal injury because you quit when you did.”
“Yeah, I know.” He sighed. “I needed to hear it, I guess. I can only bitch about my problems that aren’t problems to Doug so much. He gets tired of my complaining.”
She leaned forward to kiss Benny on the cheek. “You can complain to me anytime. I love you.”
He smiled. “I love you too.” He took another sip of his beer, studying her. “So, why the whining, woman?”
“Whining?”
“About wanting what we have. From what a little birdie told me, you might just be having a baby soon.”
Maggie choked on the water she was sipping. “What?”
He grinned. “No baby? So this Reggie guy doesn’t have a ‘special seed that makes babies’? I was told it probably looks like a jelly bean but isn’t.”
“Oh, that Emily.” Maggie made a fist, and Benny laughed.
“I’ve been dying to come over and ask what’s up with you and the big, rough-and-tumble type I spotted the other day. Is your Reggie perchance a tall, muscular hottie with a face to die for? Smooth brown skin, a mouth made for sin?”
Maggie sighed. “Yep.” She blinked. “I mean, not that he’s mine or anything. Or that I know how sinful his mouth is. Or, I, ah…”
Benny’s grin grew way too wide.
“Oh man. You can’t tell Doug.”
“I thought he and I were supposed to share everything since we’re in love.”
“I mean, well, you can, I guess.” She fumed. “Don’t tell anyone else.Especiallynot Emily.” She glanced over her shoulder at the edge of the hallway and softened her voice. “Reggie is the EMT who helped me when I found Frank.”
“Yes, yes. Fast-forward past all that. I know who he is. I know what he looks like—good, baby Jesus—and I know all about him coming over for dinner with Sherry and Frank, and how you made gooey eyes at each other over macaroni and hot dogs.”
“I did not make gooey eyes.” Maggie glared at him. “We sat next to each other throughout the dinner. We didn’t even look at each other then.”
“Not then. But now?”
“Now, well… I just…”
Benny sat up straighter. “Oh, this sounds good.”
“I can’t help it. He’s so sweet and nice.”
“And sexy and built.” Benny wiggled his brows.
“Yes to all that. We just happened to kiss the other night.”
“Yes!”
“Benny, shh.”
“Oh, sorry.” He pumped his fist and whispered, “Yes.”
“I really like him. Reggie is the first guy in a long time who makes me feel special. And he’s been a sweetheart, taking me to get my cast, helping with Frank.”
“Honey, he digs you. Of course he’s being nice.”
“We spent the day together after that. When you guys were at the zoo.”
