“I exaggerate. We share texts, spying on you.”
Mack burst out laughing.
“You son of a bitch.” Reggie reached for him across the table, but Tex was too quick and scooted back out of harm’s way.
Brad chuckled. “You should see your face, Reggie. But I get it. Such betrayal. Lisa should know better.”
“Lisa?” He growled. “I know she’s nosy. But Tex is my brother. He should have my back. Fuck it.You allshould.”
“Now, now.” Mack patted him on said back and held up his hands in surrender when Reggie snarled. “Whoa. He’s hulking out, guys! Run!”
Reggie tried to stay mad, but Mack pretending to be scared out of his mind, with that look on his face, was funny.
He fought laughing but ended up joining the others. When they’d finally settled down, he saw them waiting for him to explain.Damn it.
“I, ah, I didn’t want to mention Maggie. Because you guys are going to tell me I’m repeating an ugly pattern.”
“Which would be?” Brad prodded.
Reggie gritted his teeth.
“Sorry, can’t hear you.” Mack cupped his ear and leaned closer to Reggie.
Reggie shoved him back, and the goon laughed. “Getting in too deep with a woman and her kid.”
“And?” Tex motioned for him to keep talking.
“And being with someone who’s a taker. But I’m not, damn it. I just met her, she’s not a taker, and I’ve been helping her with an injured puppy. This isn’t a relationship thing.”
They all just looked at him.
“Fuck you. She’s hot. I like her. Leave me alone.”
Brad grinned. “There we go. Now don’t you feel better for being honest?”
Reggie flipped him off.
Tex laughed. “Relax, man. We’re just giving you shit because you bailed on us.”
“Andlied about it,” Mack emphasized. “That’s what’s really annoying about what you did. And the fact we lost to a bunch of nerds.”
“Nerds?”
“They work in behavioral health.” Mack huffed.
Reggie snorted. “And?”
“We’re firefighters.” Mack looked confused.
“That has nothing to do with being a nerd.”
Brad agreed. “He’s right. Look at Reggie. He never loses a fight with those fists, and he’s a huge nerd.”
“Huge.” Tex stood. “More beer?”
Reggie nodded. “Grab me one. Now hold on. I’m not a nerd.”
“You totally are.” Mack sighed. “Get me and Brad another too. He’s almost empty.”
