“Wait for it…” Tex grinned.
“Chair force.”
“Oh, I’m so wounded.” Mack snickered. “That’s so lame.”
“Keyboard warrior? I know. Call Sign: Virgin.”
Brad and Tex laughed at that one. Even Mack cracked a smile.
“Okay, time for me to quit while I’m ahead.” Reggie stretched, feeling a good ache in his lats. “I’m out of here. See you guys tomorrow.”
Brad stepped in front of him, moving pretty fast for a big guy. “Now hold on, Reggie. What are you up to tonight? How about we all hang at my place?”
Tex frowned. “I have plans.”
“I don’t.” Mack held out his hand. “Hey, Lurch, help me out.”
Tex sighed and extended a hand, yanking Mack to his feet.
Reggie started sweating. “Ah, I’m just going to head home and get some rest before tomorrow.”
“Aw, hell.” Tex slapped him on the back. “Big guy’s got a date.”
“Reggie. We don’t blame you.” Mack used his nice voice. “Maggie’s pretty. Even with the broken arm, she had that helpless, vulnerable, save-me-Reggie look to her.”
Reggie groaned.
The guys sneered at him.
“Just be careful man,” Brad advised.
“No, I planned on giving her all my money and letting her rip my heart out,” Reggie snapped.
“He just doesn’t learn.” Mack shook his head. “Maybe try for a relationship then sex. Buying love is just wrong. Not to mention illegal.”
Mack narrowly dodged Reggie’s fist.
Brad held him back with a laugh. “Easy. We’re just teasing you. Enjoy your new ‘friend.’” He used air quotes.
“Damn it. Sheisa friend.”
“Yeah, that’s all she is. Sure.” Tex snorted. “That’s why you’re lyin’ to your brothers. Fella, you need to relax and enjoy your lady. And quit fibbing to us and yourself. Just be careful.”
Reggie felt like an ass. One, because he couldn’t lie his way out of a paper bag. And two, because though the guys teased him, he knew they had his best interests at heart. “Okay, okay. No more lying.”
“You suck at it,” Mack added, so unhelpfully.
“Have fun tonight.” Brad smiled. “You should ride with me tomorrow.”
“I want him,” Tex and Mack said at the same time.
“No way. You’re always with him,” Tex argued.
“Yeah, but now he has a story worth hearing,” Mack argued back.
Reggie escaped while he had his chance.
And like clockwork, he grinned like a fool at thoughts of Maggie.
