“Tex, that was a year ago. They broke up. Then he met Dean and that was that.” Mack sighed. “A little disappointing though. He was the biggest player in the family. Now he’s going to settle down and be a family man. Ugh.”
“Yeah, he’s a real disappointment,” Reggie said, his sarcasm thick.
“I know. I mean, all those men and women.” Mack shook his head. “My brother had the entire field open to him. Anyone his for the asking.”
“He is pretty charming,” Brad agreed. “But nowhere near as smooth as you, Mack.”
“Thanks, buddy. You know just how to make me feel good.”
“I’llmake you feel good,” Tex cut in. “Go pick up two dozen goodies from Sofa’s Saturday morning. I’ll tell Elliot you’re coming in and pay ahead of time.”
“Why don’t you do it?”
“Because I don’t want Bree to think I’m schmoozing her dad. I have a reputation to uphold, you know.”
Mack rolled his eyes.
“You do me this solid, I’ll talk you up with a mechanic friend of mine. He’s got a Shelby Mustang in his garage you really need to see.”
“You get me in to check out that car, I’ll pick up the goodies.”
“Deal.”
One crisis averted.
Reggie’s hands itched to dial a certain someone’s number. “Be right back.”
They nodded and continued to badger Tex about the bakery.
Reggie hurried to the room he used when on duty and shut the door, ensuring some privacy. He dialed Maggie. As usual, he felt jumpy just thinking about her.
“Hello?”
He swallowed a groan. Even her voice got to him. “Hey, beautiful. It’s me. Reggie?”
“Who?”
He frowned. “What?”
She laughed. “Kidding. I’m just messing with you.” Her voice lowered, sounding more intimate. “How are you? Been to any fires lately?”
“Nah.” He settled on his bed and smiled for no reason. “Still trying to recover from the fire that scorched me last night.”
“Me too.” She sighed. “Wish you were here now.”
“Me too.” He smiled. They both sounded a little down. “How was the sleepover?”
“It went great. But the best part about it was Dina didn’t drop Emily off until one. After you left this morning, I went back to bed and slept for three more hours. I needed it. I bet you’re tired.”
“I’m good, actually. Energized. The guys are calling me weird because I’m happy.”
She laughed.
“It’s sad, and now you’re laughing at me. I feel unappreciated.”
“No, no. Trust me, I appreciate you more than anyone.” She sounded fervent.
He allowed himself a moment of smug satisfaction.
