“Did I tell you how excited Shannon was that you went out last Friday? She’s now saying that she’s responsible for it all.”
“How’s that?”
“She thinks she scared you so much by inviting Handleman and Newcastle to the party that you finally found a man of your own.” He shrugged. “Your personal life is your business. Frankly, Shannon’s obsession with your lack of a love life is a little alarming.”
She snorted. “A little?”
“But I know it’s not because of any jealousy about you or me. She misses her sisters, and she thinks of you as a stand-in for Jessica.”
Cass had met Jessica once and liked her. She had a mouth on her and didn’t take any of Shannon’s crap.
“It was Jessica’s birthday last week, so Shannon is really missing family. I think she’s shoving all that sister love on you.” He nodded. “I listen when you talk, and it fits. Your dad would agree.”
“He probably would.” Cass sighed. “So what do you want me to do?”
“Invite Mack over for dinner at our place. You and he schmooze it up. Act like you like each other. Shannon will feel like she’s—indirectly—made a love connection, you get a break from the matchmaker from hell, and she’ll be so thrilled to share love that I’ll get lucky when the kids are asleep later that night.”
Cass shook her head. “Why is the entire world so invested in who I date or don’t date?”
“I have no idea. But Newcastle was asking about you a few days ago. I kind of told him you had a boyfriend.”
“Why lie?”
“Because he’s not the only one interested. I hate to say it, but the guys at the station want in your pants.” He grimaced. “And the more you act like you hate all of them, the more they’re interested. You want to put it to bed? Become unavailable.”
“That’s stupid.”
“It is. But I did the same thing when Shannon’s friend was after me.”
“What?” Cass couldn’t see Shannon taking that well.
“It was back when we first met. I tried nicely telling this woman I wasn’t interested, but it never registered. It was only when the chick realized I was into Shannon that she left me alone. And, well, Shannon threatened to cut her tits off. But you’ve met my wife. This shouldn’t surprise you.”
Cass grinned. “It does not, in fact.” She mulled over what he’d said. “You really think it would settle down the interest in my personal life? I don’t like people talking or thinking about me much.” Too much notice felt intrusive.
“Yeah, I feel you. I know you just want to do your job and be left alone. Being a female cop is headache enough. Now, I’m not saying anyone’s talking behind your back or anything. No one’s making a play for you at work, are they?” came out in a growl.
Cass relaxed. Jed would never let anyone harass her, physically or verbally. Of course, he’d only get to trounce her harasserafterCass finished ripping the guy’s arms off.
“Nope. No one has said a word wrong, which is why your comments about dating are freaking me out.”
He sighed. “I didn’t mean to. I’m probably making too much of it. But Shannon’s got me thinking.”
“Not a good look for you.”
“Jackass. I’m just saying, get everyone off your case. Pretend to mess around with Mack. I liked him. He’s not a cop, and from what I gather, he’s kind of on the outs with his family. Xavier never talks about him much. Not like he talks about his other brothers.”
Cass wondered about that. Did Mack not get along with his family? Or was it as he’d said, that he’d never really fit in?
“Look, Cass, I don’t want to sound like I’m pressuring you. If you don’t want to see Mack, don’t. It’s no one’s business what you do with your time. And God knows I’m not one to talk feelings.” Jed shuddered. “But it would make Shannon happy, weird as that sounds.”
She sighed. “Your wife is weird.”
“She is.”
“And bossy.”
“Totally.”
