When Mack returned, he carried two mugs and had changed into lounge pants and a sweatshirt. But he still smelled amazing, that cologne of his wafting over her as he neared.
“Thanks.” She noted the bobbing marshmallows and saw identical ones in his mug. “I see you like your sugar too.” She sipped hers and sighed. “Okay, this is amazing. But how much hot chocolate do you have? Every time I’m here you’re drinking it.”
“I like hot chocolate.” He shrugged. “More than coffee, actually. During the winter, it’s my go-to drink.”
“Not beer, Mr. Snooty?”
He smirked. “Only the good kind.” He sat near her on the floor, his back against the couch, his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankle, showing off dark-blue socks without holes. “So, how did I do at your friends? I’d give myself an A.”
“A minus for flirting.”
“With Jed? I was a perfect gentleman.” He winked. “Come on, it’s obvious how much those two dote on each other. And that Jed could break anyone in half with ease. I’m a smart guy. If I were going to flirt, one, I wouldn’t do it in front of him. And two, I damn well wouldn’t do it front of you.” He snorted. “And three, she’s married. Not my type.”
She knew that, but she still felt relief. And that bothered her. “What did I tell you about her being so sweet and nice yet scary underneath?”
He shivered. “Yeah, she’s tough. I swear she almost stabbed Jed in the hand when he tried to get more roast without asking. And she got those twins in line, fast. That was impressive.”
Cass chuckled. “I love the whole family. I first met Jed nearly four years ago. I was new to the station and worked with someone else before being partnered with him. All I saw was this huge, muscular guy who barely talks and looks like he’s thinking about the best way to either dismember people or hide bodies. Then we got partnered together, and I realized that tough, quiet guy is really sweet. He’s kind and hates injustice. He’s an awesome dad and great friend who’s married to an amazing person. He’s pretty much my brother.”
Mack nodded. “I sensed that. Shannon warned me not to mess around with you.”
“She warned you off me?” Odd since Shannon had seemed to like Mack and Cass as a couple.
“No, she told me not to lie to you. No messing around in a bad way. Like I’d do that.” He shook his head and sipped from his mug. “I haven’t been a perfect guy my whole life. I know that’s a shock, but it’s true.”
“Here we go.”
“No, seriously. I’ve dated a good bit, but I never cheated. I just never found someone I wanted to be with for more than a few dates. I never lied or made a woman cry, that I know of. I might have disappointed a few by not wanting to continue a relationship, but I could usually get them to smile about us being over. I’m charming.”
“And so humble.”
“I prefer the term ‘remarkable.’” He sipped more cocoa and left a small chocolate mustache over his lip. She wanted so badly to lick that off that she forced herself to focus on the kittens.
“What’s your point, Mack?”
“My point is I don’t hide things. I am what you see. A firefighter who helps stray animals. I have my own house, my own car, my own parents and idiot brothers. My job and my friends are more important to me than anything. Though I do really like cars.”
“Okay, I get it.”And I’ve been put in my place. He isn’t out for a relationship. Fine. No need to be a dick about it, Revere.
“But I also really like you.”
Her head whipped up, and she stared at him. “What?”
He smiled at her and licked off his chocolate mustache. “I’ve decided to make room for you in my life. I like you, Cass. You’re pretty much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person. You’re smart, and you’re strong. You say what you feel, and you don’t sugarcoat it. Even better, you play to win. I really respect that.”
Wow. She didn’t know what to say. That might have been the nicest compliment she’d ever received.
“Plus, you’re hot as fuck and know how to give one hell of a blow job.”
“Jesus, Mack.” Yet she couldn’t help laughing, so pleased he liked her for her and not because he wanted her to be something she wasn’t. “I mean, why play if it’s not to win?”
“Exactly.” He nodded. “I know we’re helping each other out with some plus-one dating stuff, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could actually be friends?”
“Yeah.” She frowned. “But you already have a bunch of friends.”
“I know. They’re all great.” Mack looked down at his mug for a moment before he looked back at her. His eyes were just soblue.“Over the past year, my best friends have all fallen in love. I’m really happy for all of them. It’s great.”
She nodded.
