“You come up with the most intriguing nicknames, Dr. Doo-Little-To-Nothing.”
“Ha. Touché.”
Marlie sighed. “I think I’m mentally disturbed.”
“Which is why we’re friends.”
She had to smile at that. “True. I was so excited for this break since I got an extra day today to goof off. Instead, all I can think about is my stalker. We have a date Friday night.”
“You are such a bitch. Why have you waited to tell me this until now?” Jeff flew over the couch to land next to her, jostling the popcorn bowl so that pieces scattered all over the cushions.
Marlie laughed. “I wanted to make you pay since you’ve been so secretive about this guy you’re crushing on.”
He flushed. “I don’t want to announce my happiness before it actually happens. We’re too new. And he’s a little skittish.”
“Well, tell him if he hurts you, I’ll hurt him.” Marlie had a reputation for being a ballbuster. Everyone she knew said so, and she wore the moniker with pride.
“Oh, I will.” Jeff grinned. It was too bad he was gay, because they had everything in common. He would have made a perfect husband, but sexually, they didn’t vibe. And for Marlie, the physical aspect of a partnership was as important as all the rest.
Hmm. Ben hadn’t been all that great in the orgasm department either.
“Why the long face?”
“For one, I spent a lot of time on Ben, and he wasn’t that great in the sack.”
“Ha. I knew it.”
She muttered under her breath about know-it-alls. “And two, I told Damon not to send me any dick pics.”
Jeff gaped. “Why the hell would you do that? Are you stupid?”
“No, you moron. That’s not a mating ritual in my world. It basically means a guy wants nothing but sex.” She paused. “Wait. I think I am a moron. I don’t want to date anyone, though that’s what he seems to want from me. I just want sex.”
“No, you want a date. You’re burned from Ben. You need the right man to set you straight.”
They stared at each other then laughed.
“Okay, bad pun. Keep you straight, maybe.” He chuckled some more. “But you get me. A good relationship will show you men aren’t all bad. And trust me, no one is telling you that you need a man to be happy. I’ve been single forever.”
“And you’re not happy,” she pointed out, which got her a middle finger in return.
“Yes, but I’m not you. You only wish you were this amazing.” He motioned to all of himself.
“I have to admit, you got me there.” She sighed. “I really wasn’t looking for a new guy. He kind of forced the date on me.”
“How?”
“Well, he asked. And he was kind of a dick. But then he said he’d help Steve and the guys this weekend.”
“Seriously? Demon Sinclair will be on the ice? Or near the ice? I’m so there.”
“I thought you didn’t like hockey.”
“Are you crazy? I love it. Mostly for the fights.”
Jeff had a sadistic streak she appreciated.
“The guys are pretty hot,” she admitted. “But my brothers make hockey annoying. They think they’re experts on the ice.”
