I noticed when his gaze landed on Alley’s collection. “I see you got more bats,” he said.
She nodded, clearly proud of herself. “You can never have too many,” she told him.
He nodded in return while wearing a funny smile, and I knew I was missing something again. This time Brinley chimed in, obviously having seen my face scrunched up in curiosity.
“Last time he came, he asked Alley if we were all on a softball team.”
Another giggle-snort broke free.
Could the night get any more insane?
The answer was yes.
But I was at least thankful I avoided eating olives with my juice.
Chapter Forty-Two
HUNTLEY
It wasa low-key night at the fire station.
With all the down time, I couldn’t stop thinking about River pretty much every waking moment. Being injured had allowed us even more time to spend together and it was hard to be away from her.
There was also the fact that some sick fuck had attacked her and I was worried he’d show back up since we hadn’t figured out who he was.
I huffed out a frustrated breath and grabbed my phone. She needed the girl time she was getting at the sleepover and I shouldn’t bug her, but it wouldn’t hurt to just text her, right?
After talking myself into it, I shot off a text letting her know I missed her and couldn’t wait to give her a kiss come morning.
Damn, it was going to kill me to wait.
My phone pinged with a reply from my girl and my heart pounded when she told me she missed me too and looked forward to that kiss.
“What’s that dopey grin on your face all about?”
I looked over at my buddy and fellow firefighter, Watson, who was walking into the kitchen.
“Stupid question,” he added, before I responded. “If I had a girl as pretty as yours, my face would probably look like that all the time too.”
River had been to the firehouse a few times now with me when I was on medical leave but still wanted to check on everyone. The crew liked her instantly. My lady might have thought at one time she wasn’t born to be surrounded by friends and family, but she was made for it.
“Yeah, well find your own girl and don’t be thinking about mine,” I growled.
Watson threw his head back and roared with laughter.
Yup, nobody was getting their hands on my woman.
I looked down at my watch and groaned. So many damn hours before I got to lay my eyes and lips on my fiancée.
“Damn, man, you got it bad.”
No use denying it.
River was the woman I was going to spend the rest of my life with. The only one I’d ever been in love with. She was my soulmate.
“Yes, I do.”
Watson reached in the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Then he slapped me on the back as he walked by.
