I laugh halfheartedly. “Yeah.”
Maybe I made him feel uncomfortable? I feel like such a fool.
We walk to his car — of course,it’s a mustang — and there’s an awkward, icy silence between us now. I don’t care, though. I already look like an idiot; a little awkward silence isn’t going to make me feel any worse at this point.
He opens the door for me. A gentleman, just like he promised. But I don’t wanta gentleman. I want a wild man to pick me up and pin me against a wall. A woman has needs.
I really need to pull it together and just let it go. It’s not happening with Joey tonight. Whatever vibes you felt were an illusion.
On the way back to my house, Joey makes polite chit-chat. Do I like being a lawyer? I haven’t been doing it long enough to give him a definite answer.
Upon arrival, he pulls up to the curb. “Well, it was really nice meeting you, Bethany.”
“Yeah, you too,” I say as I get out of the car.
“Maybe I’ll see you around,” Joey says.
“I’d like that.”
And with that, he takes off like a getaway driver, tires screeching against the pavement.
I watch his taillights recede, and let out a sigh.
It’s that time again to trudge up to the front door of my three-bedroom, colonial house. It’s a great place and it’s fully paid off. But it sure would be nice not to have to crawl under my covers alone tonight.
7
Joey
I just walkedinto the firehouse’s kitchenette for a much-needed cup of coffee. I’m dragging today. Which is odd, since I didn’t have a drop of alcohol last night. I must still be hungover from all the lust coursing through my veins.
I can’t get Bethany out of my head. I’ve never longed for a woman this badly in my twenty-seven years on this planet.
“There he is. Man of the hour,” Jax says.
He definitely seems happy to see me.
“What’s up?” I say, not even trying to disguise my lack of enthusiasm.
“Not much, man. Just enjoying a lovely cup of coffee on this lovely sunny day. Don’t you just love sunny days in September, when the air is crisp and light?”
“Um . . . sure.”
“I swear, they’re the best.”
“Someone’s in a good mood today.” I give him a slightly accusatory look.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Jax replies. “I’ve got brothers I can trust to take my sister home safely, without trying to cop a feel.”
I raise my eyebrows. Did he ask her about my behavior last night?
Jax puts his hand on my shoulder. “Bethany told me you got her home in one piece and acted like a perfect gentleman.”
“Is that right?” I guess he did ask.
“Yep.” Jax nods. “She actually sounded kind of annoyed, but she was probably just hungover. She overdid it last night. Not that I need to tell you that.”
“Yeah, well. She’s your sister. Obviously, I wasn’t going to try anything.”
