“No. It’s not.” I take another bite of eggs. “Meeting with the state fire marshal’s office this morning. Phoebe has already pulled the case files.”
“How’s Rachel doing?” Theo asks it casually, but there’s something under the question. Something careful.
Cole’s jaw tightens. Just slightly. Just enough that I notice.
Interesting.
“She’s fine,” Cole says. “Stressed about the job situation. But fine.”
“Jake said she’s been applying everywhere.” Theo’s still using that casual tone that’s not quite casual enough. “Hard to find work in this town if you’re not connected.”
“She’ll figure it out. She’s smart.” Cole stares into his coffee, as if it holds answers. “Resilient.”
The way he says resilient makes me look at him more closely. There’s something in his expression. Something I recognize because I’ve seen it before.
The last time we shared a woman, Cole got that same look. Like he was trying to convince himself he didn’t care more than he should.
I glance at Theo. He’s watching Cole, too, and there’s a flicker of something in his eyes before he looks away.
Oh.
This is going to be a problem.
Not my problem, technically. I made my position clear three years ago after we ended things with Samantha. No more sharedarrangements. Too complicated. Too messy when feelings get involved.
But watching these two idiots try not to look like they’re both thinking about Jake’s sister makes me wonder if some lessons only stick until the right woman shows up.
“You both need to be careful,” I say quietly.
They both look at me. Theo confused. Cole guarded.
“Careful about what?” Theo asks.
“Whatever you’re doing. Or thinking about doing.” I drain my coffee. “Jake’s my friend, too. And Rachel’s been through enough without you two making it worse.”
“I’m not—” Theo starts.
“We’re not—” Cole says at the same time.
They stop. Look at each other. And I know I’m right.
“Christ.” I signal Linda for more coffee. “At least try to be subtle about it.”
“There’s nothing to be subtle about,” Cole says, but his voice carries an edge that suggests otherwise.
Theo looks guilty, which is as good as a confession coming from him.
My phone buzzes. Phoebe’s name lights up the screen with a text:State marshal’s office moved up the meeting. Need you here in 30.
“I have to go.” I stand, dropping cash on the table. “Try not to do anything stupid while I’m gone.”
“We’re always stupid,” Theo says with that grin that makes him look younger than thirty-one. “It’s part of our charm.”
“Your charm is debatable.” I grab my jacket. “Cole’s is nonexistent.”
Cole flips me off without looking up from his coffee and I head towards the door with one final glance at them.
They’re talking. Close. Serious. The kind of conversation that means they’re either planning something or confessing something.
