****
The next day Jude and I work our Saturday shift together. Lately we get along better at work than at home because thejob gives us structure. Something to focus on besides the new awkwardness between us. The calls are nothing exciting, and when the work day ends, we head back to the station.
“I meant to tell you, my mom called the other day,” I say. “She wants to know when you’re coming back for dinner.”
He looks surprised. “Really?”
“Yep. I told you she likes you.”
“Well, I’m a likeable guy.”
I smile. “Yes, you are.”
He huffs a quiet laugh, and for a second the old ease is there between us. Warm, natural, uncomplicated. “Tell her I’ll come whenever she invites me.”
“She’ll hold you to that,” I warn.
“That’s okay.” He shrugs. “I had a good time hanging out with your parents.”
I smirk. “Well, andme. Don’t forget me. I was especially charming that night as I recall.”
He smiles. “You are a charming bastard, I’ll give you that.”
I return his smile because I’m happy. I can sense his trust. How much he does in fact like me. My heart warms and I give a contented sigh. I just want him back. I just want things to go back to how easy they were between us. Before I messed everything up by kissing him.
Then his phone buzzes and he glances at the screen. Whatever he reads makes the corner of his mouth curve upward. He types a quick reply and slips the phone back into his pocket. He doesn’t tell me who it was.
He doesn’t have to.
Monday night, Kara comes over for dinner. She’s working on her laptop at the dining room table while I chop vegetables and chicken for the stir fry I’m going to make for dinner. I pause slicing when Jude calls down from the top of the stairs.
“Hey, Liam, Ben is coming to pick me up tonight, but I’m running behind.” He sounds harassed. “Can you let him in when he gets here? I’ll be down in just a minute.”
“Uh, sure,” I respond. I’m not looking forward to seeing Ben. I struggle enough with my weird feelings without seeing the guy in person. But staying on good terms with Jude is everything to me, so I’ll do my best to be cordial.
Kara looks up distractedly. “I can get the door, babe.”
“No, it’s okay. You’re working. I’m just cooking.” As I finish speaking, the doorbell rings. My stomach clenches, but I paint on a welcoming smile as I go to the door.
Ben is standing on the porch looking annoyingly put-together. Dark jacket, skinny jeans, and a pink shirt. His auburn hair is stylishly spiked and he smells nice, like warm cedar. His green eyes are friendly and direct as they meet mine.
“Hey, Liam.” He smiles easily. “Jude ready?”
“He’ll be down in a minute. Come in.” I step aside and he enters, glancing around the living room with casual interest.
“Great place,” he says. “I’ve always liked cabin-style houses.”
“Thanks.”
Kara looks up from her laptop. “Hi, Ben. I’m Kara, Liam’s girlfriend.”
“Yeah, I remember you.” Ben smiles warmly. “You were there the night I met Jude.”
“That’s right.” Kara’s smile is equally warm. She likes Ben. Of course she does. Ben keeps Jude away from the house, which thrills her to no end. “Where are you guys going tonight?”
“We’re going back to that Thai restaurant Jude and I ate at on our first date.” He gives a cocky grin. “That was such a great night.”
Kara nods. “I’ve heard wonderful things about that place.” She meets my gaze. “Babe, we should go there sometime.”
