“I better not keep Jory waiting.”
“Jory?” I choked. “That new guy on the landscaping crew?”
“Yeah.”
Maverick glanced toward the sidewalk, where Jory was making his way toward us. The man was brawny as fuck with sandy blond hair, matching scruff, and a plaid jacket. Seriously? This dude was gay and matched up with Maverick on the first try? What were the fucking odds?
“I should get going,” Maverick said. “I know you signed me up to be an asshole, but thanks, Damon. I think Jory isexactlywhat I needed.”
I ground my teeth, so fucking annoyed I could barely see straight. I’d been so sure this would be sweet revenge after that truck-for-sale stunt, but Maverick washappy.
Or at least pretending to be.
“Right,” I bit out. “Well, don’t have too much fun throwing those darts at the pub.”
Jory laughed as he reached us. “Actually, we’re headed over to Riverton. They’ve got a great new club opening tonight. Should be fun.”
Shit. That sounded more Maverick’s style. I cast a look his way to see him watching me with a speculative expression.
“Right,” I said hollowly. “Have a good time, kids.” I pointed at Jory. “Don’t keep him out too late.”
Jory laughed. “You got it, Dad.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Maverick said as he linked his arm through Jory’s and started walking down the sidewalk.
A strong, violent urge struck to rip off Jory’s arm.
With a growl, I stomped back into my house, where fucking Rudy was still sprawled in my living room. “Get your fucking boots off my coffee table.”
Rudy dropped his feet and sat up straight. “Damn, what crawled up your ass?”
“Nothing.” I scowled. “If we’re gonna eat this steak, let’s fucking do it. I’ve got other shit to do tonight.”
“Like what?” Rudy asked, mystified.
I didn’t have an answer to that, but I was fairly sure it was going to involve waiting up until Maverick walked his perky little ass back into his half of this duplex. I didn’twantto stay up late. I had risen with dawn for work, and I was already tired. But fuck if I knew what else to do with this antsy tension thrumming in my veins.
I could go out, try to pick someone up, but then I might miss Maverick when he returned. I needed to see that he got home all right. I’d been the idiot to set him up with these blind dates.
The least I could do was make sure he stayed safe, right?
CHAPTER 7
Maverick
I climbedinto Jory’s big truck, smirking at Damon’s reaction. Hereallywasn’t happy to see his prank backfire so spectacularly. I’d have to thank Jamie for his brilliant idea to go along with the matchmaking.
Jory jogged around the truck and climbed in. “I hope it’s okay we’re going out of town?”
“Sure,” I said, tugging my phone out. “But I’m going to text some friends to make sure I don’t end up dead in a ditch.”
He chuckled. “Fair. I just couldn’t stand another night in this tiny town, you know?”
“Riverton isn’t that much bigger.”
Our high schools were rivals because they were in the same division.
“It’s just the vibe,” Jory said. “Granville is so quaint, with its cutesy business names. Riverton is more…”
