“Your man is here.”
I frowned, confused. “I don’t have a man—”
Without waiting for me to finish, Raine flung the door open and cocked her hip with a little wave.
“Hey, Trooper! You’re looking extra sexy today in those tight jeans.”
I relaxed at the familiar sound of his laughter. Theodore “Trooper” Gerard moved to Juniper Creek a few years ago after leaving the military. He had stopped by the parlor to get a tattoo with a few of his ex-military buddies. We were both sarcastic little shits, so we hit it off, and we’ve been friends ever since.
But he was notmy man. And Raine knew that.
A moment later, Trooper walked in, wearing his customary black jeans and leather cut with his club patch across the back in bold letters, The Reckless Order MC. He carried a takeout bag from the Huckleberry Diner.
“I can always rely on you for an ego boost, Raine.” He took her hand and kissed it with a playful gleam in his eyes. She batted her lashes at him and curtseyed. “You make me blush when you objectify me like that.”
“Well, I’m always happy to oblige,” Raine replied. “A little friendly flirtation is good for your constitution, you know.”
Trooper made a noise of approval, examining her nails.
“This color is gorgeous. And I swear your mini-skirts get shorter every time I see you.”
Raine swatted his arm.
“I bet that silver tongue of yours makes panties melt everywhere you go.”
He chuckled as he rummaged around in the bag of food.
“I bet that you’re not even wearing any panties at all.”
She feigned a dramatic gasp, pressing a hand to her chest.
“How did you know?”
Trooper set a takeout container on her desk.
“Because you’re a very vocal ambassador of the commando club. Now, dig in. I got you a turkey club, no mayo, with a Greek salad on the side. No dressing. There’s a warm fudge brownie in there, too.”
Raine beamed and rose on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
“Oh, you know just what I like and you spoil me so well. It’s a crying shame that you’re single. Are you seeing anyone by the way? Asking purely for a friend. I could set you up—”
I huffed. “For God’s sake, Raine, leave the man in peace.”
She feigned a pout and flopped into her chair, digging into her lunch.
“Trooper, help me out here,” Raine said. “Maybe you can talk some sense into Shea. She hasn’t been laid in ages and it’s making her bitchy. Well, even more bitchy than she usually is.”
I wrinkled my nose at Raine. Then I pointed at Trooper.
“Not a word out of you,” I said. “Raine’s meddling is bad enough. I don’t need it from you as well.”
Trooper smirked and crossed his arms, leaning back against Raine’s desk.
“Sounds to me like it’s time for an intervention.”
I groaned, balling up my gloves and tossing them in the trash.
“Did you bring me food? Or did you just drop by to judge me?”
