“No way. This’ll be more fun as a spectator.”
“Suit yourself.” Ty turned up the TV as the game resumed.
Seth checked his watch. “I’ve got to get home. Seems like I won’t be missing much anyway.”
Alex stood. “Yeah, I should get going too.”
“What’s your hurry?” Ty said as his brothers headed toward the door. “It’s only nine thirty.”
“I might stay if you had decent snacks,” Seth said. “But your cupboards are practically empty, dude.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Our company isn’t reason enough to stay?” Jenna teased as she saw them to the door.
Seth’s blue eyes sparkled down at her. “If anyone’s was, it would be yours, gorgeous. But I have to be up at the crack of dawn.”
Jenna shook her head. “I’m not falling for your charm, buddy, but you can have a good-bye hug.” She gave him a quick embrace, then offered one to Alex. “When are you going to bring your new girlfriend around? I’m dying to see the two of you together.”
“It’snew,” Alex insisted for about the hundredth time that night as he opened the door.
Seth whispered loudly, “Totally smitten.”
Alex smacked the back of his head. “You wouldn’t know the meaning of the word.”
“See you guys later,” Ty said from the sofa.
“See you!” they both called as they headed out the door.
“And for the record, I’ve been smitten plenty of times.”
“Oh yeah, when?” The door closed but the brothers’ verbal sparring carried through the door, growing quieter as they headed down the porch steps.
“You’re not leaving yet, are you?” Ty asked Jenna.
“You kidding? I want to see every moment of this blowout. Want a drink?”
“What’s left?”
“Diet Coke and tap water. You really do need groceries.”
“Between the B and B and the calls, I haven’t had time. I’ll take water, please.”
Jenna snagged the last Diet Coke, filled a glass with water, and joined him on the sofa.
“Thanks.”
“You don’t have to go on every call, you know. You’re avolunteer.”
He tipped his head back dramatically. “That’swhy I haven’t received a paycheck.”
“Funny. You shouldn’t run yourself ragged. There are plenty ofother firefighters.” But being captain, Ty felt responsible. Still, he’d been looking a little run-down since she’d gotten home. Which made her feel guilty about pulling him into this Gordon situation.
As the game broke for another commercial, Jenna propped her feet on the large ottoman beside Ty’s.
“Have you had a chance to look up Gordon again?” he asked as if reading her mind.
“No, I went to church with Mom and Gordon this morning and worked all afternoon.”
