“So how much credit should I take foryou two getting together?” she teased Cole. I liked her immediately.
Cole chuckled as a tall, heavy set guywith a buzz cut came out to join us.
“I’m Mack,Ettie’sman,” he introduced, holding out a hand.
“Nice to meet you,” I said and shookhis hand as I marveled that such a petite woman seemed to fit so well with thishuge man. But they clearly adored each other. It was apparent within twominutes of seeing them together. Mack promptly put an arm around his girl andkissed her temple sweetly.
“Need a beerdarlin’?”he asked.
“I’m good for now,” she said as shesmiled, her eyes alight.
“How long have you two been together?”I asked as the guys started talking shop.
“Five years,” she told me.
“Wow with how smitten you two seem Iwould think it would have been mere months,” I said with a laugh.
“We’re lucky,” she said. “Though I’lltell you, all these guys, they get a girl and that’s it, or so it would seem,”she added.
I tilted my head, beyond interested inwhat she was saying.
“They play the field and fuck anythingthat walks, but once they settle, theysettle,”she said with a wink.
“Has Cole, um settled before to yourknowledge?” I asked.
She shook her head. “You’re the talkof the town,” she replied.
I wasn’t quite sure how to feel aboutthat. Cole pulled me back down on his lap and I focused on finishing my beerinstead.
“Scar, there you are!” Kat exclaimed,finding us outside. “Can I steal her for a bit Cole?” she asked.
He nodded, “I suppose. Don’t get intoany trouble,” he said, kissing me solidly.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I said,winking at him.
Kat took my hand and led me back intothe house where we got another beer.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Sal is being weird,” she muttered.
“Weird?” I asked as she pulled me tothe relatively empty living room and onto the couch.
“Standoffish,” she sighed.
I’d been afraid of that and knew shehad been too.
“Oh sweetie, I’m sorry,” I saidsympathetically.
“Ugh, I shouldn’t have slept with himso soon,” she groaned. “Ineverdothat, but I couldn’t seem to help it!” she lamented.
“You went with your instincts and youhad fun right?”
She nodded.
“He might come around. For now I’djust give him his space, make him come to you. If he knows what’s good for him,he will,” I said firmly.
“What’s going on ladies?” Connieasked, plopping on the couch next to us.
