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“Because what?” He didn’t bother hiding the amusement in his voice. “You’re gonna have to break it down for me. Because you have plans? Because you don’t like fun days out with nice people? Because you don’t like supporting good causes?”
“Really? That’s how you’re gonna play this ... a guilt trip?” His gaze followed as her hip cocked out even further.
“The Woodvalley fire station sure would appreciate your support, darlin’, if only for a couple of hours.”
You have no shame, man.
No. He didn’t. And his lack of shame seemed to be working in his favor.
He could see the moment she softened. Her eyes glossed over, and her shoulders slumped. “Fine. But only for a couple of hours. And this is not a date.”
Like hell it’s not.
“Never said it was.” She was adorable when she was all flustered.
“Fine.”
“Fine,” he agreed. Once again failing to suppress his smile.
Leaning into her, he dipped his head and brushed his lips across her cheek. “Night, princess. I’ll see you Saturday.”
He didn’t wait for her reply. Why give her the chance to change her mind?
***
Benny, Luke and Hunter had cornered him in the fire station kitchen. It was Zach’s turn to cook, and he was currently laboring over his famous chilli. Which meant he had nowhere to run.
“So ... is it true? You got to second base with some chick in the middle of Farm n’ Fresh?” Benny asked.
Zach sighed and turned to face all three of his friends. Luke and Hunter were eyeing him expectantly. Benny, however, was in the middle of chugging down juice from the carton. “What the actual fuck are you talking about?”
Benny used the back of his hand to clumsily wipe away the juice from his mouth before replying. “I’m talking about three different people telling me you were getting hot and heavy in the middle of the grocery store, dude. And it’s not just me, Hunter heard it too. Right, man?”
“Yup. You’re the talk of the town,” Hunter agreed.
Perfect.
It was Luke’s turn to chime in next. “Come on, Zach. What’s the deal? You can get it on in the Farm n’ Fresh but you can’t tell us who the chick is?”
Fucking small town gossips.
“First of all, I was not getting it on in the Farm n’ Fresh, you assholes. There was no second base. No making out. Nothing. And if anyone says any different, you shut it the hell down. Understand?” He waited for them all to nod or grunt in agreement before he continued. “I’m guessing the gossips of this goddamn town are talking about the day I ran into Libby. You know, the new girl in town ... we were called to her house for that toaster fire, remember?”
“Oh, yeah. She’s hot.” Luke grinned. “Curvy in all the right places, if you know what I mean.”
“That sexy brunette in those tiny ass shorts? Hell yeah, I remember her.” Benny snickered.
The smartest man in the room was Hunter. He remained quiet. The others weren’t so perceptive and must have missed the frothing of Zach’s mouth.
He’d never wanted to kick his friend’s asses before. Until now. And if they continued to talk about Libby, he’d be left with no other choice but to follow through. A fact he decided to share with the group. “I swear to God if you mention her ass ... or any other body parts again, I’m gonna fuck you both up right here.”
“Whoa!” Benny raised his hands defensively. “Calm down, dude. We’re just telling you we remember her. Chill.”
Zach’s hand went through his hair. He was not feeling very chill. His friend’s talking shit was one thing, but the thought of the town doing it too had him fuming. He hoped like hell no one had said anything about the Farm n’ Fresh to Libby. Talk about the world’s worst welcome to town. She definitely wouldn’t want to stick around if she caught wind of what people were saying.
“What gives, man? You two dating or something?” Luke asked. Apparently, much to Zach’s disappointment, this conversation wasn’t over.
“Look,” Zach began, “I’m bringing her to the fundraiser tomorrow and I need you guys to be cool, okay? We’re not technically dating. Not yet anyway. But I like her. So, can you all do me a favor and not mention this dumb rumor to her? I want her to have a good time ... I don’t want her getting upset.”
