Page 71 of Keeping Kara

“That’s good, although it’ll be difficult for Edge.”

Kara tilted her head. “We’ve talked about that a little. He still likes Jen, doesn’t he?”

Arrow sighed, then nodded. “It’s complicated.”

“It’s always complicated,” Kara agreed. “Even more so now that she’s dating someone.”

“Yeah. I think if there was any way he could’ve felt comfortable asking Jen out, he would’ve. There are outside factors he had to consider.”

“His ex.”

“Yup.”

“Does he have a dozen kids with her?”

“What? No, of course not.”

“Is he secretly gay?”

Arrow chuckled. “No.”

“Does Jen’s alopecia bother him?”

“Fuck no! The topic has never come up with any of us. We don’t give a shit about that. Is that what she thinks?”

“She’s a woman. Was likely bullied when she was growing up, based on little things she’s said. Of course that’s probably what she thinks.”

“Fuck. Right, I’ll pass that along so he can make sure that’s cleared up. Her body hair, or lack thereof, has nothing to do with his reasons for not asking her out.”

“Okay. And for the record? I’m not feeling warm and fuzzy about this Asher guy.”

“Why not? Jen say something about him?”

“Nothing negative. She seems happy enough. It’s just a feeling. Based on my experiences with Nolan.”

“If you get me more info on him—his last name to start with, or the name of his construction company—I’ll have my friend look into him.”

“You will?”

“Of course. I like Jen. She’s our friend. And friends look out for friends.”

“I wish I’d had a friend like you when I started dating Nolan,” Kara mused.

“You’ve got me now. And the rest of my teammates. They’ll probably drive you crazy after a while. They’ll be in our business all the time, being nosey and interrupting us when we want to be alone.”

Kara giggled. “Honestly? That sounds great. I’ve never had that many friends.”

“Well, now you’ve got plenty.”

Kara smiled at him and marveled once more at how her life had turned out. She wouldn’t want to go back and experience what she had at Nolan’s hands for anything, because that had been terrifying and horrible, but she wasn’t unhappy with the fact that ordeal had led her to Arrow.

That old saying, about when one door shuts, another opens, was cheesy as hell but accurate in her case.

As usual, Arrow pulled into the garage and waited for the door to shut completely before getting out. Kara came around the front of the SUV and he took her hand, leading her into the house. He shut and locked the door and turned on the security system.

“You good? Hungry? Thirsty?”

“No, I’m great.”