Page 35 of Sloane

Ryan raised his shoulders in defeat. “That pretty much sums it up.”

Ashley’s eyebrows were now in her hairline.

“Grace Ericson? The woman who was at the hangar yesterday?”

“You know her?”

She shook her head. “No, I hadn’t met her before yesterday. But I’ve seen her picture in the paper.”

The firefighter openly grimaced. “Which is part of the reason why she won’t date me for another eight months. Because of those fucking vultures.”

“Aw, I bet she’ll come around before the year’s up. I saw how she was looking at you yesterday.”

Ryan’s face lit up at Ashley’s revelation. “How was she looking at me?”

I chimed in, “Exactly how you were looking at her.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

Ashley giggled. “It’s a very good thing.”

“I’m hoping by the time I finish the house, she’ll at least agree to have dinner with me.”

“By the time it’s finished? What’s left?”

“Still a few rooms. Come on, I’ll give you the nickel tour.”

****

Ashley

Ryan showed us around his four-bedroom bungalow, pausing outside a bedroom that he hadn’t started remodeling yet but had cleared out.

“I think I’m just going to leave this room empty for now. I’ve got one guest room, so I think that’s plenty, since you’re the only one who’s ever even stayed here.”

Sloane tilted his head. “Why leave it empty?”

“In case I need to turn it into another office.”

It was my turn to tilt my head in confusion. “But you already have an office.”

“Yeah, but if I get a roommate, she might want her own office. Especially if she’s doing a residency or something.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at how smitten he appeared to be with Grace.

“You seem to have someone particular in mind.”

“Yeah, about that… I’d appreciate it if what we talk about tonight is kept between us—especially if either of you happen to talk to Grace tomorrow at your party.”

Sloane threw his head back with a groan. “You’re still having that?”

“Duh. Everyone wants to see you. Plus, Grace agreed to come with Maddie and Craig, so even if no one wanted to see you, we’d be having it.”

Sloane clapped Ryan on the back. “Anything I can do to help your love life, buddy.”

“I appreciate that. Now, come on, I think the potatoes are ready to be mashed, and I’ll throw the steaks on the grill.”

I watched how easily the two men laughed with—and at—each other over dinner. It was obvious from their exchange there was a lot of love between the two, almost like they were brothers. And I appreciated how they made sure to include me; any inside jokes between them, Sloane was quick to explain to me, so I didn’t feel left out. He also made it a point to keep me within arm’s reach of him. Every time he stroked my arm, tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear, or placed his arm behind me made me feel special. And I would swear those blue eyes of his twinkled with mischief every time he looked over at me with a grin or a wink. It made me melt each time.

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