Page 14 of Irresistible

CHAPTER FIVE

Wednesday

Brock strode into the squad room and saw Pete sitting at his desk. It was time. They’d been friends since high school, and he wasn’t going to piss all over it by not doing the right thing. After last night, there was no confusion about what he was going to do about Lilly. They had made out for hours as they pretended to watch TV. Sliding his thumb over his mouth, he tried not smile like an idiot. He’d learned the slopes and valleys of Lilly’s body last night, and he wanted nothing more than to do it again tonight. Only with his mouth.

He knew it was important to take her on a date before they became intimate because the last thing he wanted to do was treat it like a one-night stand.

Standing near his desk, he said, “Pete, you got a minute?” When his friend looked up, Brock motioned to the break room and then started walking over. He grabbed a cup of coffee and waited.

“What’s up, man?” Pete asked as he filled a cup with coffee.

Standing up straight, Brock squared his shoulders. “I wanted to let you know that I’m interested in Lilly, and I plan on doing something about it. The reason I’m telling you is that I got the impression you might be attracted to her as well. We’ve been friends for a long time, and it’s important to be up-front.”

Pete rocked back on his heels and then laughed. “Fuck you, Brock.”

“I know. But I don’t have a choice. No more excuses.”

“Why now?”

“Because I’m tired of fighting it.” Moving his head side to side, he tried to release some of the tension. “I’ve been home for a year, and I’m exhausted from pretending that she doesn’t stir up feelings in me.”

“I had no idea that Marines had feelings,” Pete replied reluctantly. “I can’t believe we’re even discussing it. We’ve successfully avoided talking about anything important for years, and now we’re deep into it.”

Holding up his hands, Brock grinned. “I don’t think we ever need to do this again. I wanted to make sure you knew my plans. I’m not going to disrespect you.”

“Appreciate it.” Sipping his coffee, he shrugged. “Lilly has me firmly parked in the friend zone. I was hoping that time would help, but that was wishful thinking.” He leaned against the counter and shrugged. “I guess if she’s going to marry someone, it might as well be you.”

“Did I say anything about marriage?”

Draining his coffee cup, Pete tossed it into the trash. “Didn’t have to. I’ve only know you to have two speeds: one-night stand and marriage. I sure as hell know that Lilly isn’t a one and done, so the only thing left is marriage.”

Both of their phones went off at the same time, which meant they had to get to work. Brock lifted his and read the message. “Fifteen-car pileup on Interstate 10 past Pont Des Mouton.”

“Let’s head out,” Pete replied. Before he left the break room, he stopped. “Don’t fuck this up. This is your one chance at happiness.”

Brock nodded in acknowledgment. As they walked across the room, he knew Pete was dead right. Something in Lilly had called to something deep within him. He knew that as a kid, and it was time to do something about it.

***

Standing out on the highway in the rain waiting for the tow trucks to arrive wasn’t Brock’s idea of a good time. He’d discovered over the last year how difficult moving from combat into civilian life was. So many years spent in life-and-death situations left him with few skills in managing a civilian life with a slower pace.

Pete had been right earlier about him having two speeds, only he didn’t get it quite right. Brock had full speed ahead or dead stop. Existing and functioning somewhere in the middle wasn’t something he was good at. At least he wasn’t twitchy anymore. The first six months after he retired had been hell. It had taken almost ten months for him to feel like he was having more good days than bad, and that was giving him the confidence to pursue Lilly. That and his unrelenting need.

The first tow truck arrived. Brock moved toward the tangle of cars and noticed Drew and a woman arguing by the embankment. He’d interviewed the drivers in the first half-dozen cars and Pete had taken the rest. Drew must’ve been in one that Pete had taken.

The desire to slam his fist into the asshole’s face was stronger than he would ever admit. He watched him standing there in his three-piece suit, gesticulating wildly at the woman standing in front of him. Remaining quiet, Brock watched the conversation progress. Though he couldn’t hear what was being said, due to the traffic noise, he could see the anger on Drew’s face. Watching him wind himself up made him wonder if Drew had ever hit Lilly. A man who was willing to lose his shit on the side of a highway certainly wasn’t worried about control. In fact, Drew looked like someone who might’ve never had it. His red, mottled face and tightened fists announced to anyone who cared to look that he was about to lose it.

Brock’s mic beeped and he clicked it on. Keeping his eyes on Drew, he barked out his name. “Officer Landry, sit rep.” The moment the words came out of his mouth, he realized he was using jargon from his days as a Marine.

“Bus is five minutes out,” an unfamiliar voice said. “Round up the drivers and bring them to the back of the pileup.”

“Roger that,” Brock responded.

He moved toward Drew and his companion, figuring he’d start with them. “Bus is here, folks. Make sure you have your personal items.”

It would be interesting to see if Drew made an overture. They’d known one another growing up because they’d gone to the same schools, but they hadn’t seen each other in years. “You all can move down there.” Pointing west, he indicated which way to walk.

“Brock Landry, how the hell are you?” Drew called out in a friendly voice.

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