Page 40 of Everything's Better With You
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Leslie said, enjoying the teasing.
“I’ll see you back at school,” Joe said, backing away.
“You sure you can find your way? I should have left you breadcrumbs or something.”
Joe kicked his chin up. “Tamara said it comes with navigation. I’m all set. See you later.”
Oh, Leslie liked this way too much. Later. But hours this time, not weeks or months like they’d always been separated before.
Try as he might to protect his heart, it was too late. He was in it to win it…win Joe all to himself. Nice guy Leslie Payton was at first and goal with victory in his sights.
Thirteen
Joe
Marti rolled her eyes at Joe’s ridiculousness. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
“But you did.” He danced a little cha-cha in front of her.
“I can’t believe I’m going to a club. Without my husband.”
“But you are.”
“I can’t believe we’re doing this.”
“Oh, we aredoingthis.”
Joe had picked up Marti in his new baby and she’d rolled her eyes while he gave Terrence the whole tour.
“I’m not too proud to say this is way too much car for me,” Terrence said. “Which means it’s probably too much for you.”
“I think I’ll be fine, thanks. First order of business is taking your wife out on a date, so now who’s the better man?”
Marti loved it when Joe and Terrence fought over her. Terrence knew there was no question who shepreferred, but Joe loved to mess with him.
“Yeah, well, I’m also not too proud to say you’re a better dancer than me and to step aside and let my wife have her fun. Just be careful driving her in that beast.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll have her home by mid—next week.”
Terrence groaned and Joe gave Marti a boost up into the cab.
“You had to go and get a big tall vehicle like these men out here. You sure you aren’t trying to compensate for something?”
“Hey, when in Iowa,” Joe said with a shrug. “You think maybe I’ll blend in a little better?”
“Huh. In a big red Bronco that no one has seen on the road. Right. You wouldn't know how to blend in if you were foundation.”
Joe snorted. “I blend better than a sponge from Sephora.”
“The fact that you even said that means you won’t blend in here.”
Joe tapped his thumbs on top of the steering wheel and sighed. He’d never blended in anywhere, but could he fit? “You’re probably right. Okay, are we all set for tryouts next week?”
“Yes, sir,” Marti said, pulling out her phone. “I’ve got three coaches coming in from nearby schools to judge. Our returning team will be coming to make posters on Monday.”
“You’re so good at this,” Joe said, elbowing her. He pulled onto 2ndStreet and parked, the bass from the college-run nightclub rattling the windows of his new ride. “You think they’ll play decent music in there?”
Marti pulled down the visor and reapplied her lipstick. “Depends. If they have a real DJ or if they are relying on whoever the current activities director is to play today’s top hits.” She rolled her eyes and pressed her lips together. “Either way, it’s not going to be the kind of parties you’re used to.” She opened the door of the Bronco and slid down to the street, squealing when her skirt slid up her hips.
