Page 61 of Sergeant O'
I leaned back and took another swig of Chardonnay while I watched the tide come in, feeling a little like a pampered princess while the guys cleared the table.
****
Brian
“So, you and Jade…” Alan asked as we walked into the kitchen.
“What about me and Jade?”
“You’re not dating?”
“No, I told you. We’re just friends.”
“Really? Because if a female friend offered to drive me somewhere sixteen hours away, I’d have to wonder if maybe she was giving me signals that she was interested in more. And unless you’re dumber than I realized, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t want more with her.”
I rinsed the first plate in the stack and put it in the dishwasher.
“Maybe someday, but our timing isn’t right.”
“Why? Is she dating someone? Are you?”
“No. We just both work a lot.”
“You’re not working now.”
I gave him a sad smile. “It’s only for ten days.”
“Maybe ten days is all you need.”
I shook my head. “She’s out of my league, anyway.”
“Well, that’s true. So, if you’re not going to make a move, do you mind if I do?”
Images of my fist connecting with Alan’s nose filled my head as I clenched my jaw and vigorously wiped the next plate in the pile while I tried to come up with a response.
“Hey, if you want me to back off, just say so.”
“I say so,” I bit out without looking at him.
He chuckled as he put the remaining potatoes in a food storage container. “Is there something in the Haven Springs’ water that turns men into idiots when it comes to women? Because Adam suffered from the same thing with Lainey. I’lltell you exactly what I told him: Get your shit together before someone smarter than you comes along and snatches her up.”
“You think I don’t worry about that?”
“I don’t know. What I do know is an opportunity has been presented to you on a silver platter—you’re alone with her, in a house with only one bed, for ten fucking days! If you can’t see that this is your chance or are too big of a chicken shit to do something about it, then that’s on you, buddy.” He put the container in the fridge and closed the door before continuing. “But I’m letting you know now, if you haven’t made your move by the next time I visit Haven Springs, I’m not going to hesitate to make mine.”
I looked over and sized him up.
I think once my leg is healed, I can take him.
“Or,” the little voice in my head whispered, “you could just make your move.”
****
Jade
I could only play the pampered princess for a few minutes before the guilt won out.
After downing the last swallow of wine, I stood and headed toward the house.
