Page 3 of Make Me Fool You

She huffs out a breath. “Seriously. This is a book club. Did you read the book we’re discussing tonight?”

“Of course I did.” Most of it anyway. It’s been a long week at the firehouse and the guys have been harassing the hell out of me whenever they get the chance. It’s no secret to anyone else that I want Brianna. Probably not even a secret to her. But they’ve all seen me shot down time and again by the dark-haired, fiery woman.

I’m not giving up. No way. She’s worth every damn bit of ribbing I get from the guys.

“Alright. I’ll help you. Mainly cause I know you really like Brianna. But keep in mind that she’s been hurt and you need to step lightly. Something I’m not entirely sure you know how to do.”

“I can be as sensitive as the next guy,” I growl, pulling into the florist shop.

I run in and pick up the first bouquet I find with carnations in it. I know she loves carnations. She has them growing outside the door of her house. Bright splashes of cheery pinks and whites.

“I’ll be there in five minutes. Keep her busy and get her blocked in until I get there.”

“Fine. I hope she doesn’t hate me for helping you.”

“She won’t. I know for a fact that she likes me. She just doesn’t want to admit it.” I hope I sound more confident than I feel.

“Yeah. Well, I told you, Brianna’s been hurt. And no…before you ask. I’m not telling you a damn thing. I’m giving you a hint but if you want the whole story, you’ll have to get it from her.”

“Right. Just help me this one time.”

“I’m holding you to that, James. I respect Brianna’s wishes too much to help you more than this one time.”

“Good. See you soon.”

A few minutes later and I’m pulling into the lot of the bakery, smiling when I see that Ruth’s got all of Bri’s attention, showing her some pictures on her phone.

I duck in and grab the bouquet off the seat, brushing down my jeans nervously.

Holding my breath and then breathing out slowly, I push my way into the bakery. Ruth’s body stiffens in the seat but she doesn’t turn to look at me and neither does Brianna.

Until I’m standing in front of her with the bouquet and sliding into the other side of the booth.

“Let me out, Ruth,” she growls, her dark eyes glaring at me, burning with anger.

I rub at my chest like she’s incinerating my heart. But I push it all down. No time like the present to push her a little harder.

Ruth grabs her phone and stands. “Oh, that’s my Tate. I wonder what’s wrong.” The damn phone never even rang so she couldn’t be any more obvious if she tried.

She slides out and quick as a snake striking, I slide in right where she was sitting so that Bri can’t slide out.

“Dammit, James! What is going on with you? I thought I made it plain. I’m not interested. Go find another fire bunny to play with.”

“You think you’re a fire bunny?” I laugh wryly. “You’re about the furthest thing from that.”

“You know what I mean,” she huffs, her tanned cheeks flushing. “I’m not into firemen. So if that’s what you’re looking for, go look somewhere else.”

“I’m not looking for an easy lay, Bri. I could have that any day of the week if I wanted. I want something real. Something like what I feel for you.”

“Horny?” she grins cheekily and my own cheeks stretch with an answering smile.

“I’ve got a hand for that. I want you.”

She groans. “Seriously. You need to back off. And stop saying shit like that!”

Delight courses in me. I love to get a rise out of her and her cheeks are flushed a pretty cherry red. “You’re a doctor, Bri. You’re telling me that you’re embarrassed by a simple statement of fact. I haven’t been with another woman since I saw you. It’s all been you. I can’t even think about any other woman.”

Her full lips twist wryly. “I’m so blessed. I’m not interested in any man. It’s not personal. I just don’t want to get involved with anybody. Why do you keep pushing this?”

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