“You didn’t!”
“Oh yeah. I shared my cable theory with him, too.”
Mary cringed. “Shit.”
“I asked him if he had cable.”
“No, you didn’t!”
“So guilty. See? Do you think Mr. Adams is hiring? Once my arm is out of the sling, I could work on a ranch. I never wanted to shovel crap again but at least I have zero chance of running into Snow there.”
“I’d miss you at the diner. No. You’re not quitting. Don’t look so depressed, Mel. This’ll work out. Snow probably forgot all about you already.”
“He’s the man of my dreams, and you think saying that is going to cheer me up?”
“I was grasping at straws. Work with me.”
“Fine. It’s possible in some alternative universe that he’ll get selective memory loss of things I wish I hadn’t said to him. That’s realistic.” Mel snorted.
“You did save his life. I bet that overshadows everything else. You endured trauma. Everyone knows people blurt out things they don’t mean under a lot of stress.”
“Temporary insanity?” Mel smiled. “I could plead that.”
Mary grinned back. “He does have a nice ass.”
“Tina? Is that you?”
“Bitch!” Mary slapped her thigh. “Don’t even joke by saying her name. My boyfriend was still living with me when that slut nailed him on my couch. She’s a horrible person. I just noticed your guy’s backside. Big difference. I don’t plan to touch it.”
“Ouch! You just hit someone who got shot.”
“Sorry. That was a low blow, though.”
“I’m trying to cheer myself up. It’s become a habit to turn snarky after growing up in my house. I’m sorry, too.”
Mary stood. “You must be hungry. I’m going to fix you something to eat. It’s past dinner time. What do you want?”
“How about a grilled cheese with ham?”
“Do you have the makings? Otherwise, I have to run home.”
“I do.”
Mary shook her head. “I would have cooked you anything you asked for. You’re so easy. Tina, is that you?”
“It doesn’t have the same effect on me. I wish she’d slept with Deputy Dud when I dated him. An experienced slut like her might have given him some pointers.”
“I think you’re serious. And that scares me.”
“He was bad.” Mel grimaced. “Talk about enduring trauma. He grunted like some pig with its snout stuck in a fence the whole minute he lasted. He got mad and insulted when I tried to suggest we try a few things. He acted like I’d told him he had a small dick and his mama was a whore.”
Mary laughed. “Some men are just assholes.”
“Deputy Dud and your ex are prime examples.”
“I’m going to call Joel’s wife and have her bring us one of her delicious pies. Darleen said to tell her if you needed anything. That’s pie. This occasion calls for calories.”
“Why would she offer that?”
“You’re a hero, Mel. I doubt those men would have just shot the New Species and walked out of the diner. We were witnesses, and they didn’t bother to wear masks. We could have identified them if they’d left us alive.”
“Anyone would have done what I did.”
Mary sobered. “No, they wouldn’t have, Mel. They’d have saved their own ass and run in the opposite direction. I’m not proud to admit that I froze. I couldn’t move. I was too scared—but you did something. The customers were trying to crawl toward the kitchen to escape. Joel ran out the back door to get a gun from his truck, but he forgot to grab his keys and locked himself out of both. Then he ran to get help. I know people tease you because of your accent and some of the things you say, but you’re a really good person. I want to be you when I grow up.”
Mel laughed. “You’re older than me by a year.”
“It’s the thought that counts, and I look younger.” She winked. “Makeup is a wonderful thing. I’m going to bring you over to the dark side.”
“You keep your makeup bag away from me. You’ll be the best friend in the whole wide world if you do.”
“I tried to stop Snow from taking you to Reservation. You should have spoken up, but you just meekly allowed him to carry you off. Don’t forget that.” Mary grinned. “I’m not letting you quit your job.”
“You can be replaced. I’m sure there’s some matchmaker website for finding a new best friend.”
Mary snorted. “You’d need to buy a computer or a cell phone first to access the internet. And if there is, I bet Tina’s on one of those sites. She has no friends. You might end up with her as your new bestie. I wouldn’t press your luck any more today, since you were already shot, Mel. She’d not only touch Snow’s ass, she’d dig her heels into it on your couch while nailing him.”
“You really need to get over that.”
“I will one day, when I find someone hotter and better in bed than that jerk.”
“Have you met the guys who live in this town? Deputy Dud is the second-best-looking one who isn’t married. The most good-looking bachelor is your ex.”
“Fuck you, Mel. Now I’m depressed.”
“Misery loves company.”
* * * * *
Snow hated that Reservation had been locked down. He wanted to go into town to check up on Melinda. He clenched his hands around his silverware and glared at his dinner. He slammed his fork into the meat and sawed at it with the knife.
“What did that chicken breast do to you?”
He raised his head to glare at Timber. “I can’t believe the task force team members took her home.”
“Melinda? Doc Alli said she was okay to leave Medical.”
“She could be in danger.”
“We were the targets.”
“She shot two humans.”
“They were working together as a team. It wasn’t some big plot with more males involved. We have them in custody, and it’s over. They thought they could become famous by killing Species.” Timber cut his meatloaf. “Crazy humans.”
“I don’t understand their logic.” Jinx sat at Snow’s left. “I can see wanting to do something that makes a lot of money or gets people to admire you for your intelligence or skills. Killing? That gets you locked up and hated.”
“They probably don’t have skills.” Timber shrugged. “It was the only way they could hope to gain their five minutes of fame.”
“They won’t even get that.” Snow felt a little satisfaction over that. “None of the news outlets are aware of what happened. Justice wanted us on high alert for the next twenty-four hours in case that changes. Sheriff Cooper and his deputies are keeping it to themselves, but it’s possible the customers may say something. Joel and the other waitress didn’t seem eager to share that armed males invaded the diner. I think they are worried it would make other humans fear going there.”
A pair of pretty brown eyes with golden flecks flashed through Snow’s mind. “Melinda was taken home with pain medication. She’ll probably stay home until she heals. It would be difficult for her to work with only one good arm. She can’t carry her trays.” Guilt came next. “We should check on her to see if she needs help with anything.”
“Like getting undressed and someone to help her shower?” Jinx grinned. “You’d volunteer for that, wouldn’t you?”
“She did confront two gunmen for us.”
“You always watch her, Snow. Did you think we didn’t notice?” Timber smirked. “Who suggested we go to the diner today? I believe it was you.”
Snow glared at him. “I was in the mood for a steak sandwich, and everyone agreed it sounded good.”
“After you scouted the back parking lot and spotted her car there.” Jinx snorted. “I saw you look in that direction on our way to the sheriff’s office. You made certain she was at the diner, and you suggested having lunch as soon as we were done with our meeting.”
“She’s attractive, and she makes me smile.”
Timber
nodded. “She’s a bit shy, though. I think you need a more aggressive female.”
“She shot two males.” Snow’s irritation grew. “That’s courageous. Did you see what the other humans inside the diner did? They threw themselves on the floor, and some were wiggling on their bellies to get away. She didn’t run. She retrieved a weapon to help us.”
Jinx nodded. “That was kind of hot when she stood up clutching that old weapon.”
“I was afraid she’d shoot one of us,” Timber admitted.
“She wouldn’t do that.” Snow slammed his utensils down. “She’s always friendly when we go to the diner.”
“She looked so terrified in that moment, it was possible she’d shoot anything that moved.” Timber frowned. “I didn’t mean she’s an enemy. We all know the difference between humans who are just polite to us because they must be, and those who are friendly because they accept us.”
Snow calmed. “I just want to check on her. I plan to do that after we’re certain we won’t have an issue with the press showing up at our gates or them trying to sneak over a wall.”
Timber nodded. “I’m just glad that Wind is almost recovered from the healing drugs.”
Snow agreed. “He’s a strong male.”
“We’ll go with you,” Jinx offered. “You know it’s best if we stick to groups of at least four until we’re certain there won’t be more issues. I’ll grab someone to fill out our team.”
“Yes,” Timber agreed. “We’ll back you up, Snow.”
“She’ll be at home until she heals. I don’t need you to go with me.”
Jinx chuckled. “We’ll stay outside to keep an eye out for anyone else. We know you want to be alone with her.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “To help her undress and shower. It will be difficult for her to wash her hair with an injured arm.”
Snow growled. “Stop.”
“I talked to Chimes,” Jinx added.
Snow growled louder.
“So, Mr. Blue Eyes with the amazing ass, are you going to wear jeans and your gray tank top?”
Timber laughed at Jinx’s teasing.
“I’ll remember this if you find a female you like.” Snow shot them both dirty looks. “I will get even.”
“He’s going to be doing laundry tonight to make sure her favorite outfit is clean and ready to wear.” Jinx sipped his drink. “Just don’t fall on her in the shower.”
His temper snapped. “I am not clumsy! You’re the one with a name that implies you’re a klutz.”
Timber reached over and slapped his shoulder. “We are teasing. Stop showing off your fangs and thinking about ripping into our flesh.” He lowered his arm. “I’d be more afraid she thinks you don’t have a heart and are cold, with that name you picked.”
Snow stood. “I’m no longer hungry.”
Jinx gripped his arm and yanked on him. “Sit. We will stop teasing.”
He hesitated.
Timber nodded.
Snow sat and picked up his fork. “Leave me alone.”
Jinx leaned in and lowered his voice. “You’d be in a better mood if you shared sex with that female. From what I heard, you don’t have cable.”
“I’m done,” Snow snarled. He threw down his fork and stomped off.
“Come back,” Jinx shouted, laughing. “Where is your sense of humor?”
Timber shook his head as he watched Snow leave. “That was taking it too far about the cable. No male would have admitted the truth under those circumstances, unless he wanted to lose the female’s interest.”
Jinx grinned. “He needs a challenge, and she won’t give him too much of one, judging by the way that human looked at him. He’ll get her undressed, and she’ll be all his as soon as she figures out we know what to do with a female in bed. Too bad he’s not a feline.”
Timber glared. “Some females prefer not to have two pussies to contend with. They also know canines are more loyal.”
“Two pussies?” Jinx arched his eyebrows.
“You and their own sex.”
“Clever.” Jinx rolled his eyes. “A mated Species is always loyal.”
“Too bad most humans aren’t aware of that. They associate canines with something that is loyal. Do you know what they link felines to? Being finicky and difficult.” Timber grinned. “Canines are also known for being excellent with safety and security. Ever hear of a police feline?”
“I’m not allowing you to bait me. I can purr. Human females would be afraid you’d piss on them to mark your territory.”
Timber growled. “Do you know what I think? We should get our aggression out. We could go see who the better fighter is.”
“You just want to stop our discussion now because you know I’ll mention how humans are aware that canines enjoy licking their balls.”
Timber smirked. “What about hairballs?”
“I don’t have fur. You’re lucky you don’t have a tail, or you might chase it all day instead of getting any work done.”
“You’re using words to fight since you know I’d kick you all over the training room floor.”
“I’m a lover, not a fighter.” Jinx laughed. “See? I have a sense of humor. Snow needs to find one.”
Chapter Four
Mel panicked when she opened her front door the next morning and found Snow standing there. He held a large brown bag in his arms and a smile on his face. He sported a dark blue tank top and a faded pair of jeans. Black boots covered his feet…and he looked amazing.
She knew her mouth opened but no words came out. She could only stare into his eyes.
“I brought you food. I also wanted to check on you. May I come in?”
That voice. She crossed her other arm over her chest since she hadn’t put on a bra. The sling hid one side of her chest but now she covered the other. She wasn’t wearing much, actually. “Sure.” She was proud that she’d gained the ability to speak and backed up. “Sorry, but I wasn’t expecting you. I’m in my pajamas.”
He ran his gaze down the length of her body and widened his smile. “I like them.” He stepped inside and closed the door. He studied the room, and his eyebrows lifted. “Your home is very colorful.”
She glanced around, trying to guess what he thought of her place. It wasn’t much. There’d only been five available apartments for rent when she’d moved into town. The one she’d chosen had a single bedroom and affordable rent. The short five-minute walk to work if her old car ever broke down had been the deciding factor. It wasn’t a dive but it wasn’t nice, either.
The walls were a stark white but she’d bought colorful furniture from a secondhand store to liven it up. The mass-production landscape canvases on the walls fit her budget. The splashy throw pillows might be a bit much but they were cute.
“Very colorful,” he said again.
“I know. I probably overdid it a bit.” She turned back to him. “I was in a rebellious mood.”
“I don’t understand.”
She explained, “My mama always said flashy is trashy. I grew up in the house of dull. That’s what I called it. No bright anything except sunshine pouring through the windows, since she also didn’t believe in curtains. Sinners hide behind them. Not her. She wanted anyone to be able to walk up to our front door and know she lived a sin-free life.”
His eyebrows rose. “Flashy is trashy? What does that mean?”
She hesitated. “Nothing good, according to my mama. Bright colors mean you have no taste or class.” She glanced around again. “I wanted color my whole life, and now I have it in heaps. I went overboard. I’m kind of glad I wasn’t allowed to paint the walls. The building owner told me no, and I might have regretted if he’d said yes. I was thinking maybe a neon red. It probably would have clashed with the hot pink chairs and bright blue couch.” Mel grinned.
He chuckled. “I understand wanting something and finally having the chance to obtain it. I was an adult before I found freedom, too.”
She peered up at him but didn’t see any sign to indicat
e anything she’d said put him off. Sometimes she did that to people without meaning to. She knew with her small-town background, some city folks assumed she was pretty strange. He kept smiling, though. Some of her nervousness faded, and she took in the rest of him.
He was so tall, and just big all over. That chest of his was super wide and the muscles on his arms were enough to make her think he could lift pretty much anything. She liked that. It made her feel dainty and feminine.
The silence between them grew, so she filled it.
“I heard a little something about your previous life. I’m glad you live at Reservation now.”
“I am too.” He juggled the bag. “Do you mind if I put this in your kitchen?”
“Please, make yourself at home.”
He didn’t have far to go. He set the bag on her counter, and Mel was grateful that some of her mama’s habits had stuck. Her apartment was clean. She couldn’t abide messes. When she’d first moved into the cramped space, she’d spent the first week not picking up things. That had been part of her rebellious stage, too, but it wasn’t one she enjoyed. Dirty dishes meant eventually having to wash something anyway if she wanted to eat; soiled laundry laying around became a tripping hazard, plus no clean clothes to wear.
“Are you hungry?” He motioned to the bag.
“I could always eat.” That was the truth. Nobody would ever accuse her of not having a healthy appetite. “It was kind of you to bring me something. Thank you.”
“It’s difficult to cook with one injured arm.”
“This?” She lifted the sling a few inches. “It’s not bad. I’ve had worse. I’m only still wearing it because Mary threatened to dose my food with those pain pills your doctor sent if I didn’t and write ‘dumbass’ on my forehead in marker after I conked out. She’s still upset about me getting shot.”
His gaze locked on her. “So am I. Why would she write that on you? It doesn’t sound like something a friend would do.”
“I don’t think she really would have done it but it’s kind of hard to tell when Mary’s serious. I wasn’t willing to risk it.”
“Would you ever write on her?”
“Maybe if she did it first. It would wash off.”
Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Page 4