by Marie Harte
“Huh.”
He had no idea what that look meant, but she seemed to be thinking over what he’d said.
“Okay.”
“Okay. Good?” At her nod, he continued. “I was thinking—”
“Be careful not to strain yourself.”
He glared her into silence, secretly delighted at her muffled snort of amusement. “That if you do me a favor, I’ll do you one back.”
“Go on.” She sipped her drink, which smelled amazing. He wondered if she’d give him a sip.
“My brother wants a date with Gerty. I was going to give him my place, but I’d need somewhere to crash. I could stay with you at your place this Saturday night, if that works.”
She didn’t ask why he didn’t mention staying at any of his friends’ pads. Oscar actually gave him the perfect excuse to be with her.
“How about if Oscar comes to my apartment and stays with Gerty, and I come to your place instead?”
“That would work.”
“Gerty was thinking about asking him over, and I volunteered to get lost so she could seduce your brother.”
He frowned. “What?”
“He’s slow. Slower-than-a-turtle slow. Gerty’s making her own moves. Don’t tell him.”
Brad grinned. “Didn’t I say I liked Gerty? Woman knows her own mind.”
“Yes, just like I know mine.” She pointed at him. “A few rules, Battle.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, enjoying this.
“We don’t answer to anyone else. What goes on between you and me is private.”
“Hey, I’m not the one telling my roommate everything.”
“I’m not either.” Yet that blush said otherwise. “Not everything.”
He snorted.
“Also, if we’re doing stuff with each other, I trust you to be honest with me. I take my health seriously.”
“On that we agree. Just you. Just me. Anyone else in the middle, we’re done.”
She seemed relieved, and that emboldened him to add, “I don’t want any of this advertised anywhere.”
She frowned. “Advertised?”
He waved a hand. “You know. On the video stream, in the paper. Nowhere. You and me, we’re private.”
“Seriously?” She looked hurt.
“I’m not saying I don’t trust you to keep this between us.”
“That’s exactly what you’re saying.”
He felt bad, but it had to be said. “Okay, so it is. Avery, you burned me once. I’m just asking you don’t do it again.”
She sighed. “I said I was sorry. And that was different. Brad, I’ve been trying to get out of the video spot. My boss won’t budge.”
“I believe you.” And he did. “It’s not that I’m embarrassed to be with you,” he said quickly, in case she thought otherwise. “But I’m a private guy.”
She huffed. “I remember. Look, this connection between us freaks me out a little. I’m willing to see where it goes. Slowly, without an audience.” She held out a hand.
He took it. “Me too.” Instead of shaking her hand, he turned it over and planted a kiss in the center of her soft palm. He didn’t know if she felt the heat, but he sure did.
“Now how about you tell me what Gerty really thinks of Oscar, and I’ll tell you what Oscar thinks of Gerty.”
“Oh, sharing details. I’m game.” She paused. “But anything you tell me goes straight to Gerty.”
“Go for it. My little brother needs all the help he can get.”
And so do I. I have no idea what I’m doing with you. All I know is that I have to do it or go crazy wondering…
* * *
Avery had a bad case of nerves Saturday night, which hadn’t been helped by Alan popping over for a quick visit.
“Okay, I have to know. What’s the deal with you and Super Hunk FD?” he asked, lounging against the kitchen doorframe while Gerty ran around like mad straightening their already spotless apartment.
“Alan, why are you here? Don’t you have a date with Dr. Feel Good?”
“Ha. Good one.” He sighed. “Sadly, we broke up. She said I shared too much, and I told her that wanting to date me just to spite her mother was both immature and showed she needed therapy.”
Avery paused and stared at Alan, who seemed just fine with what he’d said. “What happened?”
He grinned. “We had angry sex after I apologized. On my knees.” He wiggled his brows.
“TMI, Alan.”
“Hey, I never said I was naked and on my knees.”
“Oh.” She imagined him groveling with flowers. Much better.
“I was, I just didn’t say it.”
“Stop talking.”
He chuckled. “So why is Gerty flying around the house like the Death Star is about to blow?”
She stirred the pot, loving the scent of citrus and dill filling the air. “She has a date, and I’m finishing up her dinner.”
“Oh, you cooked?”
She slapped his hand when he would have sampled her fish stew. “A tiny bowl for you. Hold on, Mr. Nosy.” She fetched him a sample, pleased when he groaned his appreciation.
“I take it back. I’ll date you, Avery. And we don’t even have to have sex if you cook for me.”
“Why? So I can be girlfriend number three hundred and six?”
“Well, I’m not exactly done with girlfriend number three hundred and five. We’re on a short break while she decides if angry sex is as good as makeup sex. I’m hoping to have that tomorrow night.”
“Your life is one big telenovela.”
“I know.” He gave her a smug grin. “It’s awesome.” He paused. “But not as awesome as you and Super Hunk FD.”
“Stop calling him that.” She fiddled with the stew then started on the salad.
“I know you hate to hear it, but you guys look really good together on camera. And I’m not the only one sensing all that delicious sexual tension between you.” He tapped his heart. “So thick I can cut it with a knife.”
“And that’s not at all a cliché.”
“Hey, I just take the pictures and shoot the video. You’re the wordsmith. And speaking of pictures, I’m done shooting for your gardening series. If I never smell another flower or see another bee, it’ll be too soon.” He rubbed a spot on his arm.
“Bee sting?”
“Wasp, actually. But I was trying to make a point.”
“Which was?”
He leaned closer to the soup. “I forget.” He inhaled and sighed.
She warned him away with her spoon. “You already had a bite.”
“More, please,” he said in pitiful imitation of Oliver Twist.
Avery put a lid over the pot.
“You’re so cruel.” He settled for a homemade breadstick. “Oh man. Seriously. You can move in with me anytime. You just have to cook to pay off your rent. We’ll still have an amazing work relationship.”
“Where you dime me out whenever I make a mistake or have a dog humping my leg?”
“Exactly. We go together like Abbott and Costello.”
“Who?”
He groaned. “Humor is wasted on you. I bet you’ve never seen The Three Stooges either.”
She smothered a laugh. “Yeah, no. So, what other gossip have you heard at the paper? I’ve been so busy with the gardening series and Pets Fur Life I’m missing all the lunchroom noise.”
“Well, Tara’s a huge fan. I heard her talking to Emil on Friday.”
“We’ve only had three shows. She’s sweet, but I told her I wanted less, not more, screen time.” Yet Avery had been having fun on air with Brad. And Emil’s idea of a permanent Friday morning segment wouldn’t leave her mind.
“You’re still growing in popularity. Pets Fur Life has been pretty happy
with the adoptions too. I heard they’re having money problems, not just always needing donations but close to closing their shelter problems. So this helps.”
“That’s not good.” She frowned. “Maybe next week we should do a more in-depth scoop on Pets Fur Life.”
“You mean, instead of you and Super Hunk giving us ten minutes of flirty banter and furry love?” He paused. “And I don’t mean that in a fetish kind of way, but in a cute, adopt-a-pet way.”
“Yes, I know, Alan.” She rolled her eyes.
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to do some interviews with the Pets Fur Life fosters. I know you were talking about that right after the festival.”
“Yeah, I still like that idea. I’ll talk to Emil.”
He nodded. “So, about you and Brad.”
Gerty popped in to taste the stew. “Oh, that’s good. How did I make it again?”
Alan pretended to jot down notes while Avery went over details Gerty might need.
Gerty tapped her temple. “Got it. Thanks.” Then she started shoving Alan toward the door.
“Hey. I was in the middle of interrogating Avery. And I want to try the salad.”
“You need to leave. They’ll be here any minute.”
“They?”
“He, she, it. Look, Alan. I have a man to snag. I don’t have time for proper pronouns,” Gerty snapped.
Alan met Avery’s gaze and worked on hiding a smile.
“I see your amusement. And I am not amused.” Gerty gave him her lofty queen-to-peasant wave. “Get thee gone.”
“Whatever. But I’m bored, so when you strike out with ‘they,’ text me and I’ll hop on Arrow Sins & Siege with you.”
“Oh, Gerty. You got him hooked on it, didn’t you?” Avery turned to poor Alan. “Step away while you still can. I played straight through an entire weekend the first time I tried it. It’s eee-vil.”
“A lot like the tiny queen here.” Alan sighed. “It’s too late. I’m already a level nineteen paladin.”
Avery scoffed, “Nineteen? Lightweight.”
Gerty snorted. “Don’t let her fool you. It took her two weekends and several late nights to hit level twenty-five.”
“Twenty-five what? Because paladin is no joke, but the barbarian’s not that hard.”
Alan had just opened the door to leave with Gerty’s constant shoving when Avery announced in a loud voice, “Level twenty-five barbarian sorceress, you whiny mortal! I, who am the wickedest of them all, who make men tremble in fear with my magical twin blades and merium-plated armor, will devour your intestines first, then—Oh, hey, Brad.”
Alan, now in the hallway, looked behind him and grinned. “Well, well. It’s the Battle boys looking all glammed up. Wish I had my camera. Oh wait, I do!” Before Alan could whip his phone out, Brad entered and pushed Oscar into the apartment, closing the door in Alan’s face.
Through the door, Alan yelled, “I’ll get you all for this! As the demigod Faelzeeboob declares it, so mote it be! I—”
They all heard him pause then apologize to the neighbors for the noise.
Avery laughed and saw Brad staring at her with a strange look on his face. “The wickedest of them all, hmm?”
She blushed. “I, ah, sometimes I play with Gerty.” His eyes widened, as did Oscar’s. What’s that look for? She further explained, “In Arrow Sins & Siege, the video game.”
Brad nodded. “Right. The video game.”
Oscar chuckled. “That would be something to see, eh?”
When Avery realized what they meant, her face turned hotter. “Assholes.”
Gerty shoved Avery aside and tugged Oscar into the living room with her. “Oh, hi, Oscar. Don’t mind Avery. She’s just on her way out.” Gerty gave an obvious nod to the closet, where Avery’s jacket and shoes sat.
“Right.” Avery dusted her hands together. “Well, I’d love to stay, but I have things to do.”
“You’re a thing now, bro?” Oscar teased.
Brad glared. “I’d really hate to embarrass you in front of Gerty, but I can and will snap you in half if you keep talking.”
“I…right.” Oscar turned to Gerty and handed her a bunch of yellow roses.
She blinked. “Oh, these are so pretty. Thank you.”
“Sure.” He tucked his hands in his pockets as Avery dragged out her walk to the closet. She wanted to watch the pair and make sure Gerty would be okay before leaving. Brad too seemed in no rush to leave.
“Is Klingon here?” Oscar asked.
“Should I grab him?” Avery asked.
Gerty shook her head. “Nah. He’s in his crate, sleeping.”
“I’ll check on him.” Oscar darted to Gerty’s room.
“I’m sure the barbarian sorceress’s loud threat woke him,” Brad said, grinning at her. “You’re a nerd. Who knew?”
“I am not.” Avery nearly toppled over trying to put on her shoes. “But I am a little clumsy. Don’t even think of laughing at me.” She gave him a warning glare.
He bit his lip and turned away.
“Something smells delicious,” Oscar said as he returned, Klingon chewing on his fingers. The adorable dog had a Superman cape tied loosely around his neck. “Look, Brad. It’s Super Dog.”
Brad grinned. “Yeah, he’s a keeper, all right. Does he shoot lasers out of his eyes?”
“He will if you don’t get out,” Gerty said, sounding super polite.
“I’m hurrying. Geesh.” Avery grabbed her overstuffed, oversized purse and jacket and preceded Brad out the door. “I’ll see you guys later.” She’d already worked out a plan with Gerty to stay away for the night if all went well and had a change of clothes and some toiletries in her bag. If not, she’d return to sleep in her own bed.
She glanced at Brad.
Alone.
No way she could sleep with him with Gerty in the next room. Unless they had a ball gag she or Brad could use. The thought made her laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Brad asked as he walked her to his car.
“Oh, ah, nothing. Well, let’s hope Gerty gets lucky.”
“And Oscar gets a life. Amen.”
They grinned and set out for an evening Avery hoped she’d remember…for all the right reasons.
Chapter Fourteen
Brad wanted to take Avery back to his place and not leave the bedroom for the next twenty-four hours. Instead, he did the smart thing and drove her to a bar he’d been meaning to visit, full of young professionals and regular people trying to have a good time. From what he’d read online, the place had music that wasn’t too loud, decent food, and pool tables in the back. A great place to get to know someone.
The hostess led them to a table in the corner, and Brad waited until Avery sat to take his seat.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been here before,” she said, looking around. “It’s pretty crowded.”
“I’ve been meaning to come here. Yelp says the food is great and not too pricey. The drinks aren’t bad either. There’s music and pool tables. I think tonight’s a live band.”
“Nice.” She smiled.
He had to say it. “So, Arrow Sins & Siege, huh?”
She flushed. “Gerty made me play with her.”
A lot of guys at the station played the popular streaming game, though he never had. “You like video games?” A perfect segue into getting to know Avery better. Besides knowing the sensitive areas on her body, how she looked as she orgasmed, and how sweetly she could kiss, he wanted to fill in the blanks of what he knew of her character. Because everything he’d been learning pointed to her actions five years ago as being very unlike her.
“I do, kind of.” Avery fiddled with her napkin and silverware. “I like reading. I like to cook.” She glanced up at him, her bright-blue eyes stunning behind her trendy black frames. “What do you li
ke?”
He paused as the waiter came to hand them menus. After a few moments, he and Avery ordered a plate of nachos and some beer.
“I’m not really into video games. Reading isn’t bad. I don’t mind a good thriller every now and then. When we get downtime at work, I like to break out a book.”
“You’re not super busy all the time?”
“It goes in waves. Sometimes, especially when I’m assigned Aid 44, it can get crazy.”
“Aid 44?”
“Each fire station has different units. Like a ladder truck, an engine truck, medic units. The aid car is for when I’m playing EMT. Our station has an engine truck and two aid cars. We’re Station 44, so we designate them E44 or Aid 44 and 45.”
“They’re cars?”
“I say cars, but they look like ambulances.”
“Oh, right.”
“But where a regular ambulance takes you to the hospital, we just zip around town patching people up. Minor care. We do BLS—basic life support. Burns, scrapes, splints. Stuff like that.”
“You don’t do open-heart surgery in the back of the ambulance on the way to the hospital like they do on TV?”
He grinned. “No. Even the paramedics don’t go so far. To be a firefighter in the Seattle Fire Department, you need to be an EMT. I fight fires and I take care of basic medical needs. There aren’t a whole lot of paramedics in town—they ride the medic units. We have seven to cover the entire city.”
“That’s not a lot.”
“I know. But of all our medical calls, probably three-fourths of them are BLS that we EMTs can handle. The remaining fourth is advanced, for the paramedics. And we don’t have any of those guys at our station.”
“Wow. I had no idea it was so complicated.”
“Yeah, well, Seattle likes complicated.”
She grinned.
“On a regular day, I might pair with Tex and go out on five to fifteen calls—we have more when it’s a full moon. I have no idea why, but we get all kinds of crazy then.”
“Yeah, our stories are usually a lot weirder on full moons.”
“Weirder than Wolf Man Strikes Terror into Fremont Family?”
She smiled. “I love that headline. It’s fun. I mean, who takes that stuff seriously?”