“No! No, Edward would never do something like this. Besides, he’s engaged to Courtney now. I have no idea who would do this. Maybe they thought it was someone else’s truck?”
She eyed her brother and Buck, both of whom were staring back at her. Neither of them thought the vandal had gotten the wrong vehicle. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, she agreed with them. Damn.
It took about ten minutes for them to get the vehicle loaded onto the flatbed and secured with chains. While Ryan climbed into the cab of the truck, Buck picked up Regina’s briefcase and walked with her to the gate. Ryan didn’t need her code to get out—the arm would lift as he approached it.
When they reached Buck’s Silverado, he opened the passenger door and helped her in before closing it again. He circled around to the driver’s side, set her briefcase behind the seat, and got in. As he started the engine, he asked, “Need to make any stops on the way?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks.” There was a pause and then, “Actually, on second thought, can we swing by Say Cheez, so I can pick up a pizza? I don’t feel like cooking anything tonight and doubt Ryan will want to by the time he gets home.”
“Yeah, sure. Call it in, so we don’t have to wait long.”
Despite her ordering the pizza in advance, they still had to wait a few minutes for the pie to be ready. Buck had parked his truck and gone inside with her, requesting two slices to go for when Regina’s order was ready. Selecting a bottle of Coke out of the standing cooler for himself, he also grabbed a root beer and handed it to Regina, knowing it was her favorite. She gave him a faint smile when she accepted it. “Thanks.”
He gestured to an empty table near the door. “Let’s have a seat while we’re waiting.”
After she slid into the booth, he sat opposite her and took in her appearance. She looked weary. “Long day?” he asked.
She took a sip of her soda and then nodded. “Yeah, and that was before the four flat tires. Who would do something like that, Buck?”
“Nobody comes to mind?”
“Nobody I can think of. I mean, I’m not someone who runs around making enemies.”
No, she wasn’t. As her eyes filled with unshed tears, he reached over and grasped her hand. “Hey, it’s gonna be all right. Maybe it was a mistake like you said—someone vandalized the wrong vehicle.”
Her head shook. “You didn’t believe that any more than Ryan did when I said it earlier.”
He wasn’t going to lie to her and deny it, so he changed the subject. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a much better one—at least, not yet. “About the other night—”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“What? What are you sorry for? I’m the one who screwed up again.”
Her shoulders sagged as a pleading expression stole across her face. “What are we doing, Buck? I can’t go through this again. You hurt me badly seven years ago.”
Pulling her hand closer, he gave it a squeeze. “I know I did, and I swear, it was never my intention. I’d never purposely hurt you, baby. It’s just . . . God, I want you, Gi. At some point, that summer, I started seeing you as a beautiful, sensual woman and not my best friend’s kid sister or even just my own friend. But you were still young, still had so much to see and do. And I was trying to recover from shit from my last tour. I knew if we started something back then, I’d bring you down, and that’s the last thing I ever wanted to do. I meant what I said the other night. You’re the brightest light in my world, and I’m so afraid the things I’ve done and seen will make you look at me differently—like I was a monster or something.”
“What? I would never—God, Buck, do you think I’m that shallow?”’
“No!” He shook his head. “I’m doing it again. I’m saying the wrong things, and I’m getting you upset. Listen. Can we start over? Can we go on an actual date? I’m attracted to you, Gi, and have been for a long time. I honestly don’t think we would’ve worked back then. It might’ve been fun for a while, but, in the end, we would’ve wound up hating each other.”
“How can—”
“Listen to me. No interrupting, squirt.” He smiled to let her know he was teasing her. “That's the past. We’ve both grown since then. I’m not being deployed to the worst hellholes on Earth anymore, and you’ve become one helluva woman. One I would really, really like to get to know better. I want our friendship back, and I want to build on it to make it something more. Something good.” He squeezed her hand again. “You don’t have to answer me tonight. In fact, I don’t want you to. Think about it. Sleep on it. Just know that you mean more to me than any woman I’ve ever known, and I think we could be good together.”
When the corners of her mouth ticked upward and she gave his hand a squeeze like he’d done, he knew he’d made his case. Now he just had to figure out how to tell Ryan he’d be dating the guy’s sister.
“Where are you going all dressed up?” Ryan asked as Regina walked into the living room wearing a nice red sweater, her favorite boot-cut jeans, and black, low-heeled boots. She’d blown her hair out and added some subtle makeup.
It’d been a few days since the tire slashing incident, and, unfortunately, there were a couple of blind spots on the security camera system, which also produced grainy videos. All the police had been able to find on the recordings was someone of unknown gender with a hoodie and gloves on, skirting around in the shadows about an hour before Regina had gone to her vehicle. They’d showed the video to Regina, but she’d been unable to help figure out who the person was. Nothing had happened since, so she was hoping it’d been a random event and wouldn’t happen again.
Not wanting to tell Ryan she was going on a date with his best friend—a conversation she planned on putting off for as long as possible—Regina shrugged and lied. “Out with a few friends for dinner.”
He yawned and plopped down on his favorite recliner with the TV remote in his hand. “Glad one of us has energy for a social life. It’s not even seven thirty yet, and I’m ready for bed.”
Studying him as he flipped up the recliner’s footrest, she frowned. He’d changed out of his work clothes into a pair of black sweatpants and a well-worn US Marines T-shirt. Dark circles were visible under his eyes, his black hair was disheveled, as if he’d run his hands through it several times, and a five-o’clock shadow painted his jawline and upper lip. “You do look beat. Are you off tomorrow?” Since it would be Sunday, she hoped he’d take the day off. He’d been working his ass off all week at the resort—so had Buck and Justin and the rest of the staff—getting everything ready for the ski season and the Halloween festivities, which started in a few weeks.
“I’m going to go in for a couple of hours in the morning, but I’ll have the afternoon off to lie around and do nothing but watch the Patriot’s game.”
Hmm. “Why don’t we invite Justin, Buck, and Zia over for the game? While you’re at work, I can run to the supermarket and grab some beer and food. It’s been ages since we’ve had everyone over for Sunday football.”
“Zia’s home?”
“Just until Monday. Today’s her grandmother’s birthday, so she came home last night and doesn’t have classes on Monday, so she’ll go back to the city then.” The two of them had gone out last night for dinner and drinks. She really missed her best friend being so close, but Zia had taken two years off school before going back to get her master’s degree in education, and she had one more semester to go.
“Yeah, I’m up for having a few people over for the game. You tell Zia, and I’ll send a text to Justin and Buck in a little bit and tell them to come by tomorrow. But, right now, all I want to do is watch some TV until I have the strength to make myself something to eat.”
She smiled at him. “Got you covered on that, big brother. I needed something to do earlier, so I made Mom’s beef stew. It’s in the stockpot in the fridge. Just pop a bowlful in the microwave.”
His eyes had widened at the words “Mom’s beef stew.” It’d been their favorite meal growin
g up, and their mother used to have to chase them out of the kitchen to keep them from eating the entire batch in one night. A few months after their parents had died, Regina had been thrilled when she’d found her mother’s recipe for the stew, believing the woman had always just made it from memory. Since then, Regina only made it every few months because it took a lot of prep time and then hours to cook.
“Gi, you’re a godsend, you know that?”
“Yeah, well, just don’t eat it all tonight. There’s plenty for everyone for tomorrow.”
He held up one hand and put the other over his heart. “I swear, I’ll only have a bowl or two . . . or three, but no more than four.”
Laughing, she snatched a small pillow from the couch and threw it at his head. “Idiot.”
He caught the pillow easily, and instead of throwing it back at her, tucked it under his head. “Thanks, brat. Now, go have some fun. Flirt with some guys, but only ones I’d approve of. You haven’t been on a date since you’ve been back in Largo Ridge.” His eyes narrowed. “Or have you and you just don’t want me checking them out?”
Sidestepping his question, she grabbed her purse. “Haven’t been on a date in a while? That’s the pot calling the kettle black. When was the last time you went out with a woman?”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine. I won’t ask about your love life and you don’t ask about mine. But if it’s something serious, we’ll let the other know. Agreed?”
Okay, that gave her some more time to see where this thing with Buck was going before she had to tell Ryan anything. “Agreed.”
After waiting patiently for a few minutes in front of a little steakhouse in Bellewood, Buck was relieved to see Regina’s SUV pull into the parking lot. He’d been worried she might’ve gotten cold feet about going out on an actual, pre-planned date with him. He was also still concerned the police hadn’t been able to figure out who’d slashed her tires. Some people had a lot of enemies, but Regina Vaughn could only count on one hand anyone she’d even remotely pissed off lately. The list included her ex-fiancé, her former in-laws-to-be, some guy from the CPA office who’d lost the LRSR contract, and Margo Shaw, who Buck had run into the other day. She’d hit on him again, and he’d turned her down—again. However, Regina swore she couldn’t imagine any of those people being so vindictive that they’d sneak into the parking garage and slash her tires. The police had been able to get alibis from each of them, so they’d all been ruled out. That didn’t mean that any of them couldn’t have hired someone to do the deed.
As Regina approached, Buck’s grin and heart grew. With twinkling eyes, she smiled back at him. The woman was so damn beautiful, she almost brought him to his knees. Neither of them had wanted to risk going out to a restaurant in Largo Ridge and having anyone spot them. While they’d had dinner together before, just the two of them, most people who knew them wouldn’t have suspected a thing was going on, since they’d been friends for most of their lives. However, with the sexual tension that was now noticeably arcing between them, surely someone would realize the dynamics of their relationship had changed and rumors would spread like wildfire. While they knew they’d have to tell Ryan sooner or later, they wanted to make sure what they felt for each other wasn’t going to fizzle out after a few dates. Longtime crushes could either become an amazing reality or they could’ve been misinterpreted and not turn out as good as the participants had hoped for.
“Hi,” she said shyly as she stopped in front of him. A blush appeared on her upper chest and spread to her neck and cheeks. Buck couldn’t remember the last time a woman had blushed like that for him without him hitting on her for a brief roll in the sack. His body reacted accordingly, with his cock twitching.
They hadn’t seen each other since Wednesday night. After getting their pizza, Buck had driven her back to her house, where he’d gone inside and had dinner with her while waiting for Ryan to return. He hadn’t felt comfortable leaving her alone, without a vehicle, knowing someone had intentionally slashed her tires. They’d passed the time talking, like they’d done the night they’d gone to the Red Door Saloon. As the evening had progressed, she’d seemed more at ease with him. He’d bumbled through his explanation of how and why he’d fucked up with her, and thankfully, she’d forgiven him. At least, she acted as if she had. He just prayed that was all behind them.
The past few days, they’d talked over the phone during their lunch hours and after work and had texted in between. It’d been the highlight of his days when his phone would jingle with the ringtone and alert tone he’d assigned to her name.
Instead of saying anything in response to her greeting, he cupped her jaw and lowered his mouth to hers. He smiled when she rose up on her toes, meeting him halfway. Keeping in mind they were out in public, he kissed her tenderly, fighting the urge to plunge his tongue inside her mouth and mimic what his cock wanted to do to her pussy.
After a few moments, he lifted his head and gazed at her adoringly. “Hi, back.”
She giggled as he took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm before leading her to the restaurant’s door and opening it for her. She was his princess, and he would treat her as such every chance he could.
Regina couldn’t believe she was on a date—an actual date—with Buck. Despite her years of hurt, she’d still fantasized about the man. There was something about him—pheromones or something—that just drew her to him like a bear to honey.
As they followed the waitress to a table, Regina didn’t miss the looks of appreciation Buck was getting from several women in the place. A twinge of jealousy disappeared the moment she felt his hand on her lower back, as if he were grounding her to him. She knew she was taking a huge risk by accepting his apology and trying to put all the negatives in the past so they could start fresh. But, while her mind warned her to be wary, her heart and the rest of her body knew what they wanted—the man she could all too easily admit she was falling in love with.
Even though Buck had told her Justin had figured out the two of them had feelings for each other and had encouraged him to ask Regina out, no one else knew, as far as she could tell. She hadn’t even told Zia or any of the other girlfriends she’d reconnected with since returning to Largo Ridge that she was going on a date with Buck. For now, she wanted to keep it a secret—maybe because she wanted him all to herself or maybe because she was protecting her heart. If this thing between them failed, she wouldn’t have to see the looks of pity or “I told you so” directed at her.
They’d barely ordered their drinks when her cell phone vibrated on the unoccupied seat next to her where she’d also placed her purse. She glanced at the screen and saw her brother’s name. Not wanting to lie to him again about where she’d been going tonight, she rejected the call. A few seconds later, it vibrated again, and she frowned.
Over his menu, Buck asked, “Who is it?”
“Ryan.” She gave him a worried look. “Do you think he knows we’re out together?”
“I doubt it, since my phone isn’t blowing up too. Answer it.”
Taking a deep breath, she picked up the phone and accepted the call. “Hello?”
“Where are you?”
At her brother’s sharp, anxious tone, her gaze flew to Buck’s. “I’m out with friends, why?”
“Damn it, Gi. Where?”
“At Chico’s.” It was a TexMex restaurant about halfway between Largo Ridge and Bellewood. She wasn’t sure why she’d lied to him again, but it was too late to take it back. “What’s wrong?”
“You’re with friends?”
“Yes. Ryan, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?”
A few tables of diners glanced her way after her voice had risen above normal. When Buck reached across the table and gestured for her to hand over the phone, she shook her head and listened to her brother.
“I’m calling Buck to come and get you and follow you home. Someone threw a brick through the living room window.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “Wha—”
“O-okay. Yeah, I promise. Ryan, are you all right?”
“Yeah. I’ll explain everything when you get home. Be careful.”
The call disconnected, and three seconds later, Buck’s phone vibrated in his hand. He answered immediately in a low voice. “Hey, Ry. What’s up?” He listened for a moment, his gaze on her face, then said, “Yeah, I can go get her. What’s wrong . . . uh-huh . . . shit. All right. We’ll be there in a bit. I’ll follow her home . . . yeah, I got it covered, bro. Stay safe.”
“What did he tell you?” Regina asked, as fear coursed through her body. She had a feeling Ryan hadn’t told her everything.
Not answering her, Buck flagged their middle-aged waitress who’d been at the bar, probably waiting for their drink order. When she hurried over, he explained they had an emergency and had to leave. “Could you get me the check?”
She peeked over her shoulder toward the bar, then turned back to Buck. “No worries. He hasn’t gotten your drinks yet, so I’ll just cancel them.”
Standing, he gave her a terse smile. “Thanks. I’m sorry about this.”
“It’s really no problem. I hope everything’s okay,” she added, giving Regina an encouraging look.
“Thank you.” Regina had also gotten to her feet and gathered her things.
After the waitress left them to go cancel their drink order, Buck threw a twenty-dollar bill on the table, then gestured for Regina to proceed him toward the exit. Not wanting to disturb the other patrons any more than they’d already done, she waited until they were outside before she bombarded Buck with questions. “What did he tell you? What else is wrong besides a brick being thrown through the window?” As if that wasn’t bad enough. “Was he hurt?”
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