Page 33 of Her Filthy Grump
“Pft.” I pat his shoulder. “You’re a big boy. You can handle your own.”
“I don’t know.”
I grab his shoulders and stare into his blue eyes. “Don’t make a big deal about it.”
He glances at Harbor, who’s picking up her gear and tossing it into her bag while conveniently pretending we’re not here. Like we’re a mirage. She pulls out a cardigan and throws it over her outfit.
“I can’t not make it a big deal.”
My heart flutters. I love happy endings. “I’ll call you when I get the specifics. Don’t be a chicken.”
“Damn it, Layla. You’re a fucking pest.”
“Yep.” I grab his face and kiss his cheek. “That’s why you love to pose for me.”
“Yeah. That’s it.” He rolls his eyes. After I let go of him, he still doesn’t stop watching Harbor. I should have considered this months ago.
After he leaves, Harbor jogs over to me. “What were you doing? Did he ask you out?”
“Really?” I slap my hand over her forehead. “You’ve had a crush on Cole as long as I’ve known you. Do you honestly think I’d put the moves on your man?”
“He’s not mine.”
“Give it time, sister. I think he will be.”
“Yeah, ri-i-i-ght. Even if he were interested, he would back off because of Connor.”
“Your brother can get a life.” Connor has always treated her like a baby. That’s one of the main reasons she’s decided to stay in the city. That, and Cole’s always dated one woman after another. He doesn’t have a serious bone in his body. Or does he?
“Keep an open mind and be ready for the photoshoot.”
“Fine. I’ll keep an open mind about it.” She tilts her head. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. George has been in jail for a week. His arraignment went off without a hitch, and the charges should keep him off the streets for years.”
Owen filled me in on all the details. I wasn’t in the mood to attend. It’s going to be hard enough to get on the stand if he doesn’t plead guilty. Owen promised the prosecutor wouldn’t give him too much slack.
“Good.” She wraps her arm around my shoulders. “So, tell me all about Kameron.”
“There’s nothing to tell. He’s a great kisser, but that’s it.”
“Do you want there to be more?” We walk side by side to the park bench where her items are stashed.
I sigh and fall onto the wooden planks. “Yes, I do. I like him, but it’s not going anywhere.”
She stands with her legs braced apart and slaps her hands on her hips. “Then, take your own advice. Make something happen.”
My heart slams into my throat. Could I push him for a no strings attached one-time fling? Do I want to?
Chapter Twenty
Kameron
With each step toward the fire station, the buzzing in my ears grows louder. Seeing Layla with her hands all over Cole was a blow to the gut. It only got worse when she kissed him.
My hands are fisted so tightly, I can feel the nails digging into my flesh.Fuck. I want to kick his ass.I even waited twenty minutes in my pickup hoping to cool down, but deep breathing and the air conditioner on full blast did nothing to dilute my anger.
I yank open the door and stop in my tracks. Gavin and Cole are kicked back at the table talking with Chief Monroe standing behind them. The comradery between them deflates what the cold air couldn’t. I don’t stand a chance with Layla. Cole’s been in her life since the beginning. They know each other. Their families know each other.