Page 35 of Her Filthy Grump
“Bullshit. You aren’t eighteen anymore. He was just afraid you’d ask her to marry you, and you’d end up living in their basement with three kids, a dog, and a cat.”
“Shut up.” Cole laughs and shakes his head. “Harbor is not interested.”
“Whatever.” Gavin leans against the back of his chair and crosses his arms while studying the both of us. “You two are pathetic. Don’t even know when women want you.”
What the fuck?“I know when a woman wants me.”
“Right,” he scoffs. “You walked in here with flames coming out of your ears.”
“I did not.”
“Bullshit.” He grins. “What did you think? Layla has her eyes set on Cole. You did, and it had you raging mad. Now that you know that isn’t the case, what’re you going to do about it?”
“Nothing.”Fuck.I wasn’t expecting Gavin, of all people, to call me out on my bullshit. It’s a little out of left field.
“Layla’s right. You’re a pussy.”
“Screw you, Gavin.” I glare at him. I’ve never been a pussy.
“How long are you going to be in Meadow Bay?”
“Two more months.”
“Then, make them worth your while.” He slides his chair back and stands.
My mouth gapes. He’s giving me his blessing to pursue Layla. “What happens when I leave?”
“None of us know what tomorrow brings. For once, do something ballsy, open your mind to the possibilities. Go with your gut. Two months might be all you ever have, or it might be the beginning of forever.”
“And what about Chief Monroe?” I glance over my shoulder to make sure he can’t hear our conversation.
“Don’t tell him anything.” I whip my head back around to see if he’s serious. His facial expression is somber. “First, get to know her better and find out if you’re interested in something more than a one-nights stand.” His eyes narrow into slits. “Because that’s not good enough. She deserves more than that. And if there’s no spark there, there’s nothing to worry about. And if there is, you can cross that bridge later. Chief Monroe is a bigger softy than you think.”
“No, he’s not.” I shake my head. “He was very clear when he told me to stay away from her.”
“Shit.” Gavin leans forward, dropping the feet of his chair back onto the cement. “He sought you out and told you stay away from her?”
“Yes.” I rake a hand through my hair.
“Damn.” Gavin chuckles. “That’s classic.”
Shit. I’m screwed.
Chapter Twenty-One
Layla
As I arrive at Gavin and Delaney’s house, I question the sanity of my decision making. When Delaney called yesterday afternoon, she made it clear Gavin invited all the off-duty firemen, including Kameron. She made a special emphasis on Kameron’s name.
Do I pursue a physical relationship with him or continue going about my boring, celibate life waiting for Mr. Right to show up and sweep me off my feet?How’s that working out for you?
Cold and lonely.
I shift my Kia Optima into park, open the door, and swing my legs out of the vehicle. After my sandals slap on the concrete drive, I suck down the scent of freshly cut grass. It’s a beautiful, sunny, no clouds in the sky, kind of day. Nothing could be sweeter.
As I navigate the driveway, I walk past several vehicles I recognize as Gavin and Kameron’s co-workers.
A breeze blows my hair away from my face, and my stomach growls.Burgers and hot dogs. Yum.At the end of the driveway closest to Gavin’s garage is Kameron’s lifted, black pickup truck. My heart slams in my chest, and I stop. My fingers shake, and I make a U-turn.I can’t do this.