Page 89 of Wild Fires

“That's none of your goddamn business.”

Dan snorted. “Yup, you're right. Wow, you and Davenport? I don't see it.”

Andrew burst out laughing. The full belly kind that shook the bench we were sharing.

I glared at him, wishing my real gift was the ability to shoot daggers from my eyes.

“You're like night and day. You'll kill each other.”

“What do you mean?” Big Dick asked, sounding concerned.

“We all know what a slob Gracie is,” Andrew started.

“Hey!” I protested.

“Oh, it's true. Found your panties in the bathroom again just the other day,” Guffy confessed.

“And you're always hanging your bras up in there,” Dan agreed.

“Just be thankful you don't have to wear one. That's not being a slob. You aren't supposed to put them in the dryer,” I tried to explain. “Would you rather I hang them up in the bunkroom?”

“No!” they all said.

“Take them home and wash them,” Rodney suggested.

“But I spend more time at the station.”

“Not for long,” Andrew said. “Soon the bras will be a Ryan problem. Are you even aware of how much it will drive him insane? Ryan likes everything neat and tidy.”

“Then as long as I hang my bras in their designated place then he'll be fine.”

I didn't even realize what I'd said until it was out of my mouth. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. They were goading me into confessing that I actually did want a life with Mr. Mayor, Ryan Davenport.

Assholes.

I wasn't even fully ready to admit that to myself.

“Ryan is the most picky and particular man I know.”

“And you know him so well, right Andrew?” I said sarcastically.

“Well yeah. Our siblings are mated, that sort of bonds people together in odd ways. I'm closer with Dean and David, but Ryan and I are cool. He's just always so busy and distracted. I can't see you settling for that. That's all.”

I didn't really get the whole “our siblings are mated so we're friends” connection, but Andrew seemed to believe the bullshit he was spouting.

Plus, he was wrong. When Ryan was with me, he was one hundred percent with me. Sure, he had responsibilities, but so did I. If he could grow to respect my job, then I could deal with him.

“She's going to become a trophy mate and be paraded around on his arm,” Guffy teased.

“That would be the funniest shit ever,” Dan howled.

“What? You don't think I can handle that? I'm pretty enough. I could rock the shit out of being a trophy wife. He should be so lucky.”

We all knew that was bullshit, but the hell if I was going to let them think they were getting under my skin.

“You'd be some sexy arm candy for sure.”

“Thanks Big Dick. At least someone has a little confidence in me.”

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