Page 8 of War

Amantha nodded. “I'm good. You guys enjoy your dinner.”

Going out was different for a woman on her own, though. Someone could hurt her.

...Did I feel protective of her? Was that what this feeling was?

Joey said, “Thanks. Have a nice night.”

“Good night.” Amantha waved and smiled at us.

“Night,” I said, preoccupied.

Amantha gave me a weird look but turned her attention back to her monitor.

Joey and I walked out the door, going to Joey's car in the parking lot. It was a basic silver sedan.

I glanced back at Amantha through the window.

She focused on her monitor. One of her fingers twirled a strand of pink hair around it as she concentrated. Adorable.

Was this what friendship with a female felt like? Was friendship with women that different from friendship with men? I'd never been friends with a woman before.

A text must have come through on Amantha's phone because she glanced down at the screen and smiled.

Warmth at her happiness filled my chest. But so did jealousy for whoever pulled that reaction from her.

After staring at her for a moment. I opened the passenger door and climbed into Joey's car.

As Joey started the ignition, I decided to set my unusual feelings aside. I wanted to be friends with her. Surely, I could make “just friends” with a woman happen. I’d put all thoughts of sex aside and treat her like a nun... Err, poor comparison. Nuns weren't “off limits” in my mind. A sibling. There we go. I'd treat her like a sibling.

“What's up with you?” Joey asked. “You're acting weird.”

He shifted into reverse and backed out of the parking spot.

“Nothing. I'm tired, that's all,” I said.

“Well, snap out of it. I expect a lively conversation at dinner.”

I appreciated his effort to put me in a better mood. I smiled. “Only if you're buying.”

Joey snorted and shifted to drive. He shook his head and pulled the car out of the parking lot. “I'll pay tonight if it puts you in a better mood. But you get us next time.”

I chuckled. “Fine.”

Chapter 5

During a gap between clients the next day, I perched on the edge of Amantha's desk.

“Hey, sugar tits.”

“Hey, salty balls.” She looked away from her computer monitor, her hazel gaze settling on mine.

I smiled and raked my teeth over my bottom lip. I liked our banter. This friendship thing was nice. Maybe it would work out.

“Busy today?”

She nodded. “Absolutely. Phones are ringing off the hook, and a ton of mobile requests came in. The advertising push really brought in customers. You guys are booked solid for the next two months.”

“Good.” I grinned and nodded. “Guaranteed jumps for the next two months. I like it.”

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