Page 65 of Tough Nut to Crack

"What in the world is going on between you and Mac Hammer?"

Sage chuckles, and Madison sits on a barstool in the breakfast area, fully invested in what my response is going to be.

"We have sex," I say with a shrug, feeling a little weird to be having this conversation with more than just Sage. I haven't really had a close-knit group of female friends in a very long time, but I like the idea of being able to discuss things with people who are in committed relationships since I have almost no experience at all.

"No," Madison says, pointing a finger at me. "It's more than that."

"Spill," Adalynn demands.

I continue to work, grateful to have something to do with my hands as I talk.

"We hooked up a few weeks ago. Then I went to his house to make a meal for the McGees."

"Please don't burn my kitchen down," Madison says absently as if she just remembered rumors about what happened at Mac's house that night.

"Don't seduce me when I have something cooking on the stove," I tell her with a wink, smiling when one spreads clear across her face.

"So that's what happened?" Madison asks as she leans in even closer.

"That's what happened," I respond. "Then we hooked up again. After that, he tried to blackmail me."

"What?" Adalynn snaps, angry in my defense.

"Well, he said my bed was comfortable, and he hated staying at the hotel. Blah, blah."

"All because he wanted to be close to her," Sage interjects.

"Is that true?" Madison asks. "Are you dating now?"

"You saw how he was last night," Adalynn says. "He all but peed a circle around her."

Madison snaps her hand toward her best friend. "That imagery is so gross."

"He said I washislast night," I blurt.

"His?" Sage repeats with a wide grin. "He claimed you like-"

I point a finger at her, halting her from speaking further. "This is my life, not a romance novel."

"My life is like a romance novel," Adalynn says.

"Mine, too," Madison adds with a quick shrug.

"I don't even know what it means," I mutter as I walk to the sink to rinse my hands.

"Yes, you do," Sage says. "You know exactly what it means. You're just scared."

"Of course I'm scared. He said he wanted to take care of me. I don't need to be taken care of."

"I don't think he means that he feels a need to rescue you right now," Madison adds, her tone a little softer.

"But he would if you needed it," Adalynn interjects. "Even if you didn't want it."

"That man is full-on in love with you," Sage says.

"That man just doesn't want to lose his bedroom in my house until his house is functional again," I mutter.

"He didn't have to claim you to keep staying there," Sage clarifies.

---