Page 132 of Three for a Girl

“Joke’s on you because I know this one. The sand was wet because the seaweed.”

Romeo’s scrunched his face up, shaking his head. “No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“The sand was wet because of the changing tide. Thought everyone knew about the sea and tides. It comes in, it goes out.”

Chad reached down for a lump of dirt and threw it at Romeo. He dodged out of the way, smirking.

“I’ve got another one.”

“Please spare me.”

Romeo licked his lips. “What do Chad Fuller and Romeo Knight have in common?”

“Besides murder, besides being abnormal?”

“Don’t ruin my joke.”

“Fine. I don’t know, what do Chad Fuller and Romeo Knight have in common?”

Romeo gazed up and down Chad’s panting form.

Chad quirked his eyebrow, awaiting the punchline.

“We’re both breathtaking…”

Chad bit his tongue, and mumbled, “That’s completely inappropriate.”

“Is it?”

“And I’m not.”

“Well, you’re stealing my breath and I stole his.”

Even looking at Carter couldn’t kill the smile on Chad’s face or the tickle of a laugh in his throat. “It’s messed up.”

Romeo held up his hands. “You’re right… I should respect present company.”

Chad lifted the spade poised to resume digging, but Romeo spoke again, stopping him in his tracks.

“A doctor, a serial killer, and a complete and utter asshole walk into a bar … and that was just the first guy.”

Chad laughed until his sides ached.

“You’re the asshole.”

“Making you laugh feels good.”

“Even at a time like this.”

“Especially at a time like this.”

Chad’s gaze was drawn to Carter again, and he swallowed, ending his laugh.

“How are you feeling?” Romeo asked.

“Worn out.”

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