Page 19 of Turbulent Fires

“And he’s not alone,” Maverick adds, eyeing the phone in my hand like it’s a nuclear device. “Still leashed to the mysterious woman you can’t stop texting?”

Nick groans dramatically. “It’s been six weeks of whining about this woman and two full weeks of texting. You might as well get the marriage license and head to the courthouse.”

I roll my eyes. “Texting is nowhere near marriage,” I say with a laugh. I slide in next to Jayden. “It’s a very effective form of communication.”

“With little emojis showing your brain is no older than thirteen,” Drake says, grinning at me as if he’s caught me belting out a teeny bopper tune.

“Maybe an emoji or two, but how else does a person show what they’re feeling?” I think it’s reasonable. Their teasing doesn’t bother me in the least little bit. I’m too wrapped up in Audrey to take offense.

Ace leans forward, his arms crossed on the table. “I’ve never seen you texting one person this much. Hell, you never even call a woman for a second date. And when you message any of us, it’s short, sweet, and to the point. I bet there’s more than texting going on, I bet some steamy stuff’s happening.”

Right on cue, my phone buzzes. I can’t stop the smile from appearing on my lips, which doesn’t go unnoticed as the men around the table laugh at me. I wait to check the message for a moment, not needing any of them to be looking over my shoulder. It’s killing me to wait, but this is boys’ night so I can’t be texting her the entire time. I need to have some boundaries... right?

Audrey:As I lie back in this tub covered in bubbles, I realize it really is big enough for two. I can stretch out so much better all on my own, though.

I’m instantly turned on and grinning like a lunatic. I’m going to have this woman beneath me . . . it’s only a matter of time. She might be skittish, but she’s a lot flirtier and more open through texting. If this is what it takes to win her over, I’m willing to put in the time. I like it anyway. I’m getting to know her in ways I’ve never tried getting to know a woman before. I don’t realize how much I’m grinning until Drake speaks.

“That’s it. The man’s officially gone.”

“Wolf’s been abducted by the girlfriend aliens,” Cooper agrees, raising his glass in mock sympathy.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” I insist. “Hell, we haven’t even had an official date yet.”

“Don’t matter, it’s gonna happen. You’re both hooked even if you might’ve found your match in a very stubborn partner,” Jayden mutters.

“She’s... different,” I say, not knowing why I’m explaining myself. The table quiets for a beat or two. It isn’t much, but I’m admitting that it’s more than me trying to get her into my bed only to forget her the next morning. A man who doesn’t care doesn’t admit this.

Cooper gives me a quizzical look. “You really do like this woman, don’t you?”

I don’t respond immediately. I don’t have to. My face says it all. This has gone past obsession into something more. I’ve never had a serious relationship before so I’m unsure how to proceed. I can’t imagine being exclusive with a woman, but the thought of hurting Audrey is like a knife stabbing me. If I go all in with her, I’m going all the way. I haven’t made that decision yet, which is why I haven’t pushed harder for a date. I also haven’t been with another woman since meeting her. That’s really saying something because I’ve had many offers.

Jayden leans back, his face growing more serious. “What is it about this woman that makes her different?” he asks. It’s rare we talk seriously on boys’ night. I could wave it away or talk for a minute about this woman before I tuck her away and have a good time with the guys.

“She doesn’t seem to care who I am. She looks past the swagger and show I always put on. She’s not impressed with me being a pilot, and doesn’t seem to care if I have money or not. She hasn’t tried to see what I can do for her or how much money I make. She does, however, like to call me out on my crap, which I’m not used to. She’s funny, sexy, and has such a quick wit that it makes me want to beg her to keep speaking. I don’t know. I can’t imagine ever growing bored with her. She’s... unique.”

Maverick gives a low whistle before grinning. “She puts you in your place, huh? Can’t say I don’t enjoy that.”

“She challenges me. I love it,” I admit with a laugh. “Probably love it more than I should.”

The teasing slows. For just a moment, we’re a bunch of guys who’ve flown too many miles, made a few too many headlines, and have had love and loss in our lives, and actually care about each other’s happiness. Considering that most of my friends are now happily married men, maybe they’re thinking it’s about time I settle down. A shudder runs through me. The wordmarriageis terrifying even though I’ve seen a hell of a lot of great examples of true love all around me for most of my life. I know there are a lot of bad ones out there, but all those good ones are beginning to make it look better than I’ve always thought.

A few more questions are asked before laughter ensues. We can’t stay too serious very long on boys’ night or we’d break the bro code we set years earlier.

“What I’m hearing is that it’s time for a bet,” Drake says with an evil grin, one he mastered at the age of five.

I groan and roll my eyes. “Not going to happen.”

“Too late,” Ace says as he rubs his hands together. “Old-school rules. First one to get a yes to a date wins. Can’t be a repeat date. No calling up your guaranteed hookups. It has to be someone new.” He pauses. “And clearly only applies to the single men sitting here.”

All of the Armstrong brothers laugh as they’re all happily married men who wouldn’t think of cheating on their beautiful wives. I respect them immensely for this.

“What’s the prize?” Nick asks. He’s all in on this since he’s going to sit back and watch my brothers and me scramble at this game if we choose to play.

“Losers clean the Avalon house next time we’re all here,” Drake immediately says. “Including the bathrooms from top to bottom.” A collective groan circles the table.

“What are you guys groaning about? You won’t have to clean,” I point out as I look at Cooper.

“It’s a sympathy groan. Sorry brother, you’re most likely losing. I don’t see you even attempting to get any date other than with Audrey,” Cooper replies.

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