Page 39 of You're All I Need

He shifts in his seat but doesn’t seem as uncomfortable as I expected him to. “Well, I’ve been thinking…”

“Yeah?”

He nods. “It’s too soon and all. I mean, she just moved in with us. But I’ve been thinking, I believe it’ll happen sooner than I was expecting.”

I can’t help but smile, because of all the emotions I anticipated seeing cross my friend’s face, excitement wasn’t at the top of the list. “Who cares if it’s too soon?” I find myself saying. Even if the whole relationship and happily ever after thing isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see my friend happy. And that’s one thing he’s found with Stevie.

He exhales and meets my gaze. “I’m not saying I’m going to ask her tomorrow or even the next day, but the thought of spending the rest of my life with her doesn’t scare me. In fact, it feels…right.”

“I’m glad.”

“I don’t want to rush this. I mean, I messed it up the first time around with Mya.”

“Yeah, but what you and Stevie have is completely different than you and Mya. Even I see that.”

“I know,” he confirms, bouncing in his chair a little. “My relationship with Stevie feels comfortable. We talk easily and she makes me happy. And the sound of her laughter is the best sound in the world. Plus, the kids love her as much as I do.” He takes a deep breath. “Am I crazy? For thinking about marriage again when the first one didn’t work out?”

“No,” I reply honestly.

“What am I doing?” he asks, giving me a sympathetic look. “I know marriage isn’t your thing.”

“No, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me about it. Just because I never want to tie myself down to one woman for the rest of my life doesn’t mean I don’t support your decision to. I think Stevie’s great, and I can see how much you love her. Do I think it’s too soon to think about marriage? Maybe, but what do I know? I’m not living your life, my friend. You are. That’s a decision you and only you can make. When it feels right, I say jump. Don’t live in the past. Your future is in front of you. That’s where your focus should be.”

He gives me a small smile. “You’re right.”

“I know. I’m always right,” I state, giving him a big, cheesy grin.

Jack barks out a laugh. “No you’re not, but in this instance, I believe you are.” He sobers and holds my gaze. “You could take your own advice, you know.”

A lump forms in my throat, making it hard to swallow. I force it away and put a big smile on my face. “We’re not talking about me.”

“We’re not?” he asks, a knowing look in his eyes.

I shake my head and return my attention to the paperwork I need to complete for today’s jobs. I’m honestly happy for Jack, where Stevie is concerned. And just because the whole happily ever after thing isn’t for me, doesn’t mean I don’t want it for him. I most certainly do. I hope his relationship with Stevie works out exactly as he hopes, because I’ve never seen my friend so happy, so content.

After we both finish our tasks and prepare to head home, he asks, “Big plans tonight?”

My mind flashes to Adrienne. I know she’s working tonight, which means any plans I have won’t take place until later. Of course, my night doesn’t have to involve Adrienne at all. There are plenty of numbers in my phone I could call to keep me company, but none hold the appeal. “Not sure,” I reply.

“Well, stop by if you want. I think we’re making homemade pizza on the outdoor pizza grill.”

“I’ll let ya know if I’m stopping by,” I say, grabbing my cell phone and truck keys off my desk and heading for the door.

“Sounds good.” We exit the building and make sure the door is secured before we make our way to our trucks. “Later.”

“See ya,” I reply, climbing into the cab. I pull out of the parking lot, heading for home. Even with the offer for delicious homemade pizza cooked on Jack’s new woodfire outdoor grill, I know where I’ll be heading tonight.

With a smile on my face, I drive home.

Thoughts of a very naked Adrienne filling my mind.

***

I pull open the door that leads to the bar side of Burgers and Brew and let my eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting. Music plays through the speakers and the scent of food fills the air, making my stomach growl. I head for the bar and slide into oneof the empty stools off to the side. There are a few patrons seated at the bar, as well as a handful of pub tables and booths filled around the room, but what I don’t see is the pretty bartender.

I set my phone on the bar top and wait. It only takes a few seconds before I see Adrienne exiting the walk-in cooler, a case of beer bottles in her hands. She spots me instantly, a warm smile sliding across her lips. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

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