Page 61 of Forever to Fall
Evan plopped the bag down on the coffee table and crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t know, Mal. I’m wrapping up a to-go order and hear Helen give the driver the address.”
Beckett gulped, unsure how to intervene. “Then I’m thinking, why is Mal ordering all of my favorites to her place?” A huge grin cracked his handsome face as Evan beamed. He threw his arms wide before falling back onto the couch. “Then it occurred to me that CeCe told you she’s out of town tonight. You guys wanted to keep me company.”
Beckett’s entire body slumped with relief as his buddy settled into the spot previously occupied by their little trio. While he was relieved not to be caught, he was a little annoyed that his and Mallory’s evening was being interrupted. It was hard to snuggle up to a cult documentary—don’t judge his comfort viewing—and the woman he loved when his best friend was literally sitting between them.
Mallory groaned but covered it quickly. “I’ll get some plates,” she said to no one in particular as she stomped into the kitchen.
“I’ll grab drinks,” Beckett offered, hot on her heels.
Evan picked up the remote and kicked his feet out. “And I’ll find something good to watch on TV. Are you two trying to depress yourselves with this crap?”
Beckett grabbed a few cans of seltzers as Mallory pulled down a stack of plates. While she pulled out utensils, she muttered, “I will not stab my brother, I will not stab my brother...”
Glancing quickly into the living room, Beckett confirmed Evan was in his own world, messing with Fernando and finding something to watch that didn’t involve brainwashing and murder. He reached out and smoothed Mallory’s hair off her neck. Dipping down, he peppered the tender skin with kisses until she moaned. “You’re trying to get us caught?” Her question was husky and dripping with need.
He felt that sensation tight in his gut. Frankly, he wasn’t certain he could survive a whole night without touching Mallory. “I’m sorry,” he said, not really meaning it. His mouth continued its path up her neck and ended at her lips with a chaste kiss. “I can’t stay away from you.”
Mallory’s head dipped forward until their foreheads were touching. “I can’t stay away from you either.”
Their private tableau was interrupted by the sound of ripping paper and hissing. “Fernando!” Evan yelled as Mallory sprinted back into the living room.
Beckett was right behind her, stumbling when he found the mess the cat created. Strips of paper were strewn all over the living room floor; the sad remains of some of Mallory’s gossip magazines. Fernando hissed, his back arched, as Evan tried to pick him up. “Come here, fella,” Evan cooed, but the cat wasn’t interested in being cornered.
Mallory strode between them and scooped up Fernando, holding him at arm’s length to avoid scratches. “We’ve been over this, big guy.” She chastised the cat as she stormed into her bedroom. Beckett followed her, opening the crate door as she put the cat in time out. “You get out when you can behave with company.”
“I’m sorry, Mal. I’ll help with the mess.” Beckett took her hand and pulled her to his chest for a far-too-quick embrace.
By the time they joined Evan again, the living room was tidied up. The only evidence that anything had happened was the smaller stack of magazines propped up by the sofa. Mallory sighed. “Why does Fernando always go for the new ones? Now I’ll never know who that new Netflix star is dating.”
Evan snorted. “Yeah, it’s a shame no one invented the internet.” He was rewarded for his quip with a flick to the forehead. “Ow,” he muttered as he followed Beckett and Mallory back to the kitchen for plates.
Beckett did the honors of unpacking the bag, discovering that Evan in fact threw in an extra sandwich for himself. He couldn’t help it, but Beckett bristled at this. It wasn’t that the trio didn’t hang out together often, but lately, it felt like Evan was inserting himself into every possible private moment with Mallory. Was he reading too much into this? Was it simply Evan’s excitement over having his best friend back in town?
Beckett registered the moment Mallory realized Evan brought food for himself. Their eyes locked over a box of tater tots, and she rolled her eyes. As if reading their minds, Evan asked, “Did I remember to throw in some of Max’s homemade ranch?”
Mallory retrieved three small ramekins of the heavenly sauce. “The short answer is yes, but that’s only if you’re planning on sharing.”
Evan snatched a ramekin and stalked out to the couch. By the time Beckett and Mallory joined him, they were stationed at the far corners of the sofa. The TV had a paused screen with a favorite martial arts movie. “Oh, hell yeah!” Beckett exclaimed as he eased back onto the cushion and popped a tater tot into his mouth.
“I haven’t seen this one in a while.” Mallory agreed, taking a bite from a delicious-looking hoagie. Beckett tried to hide his annoyance that they were supposed to be sharing sandwiches, but they couldn’t do that now. Sharing food was a couple thing, something intimate that crossed a line of regular friendship.
“Yeah, one of the streaming services picked up the whole series. I’ve been watching them with CeCe.”
They watched the movie in companionable silence until the ending credits. Mallory stood and collected the dishes, but Evan offered to do the cleanup. As he clattered in the kitchen, Beckett reached out and snatched her hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss her knuckles.
“He’s going to want to leave with you,” Mallory said, her expression unreadable.
Beckett’s shoulders slumped and he shook his head. “Maybe not? Or I could always come back?”
Mallory didn’t have a chance to answer as the man in question bounded back into the room. “I just realized how late it is. We should probably head out, Foxy.” Evan’s big hand clapped Beckett on the back, causing him to stagger. Turning to his sister, he added, “Thanks for hosting. It was like old times.”
“It was.” Mallory gave her brother a quick hug and turned to Beckett. If this would have been before, she’d punch his arm and send him on his way. But this time, she didn’t. Mallory strode forward and pulled Beckett in for a hug that crushed his ribs. “Thanks for coming over, Beckett,” she whispered in his ear, her nose bumping his glasses out of place.
“C’mon, Foxy,” Evan said, shoving his friend through the door. “Let’s give Mal and Fernando some peace.”
Beckett felt his feet move without his consent, bringing him all the way to his car. When he turned back to Mallory’s door, it was already closed, the front light turned off. If that wasn’t a message, he didn’t know what was.
Sighing, he yanked his door open and was about to turn on the car when Evan joined him. “Hey, quick question.”
