Page 67 of Wine and Research
Jeremy huffed but didn’t answer. The pain was a little too raw to discuss what he’d seen. He remained silent while his buddies secured water from their packs and emptied them in a few large gulps before throwing the bottles in the bin.
“Could it have something to do with the guy Elle was hugging outside your sister’s shop yesterday?” Nico asked.
His body stiffened, and the ache increased.
Scott sent Nico a dirty look. “Ignore him,” his buddy urged. “Did you talk to Elle about it?”
Jeremy shrugged. “Haven’t seen her.”
“Well, I’m sure you know it’s best to collect all the facts before you jump to a conclusion.” Scott’s gaze bored into him.
Of course, he knew that. He’d just kind of forgotten about it where she was concerned.
Damn.
His friend was right. Despite the hurt, a flicker of hope remained, and he longed for a resolution and understanding to the mess.
“There’s another fact-finding mission you may want to consider.” Nico grinned while he cupped Scott’s shoulder. “Your sister marched into the station yesterday to return our boy’s toolbox.”
Jeremy blinked, then shook his head to clear it as he tried to comprehend the new subject.
“Fuck you, Martelli,” Scott grumbled, shaking out of Nico’s hold. “I told you, I left it at my grandmother’s, and Jenna was just returning it.”
Now that piqued Jeremy’s interest.
Scott never left his tools or supplies behind. Ever. Nor did he grumble. Scott was an even-keel kind of guy. He wasn’t easily ruffled, which was an important trait as a paramedic and medic in the guard. His buddy was also saving up to buy a boat to sail down to the Florida Keys and stay there. But not while his grandmother was still around. He’d never dessert Loretta. She’d raised him since he was eight and was more like a mother to the guy than a grandmother.
They’d known each other since grade school. All three of them had been thick as thieves ever since. Scott was an excellent paramedic and medic. A helluva friend and an all-around good person.
He was also attracted to Jenna, and it was no secret his sister had carried a torch for the guy for years. Their dancing around each other was getting old, though. The fact Jenna had gone to the station house and handed Scott his toolbox in front of Nico, and who knew who else, definitely proved she was done dancing.
A wave of pride and admiration washed through Jeremy. Jenna was finally taking control of her life. First, she’d opened her own business, and now, she was making a stand with Scott.
For the first time in over twenty-four hours, a smile tugged at his lips. “Sounds to me like my sister’s getting tired of waiting for you to make a move and did it first.”
Nico snickered. “Pretty sure Scottdidmake a move, and that’s what caused him to “forget” his toolbox.”
Scott narrowed his eyes, and anger uncharacteristically flickered in his gaze, but he remained silent.
His lack of denial spoke volumes to Jeremy.
“’Bout time you two kissed,” he said, surprising his buddies.
Scott’s eyes rounded and jaw dropped, while Nico, who was in the middle of downing a second bottle of water, started to choke.
Good for him, Jeremy thought with a grin.
“Wait…” Nico sputtered. “You’re okay with that?”
He shrugged. “You were okay with Lucas dating your sister.”
A few years ago, the overprotective tyrant had shocked everyone when he’d openly condoned a relationship between Lucas, the new guard transfer from Texas, and Evie. It had been a shock, and an astute move, since the couple was now happily married.
Jeremy would love nothing more than for his sister to find that happiness.
“Yeah, true.” Nico nodded. “But since when are you okay with one of your friends crossing the ‘no-dating my sibling’ line?”
Scott nodded, stepping close to feel his forehead. “No fever.”
