Page 80 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
“What do you mean?” Tanner says.
“Well, there’s four of us and one of her. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what I’m trying to say here.”
“I asked her out first, so if we’re going on technicality…” Tanner trails off.
Jace barks out a laugh. “That’s rich. You’ve known her for what, two days? I’ve known her for more than two decades now. We practically grew up together.”
“But you also haven’t spoken to her in the past decade,” I point out.
Jace frowns. “That wasn't my choice. And aren’t you a little old for her?”
“I don’t think Emily has a problem with that,” I reply with a smirk. I have no doubt about that.
Tanner’s the first to break the silence, shaking his head with a wry grin. “You know, we’re all sitting here like a bunch of idiots. Maybe we should just duel each other, old-school style, and let Emily choose the last man standing.”
Jace snorts, downing the rest of his drink. “Right. I can just picture it now—us in a snow-covered field, pistols at dawn. Real civilized.”
Ben chuckles, leaning back in his chair, but there’s an edge to his amusement. “If it comes down to a duel, you’re all screwed. I’ve got way better aim.”
Tanner raises an eyebrow, smirking. “You think you can take me? I was state champion in wrestling, buddy. I could have you on your ass before you even think about pulling the trigger.”
I roll my eyes. “Survival instincts, boys. And that’s where I’ve got the edge.”
Jace shakes his head. “Survival instincts? Dude, I’ve seen you almost freeze your ass off more times than I can count. You might be tough but hate the cold more than anyone here.”
Axel shrugs, his grin widening. “Doesn’t mean I can’t outlast you when it counts.”
“You’re just jealous you don’t have my grace,” Jace says.
“Yeah,” I say, smirking into my glass, “jealous isn’t the word I’d use.”
Jace shakes his head, the corner of his mouth twitching up in a half-smile. “So what happens after the duel? Winner takes all?”
Ben shrugs, taking a sip of his drink. “I mean, that would simplify things. But I’m not really in the mood to get shot or stabbed over a woman.”
Jace snorts. “Yeah, because nothing says, ‘let’s handle this like adults’ quite like shooting at each other in the middle of a snowstorm.”
“Or,” Ben says, his expression thoughtful, “we could just arm-wrestle for her. Quick and easy. Plus, no bloodshed.”
Tanner laughs. “Oh, please. We all know Axel would win that one. The guy’s basically a brick wall with arms.”
I raise an eyebrow, a slow grin creeping onto my face. “I like those odds.”
“Of course you do,” Ben mutters, rolling his eyes. “You’d probably crush our hands in the process.”
Tanner chuckles. “I vote we don’t do anything that involves broken bones or possible disfigurement. I like my face the way it is, thanks.”
“Yeah,” Jace adds with a smirk. “And we all know how much your face means to the ladies.”
Tanner pretends to adjust his collar, grinning. “What can I say? I’ve got a reputation to maintain.”
“Seriously, though,” Ben cuts in, shaking his head. “As much as I enjoy a good joke about dueling and arm-wrestling, we’re not going to settle this with brute force.”
“Yeah,” I agree, setting my glass down and glancing at each of them. “It’s not about which one of us can beat the others in some competition. It’s about what Emily wants. If she wants any of us at all.”
There’s a moment of silence as that reality sinks in. We all want her—hell, we’re all ready to fight for her—but none of us can change the fact that it’s ultimately her decision. And none of us are in control of it.
“Duel or no duel,” I say, leaning forward and meeting each of their gazes, “we all know this isn’t going to be easy.”
