Page 56 of Average Joe

I hadn’t a clue. “What?”

“Never mind.” He shook the thought away and hit me with twin dimples and dazzling white teeth. “Joe’s as good as they come. Want my opinion?”

“No, not—” I started, but he didn’t let me finish.

“Give that guy the benefit of the doubt. You think you know him based on a few facts. But that guy next door? He’s the best man you’re ever gonna know.” He cocked an eyebrow in challenge, then scuffed a foot and chuckled. “Besides, any fool can see you’re a match made in—”

“Hell?” It was my turn to interrupt.

With a huff, he looked over his shoulder, waved to Joe, then met my glare, his brows quirked in a cocky,you know I’m rightexpression. “Bye, neighbor.”

“It’s Marley,” I grumbled. “And tell Joe to keep his mutt out of my yard. I’ve had to fill three holes under the fence this week.”

Frank shook his head and left me to stew on my porch. I watched, seething, while he greeted Ginger with a pat and the two men made their way inside Joe’s garage without another glance my way.

“Good riddance,” I mumbled, the insult falling flat at my feet.

I grabbed my phone and laptop, headed outside with a new box of Milk Bones, then snagged the rubber ball because it was only a matter of time before my new bestie scrambled under the fence to play.

* * *

The chip in my Black Onyx nail lacquer, though annoying, served as a welcome distraction and an outlet for my nervous energy. Fleck by fleck, I picked, focused on the mindless task instead of worrying myself silly over life’s more significant issues.

“Marley!” Marco shouted, jerking the wheel left, then right, throwing me side to side, shaking me from my introspect. He laughed, then asked, “You okay? You’re awful quiet this morning.”

I studied the man to my left. In Lilly’s eyes, Marco Vicente was perfection. I couldn’t disagree. I’d yet to find a flaw, but, as I knew too well, some imperfections took longer to surface.

“Thanks again, Marco. This means everything to me.”

A smile cracked his face. “No worries, Marls. The guys were happy to step up, especially since you offered free beer and pizza.” Marco rested one hand over his coffee mug, the other on the steering wheel. “Besides, Lilly would have my balls if I didn’t help.”

I laughed. “Well, that’s true.”

Investigators had given me the go-ahead to clean up the rubble, and the guys were to meet us at ten, dressed for demolition and disposal. We turned the corner and pulled into the lot where Pink Sweets used to boast a steady line of patrons.

“What the hell?” I leaned forward to get a better look, my heart rate spiking.

Nothing remained but charred marks on the pavement. Singleton, Tye, and Shawn stood in a circle engaged in animated conversation.

I hopped out of the beat-up Ford and sighed a breath of relief. “You’ve finished already?” I pulled Singleton into a hug, not because I wanted to hughimnecessarily but because I was so damn surprised, grateful and, well, happy. “I can’t believe this.”

“Done?” Singleton’s arms tightened around me. “We just got here. Place was emptied.”

Though tall and fit and definitely handsome, Singleton had zero effect on my libido. The embrace we shared was lovely but innocent in every way.

Two large motorcycles turned the corner, coming our way, one of which I recognized. At that familiar, rumbly sound and the daunting form commanding the metal beast, my body tensed, my skin shrinking around my muscles like a warm hug. A familiar Chevy followed and parked in the far corner.

I turned, still in Singleton’s embrace, as Joe cut the engine and dismounted. His booted feet planted on the pavement, his stance solid and intimidating as he raised those glorious arms to remove his helmet. Swear to the caffeine gods, he singed me with a glare so volatile my insides revolted, tightening into an unforgiving knot.

Officer Frank Garcia hopped out of the Chevy, his thick-soled Danners hitting the pavement like thunder.

Singleton backed us away. If out of possession or fear, I couldn’t tell. Joe detected the shift, his death glare aimed at our joined bodies. What a morbid thrill to catch him noticing, but what a betrayal the way my insides buzzed and hummed. I clung to Singleton but was one hundred percent tuned in to Joe.

“Hi,” I managed to rasp. “What’s up?”

“Hi, neighbor,” he grunted, tucking his helmet under one arm, wiping his brow with the back of his other, his severe glare bouncing between Singleton and me. “Heard they were done with the investigation. Guys and I thought we’d clean up this morning.”

“You did this?” It took some maneuvering, but I managed to wiggle free of the arms cinched around my back.

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