Page 86 of Average Joe

“Did you call the police?”

“No,” she muttered, voice trembling. “What good would it do?”

That was an argument for another day. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“Joe.” Finally, her eyes met mine. “I’ve taken care of myself for a very long time.”

“I get that.” I reached for her cheek and wiped at the moisture under her eye. “And I know you’re capable. But you have a sexy fuck buddy right next door, who, if you haven’t noticed, finds every excuse he can to spend time with you.” Willpower drained, I pulled her close and kissed her nose, then her ear before whispering, “Call me when you need help. Use me, for Christ’s sake.”

“Can you stop?” Her voice cracked, but she didn’t move away and instead leaned into my touch.

That slight concession, accepting my comfort, seemed a monumental shift in our dynamic.

“Yeah. Sure. I’m done.” I’d never be finished with Marley.

She looked smaller despite the baggy clothes. As she stepped down from the stool and avoided my gaze to hide tears I’d already seen, it hit me—Marley and Alice were too much alike. Bullheaded. Proud.

My neighbor would never ask for help.

Well, her pride was about to take a hit.

Marley attempted to move the ladder, but I hooked her waist and spun her away from the house. “Go inside and clean up the glass. I’ll finish this.”

“I’m okay.” Her lip quivered, tears spilling. “Really, I’ve got this.”

Like I said—bullheaded. Gripping her chin, I stole a salty kiss and distracted her with my tongue while I unclasped her utility belt. With a hard slap to her ass, I ordered, “Go inside,” then turned my back, nixing any further argument.

Soft footfalls retreated, followed by a door slam. Heh, I’d won that round. What a sweet victory, too.

I finished securing the plywood, put the tools away, considered knocking on her door but instead, headed home and dialed Con.

“Hey.” His voice was gruff, making me wonder if he was alone or halfway to wooing a woman into his bed.

Didn’t matter. Con wouldn’t have answered were he on a date. “Remember last month when that cashier at Home Depot slipped me her number, but I gave it to you?”

“And I got the best blow job of my life?”

Ginger leapt onto the couch, pushed under my arm, and settled against my side. “Yeah.”

“What? You see her again? She ask about me?”

“Time to return the favor.” I stared at an old stain on the ceiling. More shit to add to my to-do list.

“You need a date? Did Marley finally kick you to the curb? ’Cause I know a few ladies who’re actually into criminals.”

Though his jab stung, I didn’t take the bait. “No. I need someone to replace a window. Today.”

“I’ve got a guy on speed dial.” He huffed a laugh. “I’ll have him give you a call.”

“You’re the best, man.” Seriously, I couldn’t ask for better friends, and their career choices came in handy on countless occasions. Frank being a cop, and Con, a construction king.

“Like I said, best blow job of my life.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Con would’ve done me a solid regardless, but I enjoyed reminding the cocky bastard that the hot chick in aisle nine had hit on me first.

Forty-five minutes later, Ruston Howerton of Rusty’s Window Repair met me outside of Marley’s house. She watched from her porch while he backed his red Tundra into her driveway.

I figured she’d be unhappy. Expected a fight when she glared hellfire in my direction. It killed me when her red, swollen eyes started to leak again.

---