Page 63 of Forever Flirting

“This is Caleb,” Everly said easily, looking at Killian, and seeing the awareness in her brother’s eyes – and in Paradox’s expression that suddenly grew hard. “Mallory, this is my brother’s coworker, and he goes by his call sign - Paradox.”

“Nice to meet you,” she said quietly, holding out her hand, and before Everly could say something to let her know Paradox didn’t shake people’s hands… the silent man took Mallory’s hand in his, brushing his lips across her knuckles, shocking everyone.

Mallory’s mouth dropped open as she snatched her hand back, staring at him in surprise and confusion.

“We need to go, Ricochet…” Paradox said bluntly. “Now.”

“Okay,” Everly said nervously, feeling almost as confused as Mallory was looking, still looking like she’d seen something disturbing or monstrous like the Swamp Thing… or perhaps a true rarity like a unicorn.

“Mallory, I’ll be back later.”

“We’ll be here,” she said easily. “Should I make you dinner?”

“No, thank you.”

“Let’s go,” Killian suddenly interrupted, just as she was about to open her mouth and invite Mallory out of habit – and feeling slightly bad for the woman that looked exceedingly lonely right now, standing off to the side with Caleb.

“Maestro sent you something,” Killian said quietly, “The faster we drop off our bags at Flyboys, the faster I can dig it out for you.”

“Go,” Mallory said, waving slightly and heading up to the front door without a second glance… almost as if she was fleeing from Paradox, who was watching her with his arms crossed over his chest and frowning.

“C’mon,” Killian urged again, grabbing Paradox’s elbow, only to see the other man shrug him off.

As they climbed in the car, Everly felt the tenseness of the atmosphere between the men and was curious at how he acted with Mallory versus her. Maybe he knew she was interested or starting a relationship with Alex?

Had Killian said something to him, just like she’d said something to her brother to keep Killian away from Mallory… and why did Mallory act so politely standoffish?

Pulling up to Flyboys, she assumed the ‘reunion’ would be something that would encompass the two men, and hung out at her vehicle awkwardly, because she barely knew these people except when they came to her office for checkups… and she couldn’t be more wrong.

She was bombarded by several smiling faces – just as her brother and Paradox were off in the distance, shaking hands with the other former pilots.

“Everly!”

“Oh thank goodness, Everly! When are you coming to hang out again? You know we do a little something every Friday night in random locations. Next Friday we are having Frito Pies at Handsy and Meredith’s house. He has a ton of frozen ground beef, and they are wanting to make a huge batch of chili. Bring a bag of Fritos and c’mon out…”

“This Friday is a bonfire… but only because we have some newbies here for the week.”

“How’s Maestro? When’s he coming back?”

“How are you two doing? How’s Caleb?”

“Did you ever visit his grandmother in Ember Creek yet? You should take Caleb with you – I bet she would love to see him. He’s such a sweet boy.”

People were hugging Everly, patting her on the shoulder, offering her coffee, and welcoming her like some long-lost friend or family member. It was strangely wonderful, and while she expected to be tense at the flurry of questions? There was such a sweet earnestness from the smiling faces, and such genuine openness that she couldn’t help but relax.

“I’m actually going out there this next weekend. Mallory is working and I offered to keep Caleb for the day to help her out. Yes, things are going well. Alex and I are still talking – and he is coming back in two months. Frito Pie sounds divine… and I would love to join you. Can you send me some information or tell me an address?”

Exchanging cell phone numbers with some of the women, she saw Killian walking up with a cardboard box that had seen better days… and felt her heart stop as she realized that was from Alex – for her.

“Let’s grab dinner,” Killian said pointedly, and then looked to Valkyrie, Firefly, and Thumper. “I’ll be back in a bit or can meet you at the bar – just text me later.”

“Will do – have fun, my friend.”

Climbing into her car, they shut the doors and Everly let out her breath nervously, only to see her brother’s knowing smile.

“Merry Christmas?”

“Ha ha…” she drawled, realizing it was so far from Christmas it wasn’t funny.

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