Page 41 of Mine to Love

“Are you guys going to Kerlin’s?” Melinda stands, packing her briefcase. “They have the best brisket.”

“Kerlin’s?” Doug snorts. “Terry Black’s is the best.”

I leave them to discuss barbecue while I return to my office and think about the contents of my fridge. A few bottles of beer, leftover Thai, and some questionable containers of yogurt. I’ve been traveling between Maine and Texas so often now I don’t bother to keep the fridge stocked.

Barbecue sounds delicious, but dinner with Reese sounds even better. Doug shoots his head in my office doorway. “Clocking out. Need anything before I go?”

I shake my head. “No, thanks.”

Something crosse Doug’s face and he steps inside the office. “When was the last time you ate?”

“Ate?”

“Yeah. Like food. I didn’t see you eat lunch, and you didn’t ask me to order you anything.”

“Haven’t had time, I guess.”

“Why don’t you join us?”

“Join you?” Hell, I sound like a parrot.

“Since Reese will be working with you in Maine, you might as well start getting to know her now. She’s really nice. You’ll like her.”

Oh, I like her. Like her too much.

Joining them for dinner is a good idea. Having Doug as a chaperone will make sure I keep my lust in place.

“Okay. Sure.”

“Great. Max brought her back to the hotel to change. I’m heading there now to pick her up. Want to come with or meet us there?”

I want to be the one to pick her up, but that would be out of character. “I’m going to finish up a few things here first. I’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.”

Not wanting to seem too eager, I stayed longer than I wanted, getting a jump on some of my to-do list for tomorrow. When I figured Doug had plenty of time to get Reese and fight traffic, I close my computer and head to the parking garage.

It’s a beautiful evening to put the top down on my Audi, but I keep it up because...because I never put it down. I questioned my decision on buying a convertible when I’m not the convertible type.

Maybe some part of me deep down longed to be that guy. The type cruising the boulevard with the top down, music blaring, and a beautiful woman next to him. Save that for my brothers. Nick and Holden are happily married and are most definitely the type to cruise around casually, not a care in the world but making love to their woman.

I rub the ache in my chest and start the engine. My fingers linger over the button to lower the top. Instead, I turn up the all-news station and listen to two financial analysts discuss the volatile stock market.

The barbecue joint is crowded, and I find a spot at the end of the lot. None of the people milling about the parking lot and sitting on the picnic tables are wearing suits. A few look like they came off work but aren’t wearing their ties or coats.

I take them off, remembering when I had nachos with Reese at The Beer Garden a few weeks ago. Rolling up my sleeves, I follow the rich sugary sweet and smoky barbecue aroma inside. I find Reese and Doug at a table. She changed into a tank top and pulled her hair into a high ponytail.

Her laughter is what really catches my attention. She’s a free spirit with Doug, with Emerson, with anyone but me. I’d love to be the one to elicit a laugh from her that carries through a crowded restaurant.

I know the moment she sees me. The laughter stops, the smile relaxes, and her shoulders draw back. Doug cranes his neck and spots me, waving me over, then says something to Reese, who nods slowly.

Her disappointment is clear. She didn’t know I was joining them. This is a bad idea. I reach the table and greet them both. “I’m going to order takeout and bring my meal home. You two enjoy dinner.”

“Wait. What? Have a seat, boss. By the time you get your order and fight traffic back to your end of town, you’ll be near starved to death.” Doug pats the empty seat at the end of the table between him and Reese.

I run a hand across my jaw then sit.

A waitress comes over and sets two waters and two beers in front of Doug and Reese. “Can I get you something to drink?”

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