“Doesn’t work,” she shouts, climbing in the driver’s side, then leaning over to open my door.
Jacob shakes rainwater over us before settling in the back. We’d forgotten the dogs out in the garden. “Bloody wet dog,” I mutter.
“Oh, get a grip. It’s only water. I’m sure you’ve been far dirtier,” she fires back with a wink.
We bounce down the driveway, the car wheezing like it’s on life support.
Outside my house, we sit in silence that feels anything but empty.
“Well, Major, it’s been a pleasure,” she says. “No doubt I’ll see you around town.”
That’s it? She’s just going to leave. Drive off out of my life after this afternoon.
“What are you doing next weekend?” I ask, attempting casual, while inside I’m anything but.
Her eyebrows shoot up. “Nothing planned. Just keeping the zoo alive.”
I take a breath, then shoot my shot. “Would you like to have dinner with me on Friday? As friends,” I add quickly, the throb of my heart battering my ribs.
She studies me like she’s reading my every thought. “I think I would like that.” She holds out her hand. “Give me your phone.”
I hand it over as if she were my commanding officer. She punches a number in and hits the call button. Her phone springs to life. “Now you have my number, Major. I look forward to your call.”
With that, I climb out of the car, mind racing. Standing on the sidewalk like a spectator, I watch her speed away in her death trap.
Chapter eight
Lance
“What the actual fuck?” Dog’s laugh echoes around the room. “You’re going on a date with a cougar?” Tears stream down his face as he tries to get control.
“It’s not a date,” I say for the thousandth time. “We’re friends. I like her company. Fuck’s sake, Dog, she’s old enough to be my mother. It’s not a fucking date.”
He snorts. “Mate. Come on. You meet this old bird out walking because she tumbles headfirst into the stream.”
“Burn,” I correct him.
“Aye, burn. Then you go back to her house, get pissed, and now you’re taking her for dinner? And not being dramatic, but drunk driving isn’t cool. Consider this a warning.” He lifts his eyebrows. “If that’s not a date, I don’t know what fucking is.”
“It’s not a date,” I snarl. “Anyway, what about Millie? How’s it going with her?” The blatant subject change works. He bites. Millie is the girl he’s been seeing since picking her up outsideher granny’s house a few weeks ago. He helped her carry a bag of manure, then left with her number.
Dogs’ eyes immediately brighten. “She’s bloody awesome. The most amazing creature I’ve ever met.” His grin drops. “But…”
“But....” I prompt.
“She won’t put out.” His shoulders sag in defeat. “Six weeks. Six long weeks, Lance. I’m going to burst. I’ve seen her every bloody night, and the most I’ve had is a peck on the lips.”
It’s my turn to laugh. Dog’s not used to delayed gratification. Normally, one date and women climb him like a tree.
“I have no idea what to do,” he says, sounding baffled. “She has me by the balls. I’m asking her what she wants.”
“And what does she tell you?”
“She wants to spend time together.” He lifts his hands, making air quotes. “Get to know one another before progressing to the next level.”
“The next level?” My eyebrows shoot up. “You don’t do the next level. Or do you?”
He shrugs, helpless. “I’ve no idea what the next level is. But this girl’s something special. And I kind of want to find out.”