The ringing of his cell phone breaks the silence. He pushes a button on his steering wheel, “Hello?”
“Hey, handsome.” A woman’s voice answers his greeting, warm and friendly. Inexplicably, jealousy tightens my chest.
I have no reason, or right for that matter, to be jealous. Yet here I am, feeling like I’m turning an ugly shade of green. Not liking the feeling at all, I push it away and focus on the scenery outside the window.
“Hey gorgeous. How’s it going?”
“Good, thanks. I just wanted to know if you’re free this evening. We’re thinking of doing a pizza and games night. You down?” Out of the corner of my eye, I see him look my way.
“You know I’m always down for pizza nights at your place. But can I call you back in a bit? I just need to talk to someone real quick.”
“Of course. Talk to you in a bit.”
The call disconnects, and I school my face not to show any of my thoughts or feelings – none of which I have any business experiencing. What he says next knocks the wind right out of my sails.
“You interested in hanging out with me and the guys at Knight’s place this evening? Or you already got plans?”
“That didn’t sound like a guy.” I could bite my tongue as soon as the words come out.
A frown creases Bear’s forehead. “Well, no. Because that was Indigo.”
“Oooh. Gotcha.” Feeling stupid for jumping to conclusions, but relieved all the same, I smile over at him. “Sure, that sounds great.”
“Cool. Let me just call her back and let her know I have a plus one coming.”
Second-guessing myself, I put a hand on his arm. “Um, wait. Won’t they mind?” I should have thought of that before agreeing to essentially gate-crash their plans.
“Don’t be silly. If anything, Indigo’ll be thrilled, and the guys will probably just rag on me.”
“Okay. If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’d like that.”
“Call Indie,” Bear says.
“Calling Indie,” his phone replies right before dialing the number.
The phone rings for a couple times, then, “Hi again.”
“Hey. I just wanted to check if it’d be all right if I bring a friend with this evening?”
There are long seconds of silence followed by a tiny shriek. “Is it a lady friend?” Indigo’s excited voice rings out loud and clear, and I can feel my cheeks heat.
Stopped at a light, Bear throws his head back and laughs, like she’s just told the most hilarious joke. “Cool your jets, Ms. Matchmaker. Yes, it’s a lady.”
“Of course, she’s welcome. Any friend of yours is a friend of ours. Isn’t that how it goes?”
“You’re the best, Indie. We’ll see you later.” Once again, their call is disconnected.
I’m so caught up in what’s just happened, I’ve forgotten about grilling him about where we’re going. “What can I contribute to this evening?”
Bear shakes his head at me. “I’ve got it. Don’t worry about it.”
“Bear. I can’t simply arrive there empty handed. Will there be any other ladies other than Indigo?”
“Yeah, Agatha will probably be there if Lucky’s coming.”
“Three of us then. Maybe I can take something for the ladies if you won’t let me contribute to dinner.”
“Yeah. I’m sure they’d love that.” With that, he pulls into a parking space and cuts the engine. “We’re here.” He bestows another heart-stopping smile on me.
