“Ooh, carbs. Now you’re talkin’.”
I chuckle as I wrap an arm around her shoulders and give her a hug. “I’ll tell Gemma to make some brownies too.”
She glares. “So by ‘we’ll hang out,’ you meantallof us.”
“Well, yeah.” I shrug. “Why not?”
“So I’ll be the awkward third wheel.”
“Invite Ruby or Katie. Or I dunno, adate.”
“You’ve been out of the game for several years and don’t understand how unpredictable and flaky people are in today’s climate. Every guy on every dating app, ‘Hey, beautiful. Wanna see a dick pic?’ Then proceeds to send it before I respond. After that happens a good thirty to forty times, you kinda just give up hope and realize there aren’t any decent single men left.”
“Okay, point taken. That’s gross, by the way.”
“Especially when they’re so proud of their balls.” She makes a face. “Then they ask for a boob shot, and I send them a picture of Sassy’s nipples.” She laughs at her own joke.
Shit, that makes me especially glad I didn’t take Maddie’s advice and join those apps.
“Well, you have fun with that. I need to shower and grab a pizza and wine before I head to Gemma’s.”
“The perfect couple’s date night.” She gags, then snickers. “I really am happy for you guys. Robert wasn’t right for her, and I’m just glad she realized that before it was too late.”
Me too.
“So are you two official yet? Or just friends with benefits?”
I snort. “Are we gossiping like high schoolers now? I’m not one of your girlfriends, Ev.”
“Maybe not, but you’re dating one of mine, so…”
She does have a point.
“We haven’t talked about it, but we’re going slow, and I’m letting her set the pace.”
“I love you, brother, but if you break her heart again, I won’t forgive you twice.”
Nodding, I frown because I know Everleigh was there for Gemma and helped pick up the broken pieces I left behind.
“Trust me, I’m not planning on it. I don’t want to lose her this time, and I’d marry her now if that was an option.”
And it’s the truth.
Gemma is theonlygirl for me.
“That’s more like it.” Everleigh grins. “Now, go have fun with my best friend and reiterate that she’s yours and always will be.”
Thirty minutes later, I arrive at Gemma’s with goodies in hand and excitement in my step. As much as Everleigh’s a pain in my ass, she makes valid points. Gemma is mine now, and I want her to know I’m in this for the long haul.
“Hello, gorgeous,” I say when she lets me inside her house.
“Mmm, smells delicious,” she purrs. “The pizza, I mean.”
I laugh. “What every man who’s trying to win over the girl of his dreams loves to hear.”
She looks at me and tilts her head. “I don’t think you need to worry about that, considering I just ended a relationship. All I wanna do is spend time with you.”
After I set everything down on the kitchen island, I close the gap between us and wrap her in my arms. Tilting up her chin, I bring her mouth to mine and slowly brush my lips against hers. I slip my tongue inside, tasting her sweetness, wanting to devour her.