Page 52 of Burning Skies
I squint to make out the burly figures washing the vehicles. “Cyn.”
“When we texted earlier this week, you said the guy was a firefighter, and it reminded me of a flyer I saw at the Laughing Pony.” She waves her hand at the man candy. “I don’t know if your dude is working, but I’m not sure it matters. All of these guys are ripped. So now we can enjoy our breakfast while these hotties wash cars. You’re welcome.”
There are five vehicles in front of us.
As we creep closer, I can’t decide if I hope to see Beau today or not. I should be making a clean break so I can give Ian a chance. But based on the way my heart races when I spot Beau, shirtless and laughing, I figure I can at least enjoy today. Because oh, my God, he’s mouthwatering. His hair is damp and his chest glistens as he washes the truck in front of us, making all of his muscles contract.
Cyn leans over. “Is he here?”
I point ahead. “Yeah, the one with the beard and dirty blond hair.”
“Jesus, Honey. No wonder he made your eyes cross. He’s fucking ripped.” She lets out a sigh. “Why can’t I find a man like that?”
“Want to meet one of his friends? They’re all handsome.”
“No, they’re probably nice. They probably return your phone calls and make plans and stick to them. I wouldn’t know how to date anyone who wasn’t an asshole that jerked me around.”
I frown and grab her hand. “You need a good guy too.”
“I’m working on that with my therapist. Hopefully by the time I’m thirty, I’ll have worked out my daddy issues.” She laughs and reaches for her coffee.
When it’s our turn, Cyn nudges me. “He’s going to wash my car. I am so here for this.”
I bite my bottom lip to hide my grin. When we pull up, I roll down my window, and Beau rests his hand on my door. Heglances around like he’s looking for someone, but then turns to me. “Hey, Honey. Nice of y’all to support us.”
“That’s what friends do, right?” My heart beats faster when his smile widens. I clear my throat. “I’m glad you have warm weather today. Only in Texas can you have a car wash so late in the fall.” I get a whiff of his cologne and melt into my seat when he winks at me. Cyn clears her throat, and I laugh. “This is my college roommate Cynthia.”
Beau tips his head. “Howdy, ma’am.”
“Shut up. He’s adorable.”
I elbow her hard, and Beau grins at me. “I have my moments.”
I’m about to admit this was a good idea when Melissa, who’s wearing a teeny white bikini top with her turnout pants, tosses her arm around Beau like she owns him. “Sorry, but we have to keep the line moving.” Then she yanks him off our door.
I roll up my window as they begin to wash Cynthia’s car. My friend’s eyes narrow. “Who is that bitch? And why is she so handsy with Beau?”
“They used to be an item.” We watch as Melissa intentionally sprays him across the hood of our car.
When she moves to the front of our vehicle, Cyn grips the steering wheel. “I could start the engine and accidentally hit the gas.” She lifts her brows to get my permission.
“This is why I love you.” Laughing, I shake my head. “But let’s not commit any homicides today.”
“Damn. You’re no fun.”
My phone buzzes with a text, and when I see Ian’s name, my smile fades.
Because I might want the handsome firefighter, but that doesn’t mean I can have him.
21
HONEY
It feelswrong to be here.
As I wait for Ian, I stare at the photo Beau sent me of him and his friends at the car wash.
Me: Did y’all raise a lot of money today?
