Page 68 of Starting Back
“I lift weights specifically so I don’t need to ask for anyone’s help unloading groceries. This was nothing. But thanks for the offer.”
“You lift?” he asked, and my fist flexed at my side on instinct from the smirk twisting his mouth. “We can arm-wrestle if you want.”
I was about to wrestle him myself until Kristina’s face twisted in disgust. I held in a laugh at her exasperated exhale.
“I don’t want. Thanks, though.” She rolled her eyes. “Vic, I didn’t separate anything, but I can do it now if you need me to.”
“No need, Kristina. We appreciate it.”
“I have two more in the car. I’ll be right back.” She held up a hand in Bobby’s direction. “No need for help, I’ve got it.”
“So stubborn,” Bobby said, his lips pursed as his gaze followed Kristina’s departure.
“One day, she’s going to slug you, and I really hope I’m around for it.” Vic narrowed his eyes as he unpacked the boxes Kristina brought in.
“She won’t slug me. I’m getting through, you’ll see. How do you know her, Reyes?”
“How doyouknow her?” I asked through gritted teeth as I tried and failed to unclench my jaw.
“We went to high school together but could never catch each other when we were single. Now that she finally divorced Colin, I think it’s been long enough to make a move.”
“Didn’t look like she’s into your moves.”
He stood from the floor, squinting at me as he approached.
“Do you have something going on with her? Because you look like you want to take a swing at me.” He chuckled, clueless of how spot-on he was.
“Just hate to see someone embarrass themselves hitting on a woman who is clearly not interested. Small-town brotherly love and all that.” I shot him a tight smile and turned away, heading to the parking lot to find Kristina.
I was sure Bobby wasn’t the only asshole drooling over her. Now that it was clear that he didn’t have a chance, my urge to kick his ass wasn’t as blinding, but my current standing with her was no better. Kristina didn’t seem to be any more interested in giving me the time of day either.
“If I keep my mouth shut, will you let me help you?” I asked as I came up to where Kristina was digging around in her trunk.
She laughed when she lifted her head, and my chest swelled at her gorgeous smile.
“Thank you. These two are heavier than the ones I just brought in, but I didn’t want to ask for help and then not be able to shake Bobby all damn day.”
“Even though he called you the love of his life?” I teased as I scooped up the last box in the trunk and grabbed the one she had in her arms.
“After twenty years, he still finds it hard to take a hint.” She sighed and shook her head. “You don’t have to take both.”
We stilled when our fingers brushed as she tried to pull the box from me. Neither of us stepped back at the contact, and I was too lost in those damn green eyes to look anywhere else.
“I don’t mind,” I said, clearing my throat as I tried to get my bearings. “So, to be clear, Bobby isn’t the love ofyourlife?”
Her shoulders shook with a silent chuckle, her eyes searching mine with a slow shake of her head.
“Not even close.”
“Good,” I said, hoisting one of the boxes onto my shoulder. “And I was right, by the way.”
“Right about what?” she asked, her brows crinkling as she studied my face.
“That you’re impossible not to notice, you just aren’t looking. Not that I’m saying you should notice Bobby.” She laughed when I jerked my chin toward the firehouse door. “You just need to pay a little more attention.”
If only she’d pay attention tome.
My feelings for her were deep enough to have paralyzed me these past few months. She was different from any other woman I’d ever known. Special in a way I didn’t think was possible and never looked for, but she’d found me.
