Who’s the Boss?

Tim groaned loudly. “Pepperoni and sausage.”

Vince ignored them and stared at Joe. “Have you seen her new place? If you have, you can’t possibly believe she’ll be safe there.”

“But she’ll be safe with you?”

Caitlin quickly stepped in between the two. “Okay,” she said with a huge, tremulous smile. “Pizza it is. But I’m sorry, Andy. Anchovies make me puke. You can have them on the side.”

“I can’t believe you said that,” Vince said to Joe.

“Why not? You’ve been drooling after her for weeks now. Falling all over yourself like a lovesick fool.”

Vince shook his head in disgust. “And what is it you’ve been doing, Joe? Because it sure as hell hasn’t been working on our program.”

“Oh, knock it off, both of you!” Caitlin tried to appeal to their common sense, but the testosterone-fueled men weren’t listening. “If you don’t, I’m going to get really tough and make you kiss and make up.”

In tune to Andy’s and Tim’s snickers, she pushed each of them out the door toward Vince’s van, where everything was loaded. Fast as she could, she told three quick dirty jokes in a row, leaving Tim and Andy in stitches. Even Vince cracked a smile as he hopped into the driver’s seat.

But Joe stayed solemn and quiet.

Until they got to her new apartment-which they discovered had been given away only two hours before. Caitlin’s deposit check had bounced.

CAITLIN HAD BEEN TRYING-really she had. But she’d lost every ounce of cheer when over an hour later, she dragged herself back into her condo.

“I’m so sorry,” Andy said quietly, taking her hand.

“It’s not your fault he didn’t have another apartment available,” she said wearily. “Don’t worry, guys. I’ll come up with something.”

Joe nodded at the twins, and they reluctantly left.

Vince hovered stubbornly at the door. “I want you to come with me. You’re practically homeless.”

“No, I’m not. Thanks to Joe here, I can live in this empty place until the end of the month if I want to.”

Vince and Joe stared at each other.

“Not that again.” She rubbed her head, perilously close to tears. “I can’t handle it right now, guys. I’d like to be alone.”

Joe’s heart cracked at the utterly forlorn expression on her face. He couldn’t stand it. “Come with me.”

Caitlin’s eyes widened. So did his own as he realized what he’d just said, but he wouldn’t take it back, not with Vince waiting, watching. Wanting.

“You can come to my place if you’d rather,” Vince said quietly.

“Vince-”

“You can stay with me as long as you like.” Immeasurable sorrow filled her eyes as she turned to Joseph’s head tech. “I’m sorry, Vince. I just…can’t.”

Vince’s confused gaze searched hers a long moment.

“Don’t hate me,” Caitlin whispered, squeezing his hand. “I know it sounds stupid and cliche, but I really, really need your friendship.”

“I’ll always be your friend, Caitlin. Always. But I’ll probably also always be hoping you change your mind.” With a curt jerk of his head toward Joe, he asked, “Do you have any idea what you’re getting into?”

“Only vaguely,” she admitted.

“Could you stop talking about me as if I wasn’t standing right here?” Joe demanded.

“See? He’s bad-tempered. Attitude ridden. Mean as hell,” Vince said ruthlessly.

“He’s also fiercely loyal, generous to a fault, compassionate and the most wonderful man I’ve ever met, and you know it because he’s your best friend.”

Vince nodded slowly. “Yes, he is, and I care about him almost as much as I’ve come to care about you. My condolences, Caitlin.”

Caitlin tilted her head, baffled. “For what?”

“You fell in love with him, didn’t you?”

Her smile was both dazzling and wobbly. “Yes,” she whispered.

And Joseph’s heart stopped.

11

VINCE’S SMILE was bittersweet. “I’m glad for him, even if I am jealous as hell.” He met Joseph’s stunned gaze and shook his head. “Unbelievable, Joe. Your luck keeps holding.”

Joe didn’t know whether he’d call it luck or not, but either way, he still couldn’t speak. Not with his body humming in disbelief, his eyes glued to the woman who’d just declared herself.

“You’re the most courageous woman I know,” Vince told Caitlin. “And I hope you’re patient, too, because you certainly haven’t taken the easy road.”

She loves me, Joe thought, bowled over by the knowledge. This unbearably sweet, chaotic, intelligent woman loved him, and all he’d given her in return was a hard time and grief.

“I’ll be okay,” Caitlin said softly, looking at Joe.

He wanted to hold her, never let her go. He wanted to run like hell and never look back. She deserved better, far better. He’d never been able to handle intimacy. Never. To think he could now was foolish. Worse, he would hurt her. He’d get hurt.

The fear of it overwhelmed him, which was ironic. He wasn’t afraid of much. Just a lush, beautiful blonde whose smile and innate kindness knocked him for a loop.

Vince leaned close and gave Caitlin a hug. Joe told himself he wouldn’t hurt his best friend unless he kissed her, but then Vince did exactly that, on the cheek.

Caitlin kissed him back, sniffed and opened the door for him. “See you Monday, Vince. Thanks. For everything.”

Vince smiled once and was gone.

Joe didn’t know whether he was relieved or terrified. Both, he decided a minute later when Caitlin turned around and walked into her empty living room. “Chastity’s clearly finished,” she said. “Everything’s gone.”

Maybe she could ignore what had just happened, but he couldn’t. “Why did you pick me, Caitlin?”

“I wonder if she took the toaster?” She sighed deeply. “I wanted her to because it was an antique, but whoever buys it won’t know you have to turn the bread halfway through or you get burned toast.”

“Caitlin.”

She was wringing her fingers, and her voice came low and fast. “Well, I’d hate to have someone pay good money for the thing and feel like they got ripped off-”

“Caitlin.” He moved up close to her, knowing she was as nervous as he was.

“And the cord! Oh, God. I forgot to tell her it occasionally catches fire, and you’ve seen my luck with such things. Do you think I should call her? Because-”

“The damn toaster is gone.” He grabbed her shoulders, whipped her around. “Now talk to me.”

“I know the toaster’s gone!” she shouted unexpectedly. “Everything is gone. Do you think I can’t see that?” She threw off his touch. “I have eyes in my head, you know!” Her voice cracked. “I’m not a…complete idiot.”

Then, to his utter horror, she burst into tears.

“Ah, hell,” he said to the empty room, and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry,” he said gruffly. “I’m so sorry.”

“You’re only sorry you’re the one that’s left to deal with me.” Her tears soaked his shirt and destroyed his heart.

Selfish, he called himself silently, as quiet sobs shook her body. Holding her close, he ran his hands gently over her back and shoulders. Selfish to enjoy holding her so much, when she was hurting so