“I heard you dropped off a, uh, package for Max, and then Nolan just texted and said you’re trying to be a part of the Bachelorette Auction. Are you interested in Max, then?” His eyes narrowed and his gaze was so intense that I suddenly felt very small.
“Huh?” I swallowed hard and took a step back.
“Answer the question, Betsy.”
All of a sudden I could see why he was a police officer. I couldn’t imagine what he would be like in an interrogation room.
“What question?” I had already forgotten what he’d asked me. I was too busy wondering what he would do if I reached up and pulled his face down to mine so that I could kiss him.
“Are you interested in Max Fernandes?”
“Max Fernandes?”
“The man you left sexy underwear for?” He gave me a pointed look. “Red, I believe.”
“Hmmm.” My face was hot. This could not have been more embarrassing. “I didn’t leave them for Max.”
“Oh, really?” A wicked smile spread across his face. “Who did you leave them for?”
I was about to answer him when Nolan strolled out into the hallway. “What are you guys doing?” he asked looking at us curiously. “Close the door and come into the living room so we can talk about this seriously.”
“Talk about what seriously?” I wanted to hit him. He had just ruined my moment with Jeff, and I wasn’t even sure if it had been a moment. Did Jeff suspect that I had a crush on him and that I’d left the panties for him? If he did, did that mean he liked me or was interested in seeing what would happen?
“This Bachelorette Auction.” Nolan gave me a pointed look. “Jules just told me that you’re planning on doing a kissing booth.”
“What?” Jeff’s voice was sharp and his eyes narrowed. “You never mentioned that.”
“I haven’t had time to mention anything,” I complained. “And nothing is set in stone.”
“You can bet your bottom dollar it’s not.” Jeff gave me a disapproving look. “I bet this was Jules’s idea, huh? She’s always got some hairbrained scheme to get herself or you a man.”
“Hey,” Nolan pointed his finger at Jeff, “that’s my girlfriend you’re talking about.”
“I know.” Jeff laughed, and they chuckled together. “But you know they’re always up to some craziness.”
“I’m right here, you know.” I glared at them both. “And we’re not always up to some craziness.”
“So then, why do you guys want a Bachelorette Auction?” Nolan gave me a look. “Obviously, this one isn’t on Jules.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because she has me.” He gave me a look. “Or are you trying to say she’s looking for someone new already?”
It hit me that Nolan was actually a little bit worried, and I wanted to laugh. Did he not realize just how much Jules loved him?
“Jules,” I said as we entered the living room. “How many ways do you love my brother?”
“How many what?” She looked at me, confused, and then her eyes widened when she saw Jeff behind me. I knew she was wondering what he was doing there. I just hoped that with all the wine we’d drunken so far tonight that no one let something slip.
“Hi there, Jeff,” Stella said, and Abby gave him a small wave.
“Hey there, girls.” He looked around the room and then back at me. “So, looks like it’s a proper girls’ night in here.”
“Yes, Officer,” Jules said, and Stella and Abby giggled. “I solemnly swear we are up to no good.”
“Come here, you.” Nolan pulled Jules up into his arms and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you, my naughty little Hermione.”
“We know what role-playing will be going on tonight,” Abby said, and she and Stella burst out laughing.
“Guys, really?” Jules kissed Nolan on the lips, and I held up my hands.
“Get a room, you guys.”
“We can always use your bedroom if you’re offering.” Nolan grinned at me, a wide smile on his face, and Jules ran a finger down his cheek. And for the next few seconds, I saw what it was like to be in love and to be loved. As much as it made my stomach turn to think of my brother and my best friend doing the dirty, I could see how in love they were. I’d never seen Julia happier in her life. Her cheeks were glowing, her eyes were bright, and she had an energy about her that was almost magical. And Nolan was like another person. His grumpy side had almost disappeared. My brother had always been the sort of guy who abhorred public displays of affection, but here he was, eagerly and easily kissing Jules. I was happy for them, and at the same time, I was jealous.
I looked over at Stella and Abby and I could tell from their expressions that they were also slightly envious of the connection that Jules and Nolan had. We all wanted to fall in love as well.
I glanced over at Jeff and I could see him looking at me with a weird expression. My heart raced for a few seconds and then he rolled his eyes.
“Nolan, why did you text me to come over?” Jeff’s voice was gruff. “I need to get home and shower, man.”
“I thought you could talk some sense into these ladies,” Nolan replied.
“I think that we have to let them do what they want to do. It’s not all fun and games, you know, girls,” Jeff spoke to the room, but his eyes were on me. “But if you think this is a good idea and y’all are trying to meet men, or whatever, more power to ya.”
“And you don’t mind at all?” Jules asked him with a look.
“Why would I mind?” He shrugged. “You’re all adult women. I mean, I don’t have the final say. Who knows what the Canyon Beach auction committee will say.”
“Well, they aren’t going to say no. I will ensure that,” Stella said and then yawned. “I’m tired. I think I need to go home and sleep.”
“Me
