Lush & Lovely E-Book

Mary E. Thompson

• Herausgeber: BluEyed Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

We were friends. Just friends. Him asking me out all the time? That was innocent flirting. He wasn’t serious.

But he was serious about turning down a date with someone else because we had plans. He picked me up, talked to my friends, and checked in on me all night. Like a date. And that good night kiss?

There was nothing friendly about that.

He kissed like a man who knew exactly what he wanted. And me? I couldn’t deny I wanted the same thing. I just hoped I wasn’t going to get hurt letting him in.

Leseprobe

LUSH & LOVELY

A SMALL TOWN CURVY GIRL ROMANCE

BIG & BEAUTIFUL

BOOK TWO

MARY E THOMPSON

Lush & Lovely

Big & Beautiful, book two

Copyright © 2015 Mary E Thompson

Cover Copyright © 2019 Mary E Thompson

Cover Photo (woman) from DepositPhotos, Copyright © yellow2j

Cover Photo (cupcake) from DepositPhotos, Copyright © RoyalSpirit

Published by BluEyed Press, All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, businesses, locations, and events are either products of the author’s creative imagination or are used in a fictitious sense. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-944090-00-5

Print ISBN: 978-1-944090-09-8

Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-953879-98-1

Created with Vellum

BIG & BEAUTIFUL

Welcome back to Big & Beautiful. Where size is just a number and men love women with curves. Love life, and enjoy the every day because life is better with cupcakes.

BIG & BEAUTIFUL

Chubby & Charming

Lush & Lovely

Shapely & Stunning

Bulky & Beauteous

Fat & Fine

Plump & Pretty

Husky & Hot

Fluffy & Fabulous

Puffy & Precious

Round & Ravishing

Curvaceous & Captivating

Stocky & Sumptuous

Amply & Alluring

Big & Beautiful Ever After (newsletter exclusive)

SUBSCRIBE NOW AT MARYETHOMPSON.COM

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

About the Author

To my kids, who give me more love than I ever imagined possible.

CHAPTER1

I wanted to believe in love, I really did. After so many examples of love in my life you would think it would have been easy for me to believe in love. My parents’ marriage was still going strong after thirty-two years, my older sister was happily married, even my best friend found love.

But I was still skeptical.

I thought I was in love once, but I learned after that how one-sided love could be. Love isn’t equal or fair. Love isn’t a partnership. Love is manipulation and deceit. Love is putting yourself ahead of someone else.

Love is not the story they tell you about in the movies.

Movies let you believe love could be happy, fair even. They show people going out of their way to help and care for the person they say they love. But I knew the truth.

Love always showed its true colors. Love always told you one thing and did another. Love hurt you when you dropped your guard.

Love was never unconditional.

But friendship I could handle. Friendship was easy. I could love my friends because we never demanded anything from each other. Friendship was different than love, in all the good ways.

I reminded myself of that when I walked into work early one Saturday morning. I’d known Aidan Matthews for years, working together at the Winterville Regional Airport for the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA. Aidan was exactly the sort of man that a woman would drool over. He had dark brown hair that always seemed just a little too long, soft brown eyes that held his secrets, broad shoulders, biceps the size of my head, a chest you could feast on for days, abs to dream about, and hands that could make a woman scream.

At least that’s what I’ve read.

The screaming part, not about his hands.

Sex went by the wayside with love for me, both disappearing from my life long ago. Aidan almost made me want to try it again, but I couldn’t ruin our friendship. We had a comfortable, fun friendship. The kind where it was funny when he asked me out every week. For the last few months. Every single week. Truthfully, he was wearing me down, but I knew he wasn’t serious. If you could see Aidan you would understand. He was a man every woman wanted and I was the woman no woman wanted to be.

At size 20, I was hardly what any man would consider a catch. I was the one they would throw back. The one they’d look at and wonder why I never took care of myself, not what he could do to take care of me.

Of course I wouldn’t let him if he tried. Any man, not just Aidan. I took care of myself.

Once upon a time I was something to look at, thin and perky. I was a cheerleader in high school. The kind every girl hated with a big smile, a nice rack, and that perfect ponytail that only cheerleaders seem to be able to create. I attracted lots of attention from men, and my high school classmates. I got boyfriends easily and was stupid enough to fall in love with one of them.

I learned my lesson from him. All the lessons that made me who I was, I learned from him.

I also learned that fat girls don’t get raped. It was enough of a reason for me to pack on the pounds.

Which brought me back to Aidan. If we weren’t friends I would assume he just thought I’d be an easy lay and that was why he kept asking me out. But as we got closer, I realized he was a good guy, on top of being hotter than hell. He could get any woman, but he appeared to be chasing me. I figured he just thought he’d boost my ego a little.

At least he was fun to talk to.

I walked into the meeting room at the start of our shift. Aidan and I worked the same schedule which always kept things interesting. You would think working at an airport would be exciting but really it was a pain in the ass. Most of the travelers acted like they were VIPs even though they were no different than anyone else out there. In a small airport like Winterville we only had one security checkpoint so everyone had to wait in line together. Most of the time it wasn’t too bad, but every so often you’d get one of those passengers who thought the line should part for them. It could get exciting.

Aidan handed me a cup of coffee, one cream and two sugars, just like I liked it, when I reached him. When I thanked him he said, “I’m just hoping to win you over. I’m starting to wonder if you’re one of those women who only likes a man she has to chase.”

I grinned over the edge of my cup at him. “I’m one of those women who doesn’t like men.”

“Ooh, really? Let me enjoy that idea for a minute. Can I get video of that?” he teased, misinterpreting my statement on purpose.

I slapped his arm, not missing out on the chance to appreciate the firm muscle beneath his shirt. “You know that’s not what I meant. I just meant I’ve given up dating. Men are too much trouble and love isn’t reality.”

I saw a flash of something across his eyes, like pain or anger. He covered it quickly and turned the charm back on as he leaned into me. “You just haven’t met the right man. Losers aren’t worth it, but a real man, one who knows how to treat you, like me… You’ll be begging me to never leave you if you ever give me a chance.”

I threw my head back and laughed with him, loving the light in his rich brown eyes. “Does that line ever work?”

He laughed harder and winked at me. “You tell me. Is it making you reconsider going out with me?”

I rolled my eyes at him, laughing at the teasing sparkle in his eyes. “If I thought you were actually serious I would think about it, but I know I’m just a distraction at work. When you leave here I have no doubt a line of women follow you around begging for you to never leave them.”

Aidan’s eyes narrowed at me, a challenge in them. He leaned closer and opened his mouth to say something but our boss, Miriam, walked in before he could respond.

“Okay, everyone. Today should be a pretty ordinary day. Yesterday was a good day around here and last night went well so we should be up for a quiet day. The only new thing we have is a Do Not Fly order for one man. His name is Robert Stewart. Here’s his picture. I’ve added it to the list and posted the new updates at your stations. Let’s get started out there.”

I drained the last of my coffee and filed out of the meeting room with the others. Aidan reached for my elbow as we walked out the door.

“What are you doing after work today?”

The corner of my mouth turned up as I thought about my plans. It’d only been a few weeks since I’d met Charlie, the owner of my new favorite bakery, Bite Me!, but I already loved her. She was funny and sweet and her cupcakes were good enough to replace any man. That afternoon was her grand opening party.

“I’m meeting some friends at a grand opening for Bite Me!, the new bakery in town. Why?”

Aidan smiled, a quiet knowing smile. It made me nervous. All of a sudden I was sweating. I didn’t know what he was smiling about but it was a smile that told me he thought he had me. The tables were turning and I’d handed him the key.

“Can I join you? I’d love to meet your friends and see you with your hair down.”

I let out the breath I was holding. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. He wasn’t demanding anything, or manipulating me. He was simply asking to join me at a public event. One where my friends would be. One that would mean letting him into my world. One that would give me the chance to drool over him just a little bit more.

“Sure, why not. The party is most of the afternoon so I’m heading over there after my shift. It’s on Lake Effect Lane in that strip mall.”

Aidan nodded and released my elbow. “I know where that is. I’m looking forward to spending the afternoon with you. And just so you know,” he said as he leaned closer. His breath tickled my ear and sent my brain spinning in odd directions, “I’m always serious about asking you out. Now that I know you never considered it, I’ll make sure my intentions are more clear in the future.”

My pulse kicked up as Aidan’s possessive tone flooded my veins. Instead of being scared, like I thought I’d be, I was inexplicably excited. I almost wanted to push him to see exactly what he was going to do to change my mind.

Aidan stepped back so quickly I nearly fell over. I didn’t realize I was leaning against him, my fingers drifting along his shirt, until he moved away from me. A sly smile crossed his perfect lips and he turned to walk beside me to our station.

Lucky for me, Aidan and I were positioned behind the x-ray machine together. Usually I would watch the machine and he would inspect bags more closely when we worked that station. It worked well for me because I could hide. Being out of sight of the passengers and crew that passed through the airport meant I was unlikely to receive snide remarks or hear comments about my weight.

You’d think people who were traveling had better things to do than make fun of me, right? Well, unfortunately when they got pissed they lashed out at whoever was around. Since no one would dream of lashing out at Aidan, I got the brunt of their rudeness, especially if I had to inspect their bags.

Aidan knew I liked to hide, even though he really didn’t understand why. It was just another one of those things that meant he was a good friend. He did things to help make me comfortable without needing to know why he was doing them.

How could I even consider losing that?

My traitorous body would have to close back up and return to the celibate life it’d been living. Losing a friend like Aidan wasn’t worth a few hours of what wouldn’t be fun anyway. I’d rather sit and talk to him for a few hours than have him sweating above me and having to fake what I’m sure would be another horrid excuse for sex. It wasn’t even worth the time.

I knew something was missing from my life, but I was pretty certain I wouldn’t find it under Aidan. I didn’t know where I’d find it, but sex had never been an answer for me and there was no way it would be now.

I pushed away thoughts of Aidan and the emptiness in my life as the airline employees approached the security checkpoint. There were three gates inside the terminal and each gate worked a different airline, so we had to check through their employees. We’d gotten to know each of them a little over the years even though we only saw each other in passing.

But that was more than enough for some of them.

Zoey Sanders was one of those. A few seconds to scan her designer purse was always more than enough time to remind myself how much of a bitch she was. It didn’t help that she was perfect with her long glossy brown hair and perfect amber highlights. Her brown eyes were made up in that smoky look that would have suited a night club better than an airport but somehow she pulled it off. Her charcoal pencil skirt and fitted white blouse showed off her super skinny figure, with a few too many buttons opened in case anyone wasn’t sure how perfect her breasts were.

“Hi Aidan,” she cooed.

“Hey Zoey. How are you this morning?” Aidan asked with a smile. I hated when he smiled at her. The bitch had more than enough confidence and then he had to smile at her like she made the sun rise. It made me nuts.

Which bugged the shit out of me.

“I’m much better now that I know you’re here to keep us safe. What are you doing after work today?” Her eyes drifted over him, not hiding that she was checking him out. Her intentions were pretty fucking obvious. And even though I had no right to him, I hated that I couldn’t do a damn thing except stand there and listen to him make plans to screw her later instead of going out with me.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“Sorry, Zoey, I’ve already got plans.”

I’m not sure who was more surprised, her or me. Aidan kept moving, sliding her bag to the end of the belt and then dragging over the purse of the woman behind her.

“What about next weekend?” Zoey tried again.

“I’m not sure. Probably not though. I’ve got a lot going on Zoey.”

She reached for her purse but leaned toward him, giving him a view down the front of her shirt as she arched her back. He didn’t glance away from her eyes and I felt my inner slut give a little cheer that he’d not only turned her down but he hadn’t mind-fucked her boobs.

“You know where to find me. Any time Aidan,” she purred before she turned and sauntered off. I rolled my eyes but didn’t look at Aidan. Zoey was definitely one of those women who made sex seem like it would be fun. She must be better at faking it than I was. Who cared? I had no reason to be jealous of Zoey, we were in completely different leagues so it’s not like I was actually competing with her. But it felt good that Aidan hadn’t broken his plans with me so he could go out with her, and that he was going to spend the day talking with me instead of pawing at Zoey.

“So what do you think that No Fly passenger did?” Aidan asked. “Last one had skipped out on child support for ten years and they were trying to get him into prison. What do you think about this one?”

I smiled, welcoming back the conversation between Aidan and I. It was a running joke between us, to come up with stories for all the No Fly passengers. It made the day pass a little quicker when we found things funny about our job.

“I’m thinking he’s a trust fund brat who ran out when his dad told him he couldn’t join the circus.”

Aidan laughed with me, his hands brushing mine as he reached to pause the screen, looking more closely at the bag under the x-ray. He sent the bag rolling again and looked down at me. “I was thinking his ex found out he traded in her diamond ring for a cubic zirconia and pawned the diamonds.”

“Ooh, that would piss me off. Well, if I liked diamonds.”

“What woman doesn’t like diamonds?” Aidan asked, amused.

“Well, me. I guess I figure no one else should tell me what jewelry I should wear. Diamonds are pretty, but it feels like everyone has a diamond, at least everyone who’s married or engaged. I’d rather have something unusual, like tanzanite.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, it’s beautiful. And it’s different. I’m also a fan of amethyst, sapphires, and peridot which is my birthstone. They’re gorgeous, but different than a plain old diamond. Then again, it doesn’t really matter. No man is ever going to buy me jewelry.”

“I would,” Aidan said softly, his lips close enough that I could feel his breath on my neck.

I threw my head back and laughed. “You’re hilarious. That’s right up there with asking me out all the time. You must think I have really low self-esteem to keep acting like you like me.”

Aidan’s eyes met mine and my breath got stuck in my throat, but before he could say anything our morning rush set in, giving me the perfect escape from his heated eyes. And the raw lust I saw in them.

CHAPTER2

With Aidan by my side, our nine hour shift passed quickly. Before I knew it the next shift was coming in and Aidan and I were heading toward the restricted staff areas.

“Can I pick you up for the party?” he asked as we stepped into the break room.

“Actually I was just going to walk. I live pretty close to there and it’s easier to leave my car at my apartment and walk over.“

“Even better. How about I walk with you?”

I didn’t know why he wanted to go so badly, but I certainly couldn’t understand why he wanted to go with me. Still, I found myself struggling to say no to him.

“Okay, sure. I’m in Tree Branch Apartments, number 307.”

“Sounds great. I’m just going to head home and change and I’ll be there soon.”

I nodded as I followed him back out the door. In one day everything between Aidan and I had changed and I felt like I couldn’t be myself around him anymore. He’d slipped me more of those predatory looks throughout the day and seemed to be touching me more than usual. I didn’t know what any of it meant, but I was starting to wonder if he really was serious about asking me out all those times. I couldn’t understand why he would be interested in me, but… Maybe he’d bumped his head and I didn’t know about it. Or been hypnotized. That worked, right?

None of that mattered though. Aidan was going to invade my personal life, meeting my friends, and seeing me outside of work. I couldn’t help but wonder what my friends were going to think when I showed up with a man, especially one they didn’t know.

I knew my friend, Sam Reed, was going to go nuts for him, but she went nuts for every remotely attractive man. I loved Sam but I just couldn’t relate to her sometimes. It was like she was speaking a completely different language when she talked about men, one I’d never been able to understand.

Then again, Mandy was on board with Sam’s assessments lately, too. Mandy and her boyfriend, Xander, were in love. They’d met randomly when he called the customer service line where Mandy worked and ended up hopelessly in love.

Of course I was waiting for it to blow up. Not that I wanted that for my best friend, but I knew it would happen. They’d already had one issue and I just knew something else was going to come up. And like usual, I’d be there for Mandy to help her pick up the pieces.

At home I changed from my uniform into tan capris and a black t-shirt. My honey colored hair wasn’t cooperating with me, but I ran a brush through it and decided it was going to have to be good enough. With a little mascara and some lipgloss, I was ready to go. At the front door I picked up the leash for Brownie, my three year old German Shepherd.

I opened the door and found Aidan about to knock. Brownie, usually a good guard dog, looked up at me before nuzzling his head into Aidan’s hand. He knelt down in front of us and rubbed behind Brownie’s ears. “I didn’t know you had a dog. He’s beautiful.”

“Thanks. He’s three. I got him from the pound. They didn’t think he was full blooded, but if he’s a mix it’s with something else big. You can see German shepherd all over him though.”

Aidan continued his rub-down of Brownie, who’d flopped onto the ground to show off his belly. Aidan looked up at me, shielding his eyes from the afternoon sun. “Were you going to take him for a walk or is he coming with us?”

I laughed. “No, Brownie isn’t allowed into stores. He eats everything that isn’t nailed down. I was just going to walk him for a while since he’s been home alone all day.”

Aidan stood up and brushed the dirt from his knees, drawing my attention to his massive thighs fighting to break free of his cargo shorts. He was wearing sneakers and a Buffalo Bills t-shirt.

For some reason he looked delicious.

“Let’s go. I’ll walk with you. Lock your door.”

I smiled at his request then walked down the stairs to the dog area behind my building. Brownie jumped up and down excitedly when he saw the gate. Once we were closed inside I unclipped his leash and let him run around the grassy area the complex kept for residents. It was one of the reasons I’d chosen Tree Branch in the first place. Dogs like Brownie needed a chance to run.

“You look nice,” Aidan said, his eyes never leaving Brownie. “I’ve never seen you out of uniform.”

Suddenly shy, I whispered thanks.

I tried to remind myself that Aidan was my friend. We’d been friends for years and there was no reason for me to be uncomfortable around him. Even if he were truly interested in dating me, it wasn’t like I needed to be worried about it. It would never last.

Brownie bounded over to us, happily chewing on a stick he found on the other side of the enclosure. Aidan reached down to pick it up and Brownie jumped away to wait for the throw. Aidan teased him a couple of times before launching the stick across the grass. Brownie bolted after it, grabbing it from the ground on his run past.

Brownie came back over to us and Aidan threw his stick again, then turned to me. “Am I making you uncomfortable? Being here? I feel like you don’t want me here.”

I wondered, not for the first time, how he always seemed to know what I was thinking or feeling. I knew I owed him the truth, but I didn’t know how to tell him the truth. Or even a version of it that would help him understand.

Then again I couldn’t come up with a version that helped me understand. Having him there, throwing a stick for my dog, felt too much like a couple thing. Too much like we were starting something. Something that I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Even if it was with Aidan who I trusted more than I’d trusted a man in ten years.

He didn’t know my past, the lies and trauma I’d been through. He had no way of knowing. But he was willing to fight through whatever it was that was holding me back. He’d been asking me out for months and I’d finally agreed. Even though it wasn’t a date, it was more than I’d had in longer than I wanted to think about.

“I guess I don’t know how to act around you. At work we have this easy friendship but it’s all different when we’re not at work. I’m not really sure what to say to you or how to act around you.”

Brownie whimpered at our feet when Aidan ignored him and turned to me. “Claire, look, I like you. I’ve never hidden that from you. Well, maybe for the first few years when we were getting to know each other, but not lately. I’m still the same guy you have lunch with and harass every day. If nothing ever happens with us I still want us to be friends.”

I took a deep breath, knowing he was right and I was being foolish. Nothing had changed. And it didn’t have to. He said he liked me, not that he wanted to date me. He was still the same friend I’d spent the day talking to, just wearing clothes that let me appreciate more of his incredible body.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Alright, let’s get to Bite Me!”

“I’d love to,” Aidan mumbled, just loud enough for me to hear. My mouth fell open and he just shrugged then threw the stick one more time for Brownie.

With Brownie locked back in the apartment, Aidan and I walked over to Bite Me! I could tell before we even got close that the place was packed. People were sitting at bistro tables out front and there was a line out the door.

We pushed inside and I spotted Mandy, Xander, Sam, and Addi at a table in the back. They had one extra chair but judging by the size of the crowd it was taking everything they had to hold on to it. I pointed them out to Aidan and he followed me through the crowd, his hand resting on the small of my back as we went.

I won’t lie, his warm hand on me sent tingles up and down my spine.

Sam was the first to see us and her eyes lit up when she noticed Aidan following me. She nudged Addi who nearly choked on her cupcake. Mandy and Xander were too concerned with Addi coughing to realize we were approaching the table.

“Are you okay?” I asked Addi when we got to the table.

She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks from the lack of oxygen. Sam gave her one more good slap then turned her brown eyes and stunning smile on Aidan. “I’m Sam. Are you a friend of Claire's?”

“For now, yes. I’m Aidan,” he said as he reached for her hand. “Sam? You’re the photographer, right?”

Sam grinned up at him, batting her lashes as she flirted. “I am. I’m afraid I don’t know anything about you though Aidan. How do you know Claire?”

Before he could answer Xander yanked Mandy from her chair into his lap. He nudged Mandy’s chair toward Aidan. He glanced at me then took the seat between Sam and Xander. I dropped into the chair on the other side of Xander, next to Addi.

“Claire and I work together for TSA. You must be Addi,” he said, directing his gaze to her. “And I have no doubt you two are Xander and Mandy.”

Xander extended his hand around Mandy’s back and shook Aidan’s. Mandy and Addi smiled at him. Sam leaned closer and said, “So Aidan, tell us about yourself. What do you do in your spare time?”

“Not too much. I’m saving to buy a house so I actually work a lot. I usually pick up one or two extra shifts each week so I work about six days a week.”

“I didn’t know that,” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“Where are you looking to buy? I live in a great neighborhood. You should come by sometime and check it out,” Sam said, leaning into him.

I clenched my fists under the table and tried not to get upset. I had no claim over Aidan and Sam could flirt all she wanted. I’d been saying no to dates with Aidan for a long time and Sam fit the bill for his dream woman just as easily as I did. We were the same size but she had bigger breasts and that long, flowing hair that seemed to be made for wet dreams. Her deep brown eyes drew people in and made you want to divulge all your secrets.

Of course that was part of what made her such a fabulous photographer. People wanted to be around Sam. People wanted to smile for her and trusted her enough to let her catch those hidden moments that no one else saw.

I’d always been envious of how easily she talked to people, making small talk seem easy. Where I’d always hidden in the shadows, Sam wasn’t afraid to step into the light when necessary.

Aidan turned toward Sam and said, “That sounds great. I really haven’t decided where I want to buy. I love Winterville so I know I’ll stay in town, but I just don’t know where. I’d love to have a dog so I’m hoping for a place with a yard plus two or three bedrooms. I enjoy cooking so I want a great kitchen.”

“Have you considered a fixer-upper? I got my house for a steal and redid the whole thing myself,” Xander asked. I suddenly loved Mandy’s boyfriend for diverting the attention from Sam.

“I’ve considered it. I like to work with my hands, but I’m afraid I’ll end up getting in over my head and never finish.”

Xander laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. I felt that way, too. It took me about twice as long to finish my house as I thought it would. The key though is to find something you can live in while you fix it up.”

Aidan nodded, turning toward Xander to continue their conversation. “Yeah, I want to move as soon as I can. If I get something with more than one bathroom I know it won’t be too bad to fix up the house, as long as it’s structurally sound. You sound like you know a thing or two about houses.”

Xander grinned. “Yeah, I work at Colton Construction as a project manager. I’m an electrical engineer but I have some decent mechanical skills too.”

“Don’t let him fool you. He’s amazing. His house is stunning. You should come over and check it out. He has before pictures to really give you an idea of what was done. It’s amazing,” Mandy bragged about Xander.

I risked a glance at Sam and saw her taking the whole situation in. Thankfully she wasn’t mad, just observing. I also didn’t think she knew I had any interest in Aidan.

Wait. Shit, I didn’t want to like him.

Sam was my friend. If she wanted him, I needed to step back and let her have him. After all, for the last ten years I’d told myself love wasn’t going to be part of my future. Sam should have a shot.

“I just might do that. Thanks. It’s overwhelming to think about buying a house and all this stuff. I’m 31 but I still feel like I’m not old enough for responsibility. At the same time I’m sick of renting.”

“My neighborhood has some older homes, but most are in pretty good shape. I’ll give you my number and you can come by and see my place. We can wander the neighborhood too so you can see what it would be like to be my neighbor,” Sam jumped back into the conversation.

“Thanks Sam. That sounds great. I’m really glad Claire let me tag along today. She talks about you guys all the time, but I had no idea you would all be so welcoming.”

Xander laughed and rubbed Mandy’s back. “Just don’t piss one of these ladies off. You’ll pay for it big time if you hurt one of them. I learned my lesson in a hurry.”

“Yeah,” Sam jumped in. “I had to pick Mandy up from a party a few weeks ago when she thought Xander was being an ass. He couldn’t find her for over 24 hours. We protect our own.”

“Loyalty is a very important quality in a person. I wouldn’t consider being friends with or dating someone who wasn’t loyal. It says a lot about all of you that you’re such good friends.”

“Claire and Mandy have been friends forever, but Addi and I met them in college. The four of us met our freshman year and have been best friends ever since. We’d do anything for each other.”