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“Thanks.” Al shook out his arms and blew out a deep breath. “Thanks for doing this with me. You seemed a little nervous yesterday. I know you don’t usually get this involved with my jobs, but I feel better knowing you’re close.”

She soaked in his words, trying not to read more into them. “My best friend, who also happens to be my biggest client, is about to film the first episode of his very own television show. Where else would I be?” Her hands brushed over his shoulders as she continued to fuss with his suit.

“You had me worried when you didn’t show up on time.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I had a flat and my spare was out of air.” Actually, her spare was missing completely, apparently stolen when someone knifed her tire. But she couldn’t tell Al, because then he’d go into deputy mode and now was not the time. Besides, it was probably some kids Al had stopped from shoplifting trying to get back at him but didn’t realize they’d gotten the wrong car.

“Oh, that stinks. You can catch a ride home with me tonight, and tomorrow I’ll help you get a new tire.” He sighed as he looked up at the trees overhead. “This doesn’t bother you at all?” he asked.

Jeannie’s heart tightened, and she allowed the pain to strengthen her resolve. Her heartbreak was nothing compared to what her brother had endured in prison and would continue to endure the longer he stayed there. “Of course not, why would it?” She took a step back and looked him up and down.Time to suck it up, buttercup.“You are about to meet ten hot, and possibly rabid women. If you don’t keep your focus, they’ll eat you alive. Trust me, I’ve seen their audition tapes.”

“That’s not really comforting.”

“Well how about this then? I spoke to the defense attorney today and she filed Ben’s transfer papers. We’re doing the right thing. You and I had a moment of weakness. But we’re back on the plan. And right now, that planinvolves you getting busy with ten lucky ladies. We’ve had worse plans.”

Al laughed. “Well, you have a point there. The ad campaign for Grimm Manure Company being top of that list.”

Jeannie grinned. “Oh, come on, the smell went away after a week or so.” The smell actually went away after a day, but Jeannie secretly added several scoops to Al’s indoor plants, so he thought it was him.

“Okay, people!” Lindsey shouted as she clapped her hands. “The first patrol car is arriving. Al, I need you by the gazebo.”

Jeannie adjusted the pocket square in his jacket, unable to resist touching him one last time. She tapped his chest and stepped back toward the crew. “Good luck. Try not to be nervous. Or a dork. Or an asshole.”

Al chuckled as he walked toward the gazebo. “I know it’s been a while, but I think I remember how to pick up women.”

Jeannie tilted her head as she replayed his words. When was the last time he went out on a date? For years, he’d had a constant stream of women coming in and out of his side of the duplex. Jeannie had even helped him get rid of some of the clingers. But now that she thought about it, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him withsomeone. He’d said he hadn’t had sex since the incident, but had he not even gone on a date? Maybe Christian was keeping him too busy at work. Whatever the reason, he was about to make up for lost time. The first patrol car had arrived.

***

Al stopped pacing and took a deep breath. He could do this. He would do this. He was still haunted by his visit with Ben. He hadn’t told Jeannie, afraid he wouldn’t be able to hide his concern over the realities of Ben’s life in prison.

She was right. He needed to do whatever was necessary to give his best friend a chance to be free again. Ben had given up years of his life for Al. There was no way Al could leave him to rot to pursue a relationship with Jeannie. Especially when Jeannie didn’t even want a relationship.

A car door slammed shut and a voluptuous Latina in a tight black dress sauntered toward him. Huh, maybe this wouldn’t be such a chore after all.

“Hola, mi encanto. I’m Mercedes,” she purred.

“I’m Al, it’s great to meet you.” He tried to focus on her words and not the ample curves of her body. Jeannie might have a chokehold on his heart, but his eyes were wily little fuckers. Especially when Mercedes’ tits were bursting out of her dress like two cans of exploded biscuits.

“I brought you a gift from my hometown of San Antonio.” Her slight accent added a sexy spin to her words.

“That was very thoughtful of—” Al’s mouth dropped as Mercedes reached into her breasts and pulled out two mini-bottles of tequila.

With a wicked grin, she handed them over.

“Don’t tell me you have lime and salt in there, too.”

Mercedes laughed as she reached back into her breasts, coming out with a plastic baggie. “One thing you will learn about me is that I am always down to … party.”

With her eyes not leaving his, she reached for his hand and licked the area just below his thumb. She held out her hand to his mouth and raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, uh, yeah okay.” Al tentatively stuck out his tongue and quickly swiped the same area. Hopefully her clown car titties also held hand sanitizer.

Mercedes poured salt from the baggie onto both of their hands, which stuck to the moistened areas. She swapped out one of the mini bottles for a lime and linked their arms together.

“Lick, chug, suck!”

Al snorted. One thing was for sure, filming wouldn’t be boring. He licked the salt from his hand, drank the entire mini bottle, then sucked on the lime.