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“Yes. I’ve made five offers, all of which have been rejected.”

“You think that’s because you’re single?”

I nodded. “I don’t think single men are their preferred homeowners. At least not when they have equal offers from other buyers.”

Chase’s eyes narrowed. “What you need is a good friend who can write a personal letter for you, detailing your many stellar qualities as a homeowner.”

“Such as?”

“Your Martha Stewart side. A few pictures of your current place would alleviate any concerns about a single man trashing the house and their reputation with the neighborhood.”

“I don’t have a Martha Stewart side.”

He snorted. “Jimmy. You have freaking placematsandcloth napkins. That you actually use andwash. Daily. As a bachelor, I had paper plates and an unhealthy relationship with a single kitchen towel. You underestimate yourself.”

I shook my head. “Chase.No onewants to hear about your kitchen towel. You knew my grandmother. Between her and my mother, my napkin habit isn’t shocking. That doesn’t help the other issues, like the whole firefighter thing.”

“Firefighter thing?” Chase frowned. “That Honda of yours does you no favors. If you parked a fire engine at home, I’d bet the neighborhood would love it. You’d be every toddler’s favorite person.” He smiled. “Then again, you’d be every parent’s worst nightmare and spectacularly unpopular if you can’t resist the tykes and run your siren.” His grin turned mischievous. “I know how little willpower you have in the face of a sad toddler. An engine at home would turn you into the neighborhood menace.”

I laughed. He wasn’t wrong. The only time I’d been reprimanded was when I’d gotten carried away with the siren after a call, trying to soothe a demanding three-year-old girl with puppy dog eyes. The kid had been too cute for her own good. Or mine.

“My job is a conversation killer with more people than you can imagine. Relationship killer too. Either being a firefighter is too dangerous or I’m not around enough because of my work schedule. I’ve been trying to keep that bit of information hidden from potential sellers, but then I’m stereotyped as a messy single guy. Sellers prefer to leave their house in the hands of a couple expecting their first baby or retirees sizing down.”

Chase looked me up and down, before waving his hands vaguely. “I suppose it doesn’t help you look like that.”

I pretended offense. “Look like what?”

“All built and shit. Intimidating. Maybe less time at the gym? It would leave us more time for video games.”

I snorted. “Nice try. My life depends on my ability to run up several flights of stairs wearing fifty pounds of gear. I don’t think I’m giving up the gym anytime soon. Getting married seems like a safer choice.”

“Marriage as the safe choice, huh?” Chase shook his head. “I don’t give you enough credit for your optimism. What brought this on? I thought you were content to date around. Not in a rush.”

I focused on his words for a few beats. If I said jealousy, it’d be admitting the quiet part out loud. And Chase deserved his happiness. He’d fought hard for Tamra’s heart. Was it wrong if the glimmer of something similar with Melena had me rethinking my plans to keep things casual?

I swallowed and ignored his question, pushing forward with something to distract him.

“If she says yes, will you be a witness and best man for me?”

His smile slowly overtook his face. “Yes, I’d be honored.” His grin faded. “Wait. Are you going to tell Andi?”

“After the deed is done.”

He shook his head. “That’s a mistake, man. You know better. You won’t live it down if you don’t include her.”

Chase knew my sister well. He’d been on the receiving end of her tirades more than once. I groaned. “You’re right. I’ll find a way to break it to her.”

Chase smiled. “It’s for the best. You know it.”

That was debatable. My sister was a handful. She claimed it was why people had two hands. I tried to imagine my opinionated and polished sister and Melena together. Melena wasn’t a fading flower, but Andi was extra tough on women interested in me. She couldn’t let go of the idea I needed protection. I’d been more than a little upset when I found out she was spreading rumors about me wetting the bed in high school to turn off potential girlfriends. She said they were scamming on me and wanted to use me for my body. But I was a healthy teenage guy.That was my ideal relationship.One-hundred percent physical. I didn’t need Andi trying to talk Melena out of marrying me. I was already struggling to talk Melenaintoit. Andi would be convinced it was a mistake.

Mistake or not, it was one I was eager to make. Melena was perfect. Independent enough not to mind my oddball shifts or worry over every little thing. Funny and easy to be with. It didn’t hurt that I still thought about our kisses in the shower. And in the kitchen. Also, while on shift. Brief but fiery, they left me wanting more. We had the kind of chemistry that made good partners. Everything I wanted was within my grasp; a home of my own and someone to come home to. If anything was going to help battle the day-to-day grind and stress of work, it would be that. I regretted offering Melena an out at one year. I had a sneaking suspicion it would be the last thing I wanted.