Page 26 of Nailing Heat

She simply nods. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that you dodged most of the talk about the Cromwells. I wasn’t going to ask more questions about Hendrix or anything. I know you didn’t know that version of August.”

I nod, but remind her, “I think that we veered off that course when you asked about my family.”

“True.”

There’s a knock at her apartment door and we both jump and look at each other.

“I should get that.” Amelia hops up, heads over towards the door, switching on the overhead light as she reaches it.

Chapter Nine

~AMELIA~

Iget up from our couch picnic and head over the door, wondering who is here. Or if it’s August, here to say that he’s already found a new home for Dex. A part of me hopes not. I’ve been enjoying getting to know him. Not that I would admit this to anyone, but having him here is not so bad.

I swing open the door and there stand Danny, Mac, Jase, Cassie, Hendrix and August. I can see there is beer in their hands, along with some bags of chip and more pizzas.

I crack up when I see them. “So did we decide that the party was at my house tonight?”

Dex comes over and begins helping the guys bring the beer into the kitchen. I hear him talking to Danny and August, but I can’t make out what they are saying.

“Oh, did you guys already have some pizza?” Hendrix asks as she takes in the pizza box that is on the coffee table, and the paper plates that are laying on the couch. “A little roommate-bonding dinner happening here?”

Her tone is teasing, and I wonder if there is a bit of innuendo in her words.

“Yeah, we’re having dinner. You know two people can eattogether and have it not mean something. It’s not like I was eating pizza off of him.”

“Intriguing thought that you went right there, West,” August says, teasing me.

“Oh, fuck off, dude.” Dex says, saving me.

I glance his way quickly and catch his wink. Had I blinked, I would have missed it. Butterflies turn over in my stomach at the simple but quick gesture.

“Don’t be a jerk,” Hendrix says, grabbing my hand and leading me toward the kitchen. Cassie and Mac follow us, leaving the guys in the living room. Once we’re alone, she asks me. “Are things going well with two of you?”

I see there are three sets of eyes staring at me intently. “Are you trying to ask me if something is happening here?” I ask her, confused.

“No, we don’t think something is happening here. It just looked like you were making progress with the man, since you were bitching about him all day,” Cassie reminds me.

“Oh, yeah, it’s going okay, I guess. He asked about picking up dinner because he woke me up this morning trying to work my espresso machine.”

“Wait, I thought you left him instructions?” Mac asks.

“I did and he figured it out. He was making a lot of noise doing it. So, I guess this was like an apology or something. We spent some time talking about his family while we ate.”

“Why justhisfamily?” Hendrix asks me. There’s an edge to her tone, one that tells me she’s still bitter about a past relationship. I’m pretty sure it’s August, but I don’t ask. No one does.

“Because that’s all we got to and then you all showed up,” I tell her gently. “Relax, it’s fine. We’re doing just fine, I think.”

Mac nods. “Are you okay with him living here now?” I don’t miss the hint of concern in her voice when she asks.

I slowly nod. “Yeah, I think it’s okay. It’s temporary and heneeds a place to crash. Plus, he’s going through a divorce, so I’m pretty sure I’m safe from anything.”

“That’s good. I’m glad that you’re feeling better about it. It’s nice that you’re making friends with him too.”

“Who said we were becoming friends?” I ask her.

“Well, we walked in on a carpet picnic, what would you call it?” Cassie asks, her brow furrowed in confusion.