finally long to find that kind of passion for myself.”
“Really?” Heidi squeaked with delight, and it made Zoey and Meagan laugh. “You’re finally ready to ‘spice it up’?”
“I can take a guess, but I’m going to ask anyway. Who’s the lucky guy?” Zoey teased her.
“Is it that obvious?” Meagan rolled her eyes but chuckled as she leaned back to get comfortable.
“Oh yeah, I could tell from the first moment you walked into this place. Coop’s a great guy, though, so what’s not to like? And the two of you seem to get along pretty well.” Heidi playfully elbowed Zoey, who wiggled her eyebrows.
“Definitely. I’ve known him for years, and I haven’t a bad thing to say about him. It doesn’t hurt that you’re both so cute together, either.”
“Well, thanks. It’s nice to know that I have your support. Coming home again has to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Now comes the hard part ‘spicing it up’.” She made air quotes with her fingers.
“I know where you’re coming from, Meagan. I was pretty shy once upon a time, too, but believe me, it pays to open up sometimes, and Coop is going to be worth it.” Zoey held up her beer bottle with one hand and reached over to place her other hand on top of Meagan’s. “To the best advice ever given to either of us.” Heidi smiled and followed suit by finishing the toast and placing her hand on top of Zoey’s. “To ‘spicing it up’ at The Rendezvous.”
“I think I like the sound of that, but why aren’t you two still lip-locked together? You were supposed to make it hot for us before we left.” Rafe looked at Nathan and shook his head. “They disobeyed us, partner. As soon as we finish these drinks, I think we need to take our naughty girls home and bring out the toys.” He smiled mischievously and turned to Meagan as Coop helped her up to let them pass. “Would Meagan care to join in?”
Coop didn’t say anything, but he put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him as if to stake his claim, and she liked his protective side. “I’m flattered, Rafe, really, but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline yet again. You’re like family to me, and that’s just not going to happen.” She shuddered and then laughed as he pulled her out of Coop’s embrace and into his own. Rafe laughed with her as he spun her around.
“I know, but I like getting a reaction out of Nathan. He’s much hotter when I piss him off.” He winked before he set her down and took a long swig of his beer before he beckoned Zoey with his finger.
“Yeah, and wait till we get home and I’ll show you how hot I can get,” Nathan said. “I’ll get Heidi to show me where she put that paddle and swat your ass good, too.”
“I don’t know about the three of you, but I think I’m ready to go now. See ya.” Heidi abruptly stood and grabbed Nathan’s hand to lead the way out. The other two followed closely behind, and Meagan and Coop stood there speechless as they watched them go.
“I hope you got those ear plugs ready.” Coop sat down as he watched her clear the table. “Sit for a minute, would you?”
She slid in the booth directly across from him. “I’ll manage. What they have is a beautiful thing. I think I’m jealous.” She grinned. “And to think it all started with three simple words. Have they told you the story about that yet?”
“Not in so many words, no. I’ve heard bits and pieces, but not the whole story of it.”
“Well, Heidi and my cousin have been roommates and friends for years. Anyway, Heidi hit a rough patch in her love life, and she walked in on Nathan getting it on with someone else in their living room.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” She snickered. “She’s had a thing for him since I can remember, but she never acted on it. Anyway, that night she decided to watch, and Nathan noticed. Heidi was so embarrassed at first, she called me and Zoey in for moral support. We went out one night and
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