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Miles chuckled. “It might be time to do something about all those feelings you clearly don’t have.”
He shook his head. “I didn’t see that one coming.”
“Did you think you could keep her to yourself in that little friend bubble you created over the last couple of years?”
“Kind of.”
Miles signaled for another round. “You’re a fool, and if you don’t make your intentions known, someone else will.”
Teague drained his beer. “What if I’m not clear on what those might be?”
“Then it’s time to get clear because a woman like that doesn’t come along very often.”
Not able to deny the statement, he watched Tancy return to her group of friends. After she was done gesticulating wildly, they all turned and gave him a disapproving glare.
So much for a relaxing night out.
SIX
Teague looked over the fence line and prayed the scent of his brisket was enough to bring Tancy to his yard. She’d been avoiding him since the night in the bar, and he was ready for the standoff to be over.
The sound of the side gate snapping open filled his small patio, and he let out a gust of relief. “I hope you’re hungry because my world-famous brisket is almost done.”
“I’m still mad at you,” Tancy announced as she set a bowl and basket on the table that dominated the patio draped in wisteria. “You hurt my feelings the same way hard pants do, and I plan on being miffed for at least another day or two.”
Knowing wine would help the situation, he grabbed a bottle out of the fridge in his outdoor kitchen and filled a glass. “And exactly how did I hurt your feelings?”
“Why wouldn’t you help me find any candidates? Am I that objectional?” She accepted the glass and sat down. “You could’ve pretended to go along, and I never would’ve known how little you think of me.”
He watched her fold two napkins and place cutlery next to the plates he’d brought out earlier. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“There can only be one reason for your refusal to help.”
“There sure is,” he barked out before grabbing a beer and joining her at the table. “I don’t want anything to change.” Confusion filled her face, and he let out a frustrated breath. Did he dare admit his desire to transform their friendship into something more? “I think we’ve got a good thing going and don’t see the need to stick a random boy toy into our routine.”
“Boy toy?” she repeated quietly. “What made you think that I wanted one of those?” Picking up her glass, she took several gulps. “Did Faith tell you about the bratva beast I drooled over the other day? Because if she did, what you’re saying would make much more sense. Though how that gorgeous deviant from the criminal underworld would be interested in me is impossible to say.”
“We have Russian mobsters in town?”
“Well, I can’t say for sure, but the man in question certainly could be cast in the roll.” She lit two large citronella candles they kept at the center of the table. “Which reminds me, I need to speak with Birch and see if the men that Nathan was keeping company with are still out and about.”
Pushing himself abruptly to his feet, he stalked over to the grill and tried to determine which thing to deal with first. The possibility of the syndicate still having an interest in Tancy’s brother seemed to be the most pressing, but there was no denying that he had to contend with his unresolved feelings. He pulled the brisket off the grill and returned to the table. “Why would you find a criminal drool-worthy?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but what woman wouldn’t find a man reeking of danger and decisiveness attractive.” She snorted. “There are far too manyKevins in Khakiswandering about acting like women are rehabilitation centers for poorly raised men” She pulled the plastic wrap off the macaroni salad and put a heaping scoop on Teague’s plate, then her own. “Women want a man who can be a partner, not a project. So make no mistake, if one appears to be the least bit competent, a line of willing women will form to the left. Even if his job requires him to occasionally partake in wet work.” She covered the bowl. “Which is why so many women made a mad dash for your door.”
“I’m not making the connection.”
Tancy rolled her eyes. “You’re the much sought-after Sigma male.”
“What the hell is that?”
“An introverted alpha male. You have a commanding presence but don’t need to be loud and showy about it. A lone wolf as it were.” She uncovered the rolls and put two on his plate. “Sigmas choose to sit outside the hierarchy, while alphas prefer to be at the top of it.”
He gave her a faint smile and sliced up the brisket. “So, does that mean I rank above or below the mobster?”
“Above.” She gave him a slow once over. “But just barely.”
“I guess it’s important to count your blessings where possible.”
