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Marco Moretti was sixteen when he came into Reid’s life. Reid had been twenty-four, new to Willow Cove and the local police station, and had seen himself in the kid. They’d been in each other’s life ever since, and somewhere along the way, the hotheaded teenager became a loyal friend—the best, as far as Reid was concerned. He could rely on Marco for anything.
Reid spotted him pulling his boat into its slip. Marco had manned the boat for some time and continued to do so despite his custom furniture making business taking off to an all-time high. He’d told Reid he’d never give up lobstering. It was who he was, and furniture building just happened to be a hobby that turned into something bigger and profitable.
“Hey,” Reid said as he approached.
Marco tossed him a line, and Reid grabbed it, securing the rope to the dock cleat.
“Saw you on TV,” Marco said as he pulled up a six-pack he always had tied to the end of a line off the docks. He handed him a can, and Reid cracked open the local ale. He took a long swig. “I didn’t have a choice after Allison’s report the other day. The mayor insisted on it.”
“The mayor, huh?” Marco whistled low. “Bet that was a fun conversation.”
“Delightful as always, but not nearly as delightful as the five hundred phone calls I had to field today because Allison had to turn my statement into a Q&A.”
“Let me guess. Everyone’s scared you’re taking their funding.”
“Bingo!” Marco laughed, and Reid rolled his eyes. “Screw you.”
“Someone has their panties in a bunch.”
Reid squeezed the bridge of his nose. “I know. It’s just that damn woman. She’s driving me nuts.”
“You know what I did with the last woman who drove me nuts?” Marco asked.
Reid took a sip of beer and eyed him from the side. “What’s that?”
“I married her.”
Reid barked out a laugh that echoed across the water. “Marry her? I can’t even stand to be near the woman. Marry her.” He laughed again. “You’re out of your damn mind.”
“I’m just saying all that bickering makes for the best sex you’ll ever have. Hands down.”
“I’m never going to find out.” There was a reason he’d never been in a relationship. Though now that Marco put it in his head, he couldn’t help but wonder what Allison would look like stripped out of her professional dresses and blazers, splayed across his bed, hair fanned out around her, nipples hard…
No. Never happening.
Besides the fact that he couldn’t stand her most days, she was way too intrusive. She’d want to know things about him, things he didn’t tell anyone. There was a reason he kept his past to himself. He and everyone he knew was safer that way.
Marco took a swig from his beer, eyes focusing on the water. “Do you see yourself settling down ever?”
“No.” It had been a long time since he’d run from his past, but the fear still pricked at the back of his neck, and he’d never willingly put someone in danger just because he stupidly fell in love. It was better to be alone.
“That’s a shame. I think you and the reporter would make a cute couple.”
“A cute couple? Did you turn into a fourteen-year-old girl overnight? What is up with you?”
Marco shrugged. “I’m happy, and I want the same for you.”
Reid glanced at the man but remembered the kid he’d helped so many times over the years. “I appreciate that. And I am happy. In my own way, and I’m okay with that.”
“If you change your mind, let me know. Aubrey has a friend she’s been asking to set you up with.”
“Oh!” Reid exclaimed. “That’s what this is all about.”
“No, I just thought I’d throw it out there and see if you bite. You didn’t, so now I can tell Aubrey to stop asking.” Marco grinned to himself. “Besides. I’m pretty sure you’re in love with someone else.”
“Don’t make me push you in the water.”
Marco held his hands up. “Now, would the sheriff really push someone into the water?”
