His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he reached to answer without looking at the name.
“Hello.”
“Wade?”
He didn’t recognize the voice.
“Depends on who is askin’.”
“It’s the blonde pit bull.”
He winced. Avery. “Trina did not tell you I said that.”
“She most certainly did.”
“Well, Miss Avery, I meant that out of my deepest respect,” he backpedaled. “Strong women run the earth.”
“Keep kissing up,” she said.
He laughed as he scanned the crowed exiting baggage claim. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to make sure you didn’t send some flunky to pick Trina up at the airport.”
“No, ma’am, I did not. I’m standing right here, waiting for her now.”
“Huh.”
“Anything else?” he asked, knowing full well Avery wasn’t done.
“Yeah. Don’t mess with her head.”
He opened his mouth to respond, only to be cut off. “Don’t lie to her. Don’t tell her she’s the only one if she isn’t. Don’t be an asshole.”
Wade didn’t think The Blonde Pit Bull was a worthy enough title for the woman giving him sass on the phone.
“You’re a good friend, Avery. Trina’s lucky to have you on her side.” He really did mean that. Much as he was the one on the wrong end of the woman’s gun.
“Uh-huh…right.”
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say you really don’t like me, do you?”
“I know your kind, and I’ve warned her. But apparently there isn’t anything else I can do.”
From the crowd he saw a woman of Trina’s height with sleek black hair…his heart did a little two-step of its own.
“I’ll take good care of her. You can count on that.”
Yup, that was her. Those dark eyes caught his, even through his sunglasses, and her lips spread into a smile. The feeling in his belly made his entire body warm.
This was good.
This was very good.
Avery was saying something that he didn’t catch.
“Ah-huh . . . sure. Thanks for your advice.” He hung up.
Trina pushed one small, round designer suitcase in front of her as she approached.
He wanted to kiss her. Wanted to throw his arms around her, spin her in a circle, and make her laugh with the silliness of it all.
He hesitated.
“Screw it.” Four giant steps and he gave in to the desire. He lifted her surprised frame off the ground, pulled her body flush with his, and dropped his lips to her ear. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Wade!”
He kissed the side of her head, opting for something less personal, considering he had yet to savor her lips.
Yet, God willing, be the right word.
