Kat squealed with delight and threw herself into the arms of the culprit.
No need to glance over to figure out who had just arrived. Frosty, her on-again, off-again boyfriend.
They had a weird relationship, because even when they were off, they were on. Like, all-over-each-other on. I’d never seen two people more bat-crap crazy for each other.
She peppered his face with kisses. “You came!”
“And you look amazing.”
“Obviously.”
Ha! Such a perfect, confident response. Such a Kat response. I’d have to remember it the next time Cole complimented me.
“I couldn’t stay away.” Frosty combed his fingers through Kat’s hair. “I believe your last text said, and I quote, ‘If you aren’t here within the next ten minutes, I will probably forget all about you and fall in love with someone else.’”
My girl had such a poetic way with words.
Lucas, as attractive as ever in a polo with the sleeves rolled up to display his dark arms to perfection, stepped out from behind Frosty. He nodded at Trina, peering at her for several seconds beyond polite. A lance of awareness arced between them. Well, well. I’d suspected they were secretly seeing each other, and this just cinched it. Good. They deserved a steamy dose of happiness.
Kat wrapped her fingers around Frosty’s wrist and pulled him closer. “I’ve always believed open lines of communication are the key to making any relationship work. That, and presents. Do you have one for me?”
“Me, too!” Reeve waved her hands expectantly. “Gimme.”
Frosty ignored her. As usual, he cared only about his girl. “Shouldn’t my exalted presence be present enough? I ditched Cole and Bronx and broke speed records to come snap the spine of anyone who’s made a play for you. And since that’s surely everyone breathing, I just need you to tell me where you’d like me to start.”
My ears perked at the mention of Cole. “Where’d you leave him?”
Of course, Frosty ignored me, too.
“Tatty’s Ink,” Lucas said. “Bronx is getting Reeve’s name inked into his arm. Which, I just remembered, is supposed to be a surprise.”
Reeve cooed happily, thrilled with her boyfriend’s unexpected gift.
I’d decided to get two new tattoos myself, so...why not drive over there now? Cole could hold my hand through the process, and afterward, he’d realize there had never been a more perfect chance for Nana-free time. Two birds, one delectable stone. Afterward, we could...do things. I shivered with anticipation.
Knowing it would have been criminal to leave a single drop of my mousse shooter behind, I downed it and licked the rim, then licked again just to be safe. I knew I wasn’t overhyping the dessert when I muttered, “This is the best thing in the entire world.”
“Agreed,” Reeve said.
Finally, I made the brave decision to step between Frosty and Kat.
Yes, other people had been donkey-punched in the throat for doing such a thing, but I was willing to risk it. I needed my best friend’s full attention.
“I’m leaving, and I’m taking Mackenzie with me.” Love bug was my ride. “You’re not going to have as much fun without me, but I hope you’re willing to make the sacrifice.”
Kat pursed her lips. “What about this most special of occasions? Girls’ day out.”
Honestly? “It crashed and burned the second Frosty and Lucas showed up.”
“Hey,” Frosty said behind me. “I only crash and burn the people who say I crash and burn things.”
“True story.” Kat blinked up at me. “But that aside, let’s cut through the crap and focus on what you’re really saying. I have to choose between him and you.”
If it would save me from having to argue about leaving? “Yes.”
“Oh. Well, then. I choose you,” she said with a sunny smile. “Of course.”
Should have seen that coming. As much as she loved Frosty, she loved me. Maybe more. We were sisters of the heart rather than blood, and (almost) always put each other’s needs above everyone else’s.
“Get lost, Frosty.” She made shooing motions over my shoulder. “You can remind me of my affection for you later.”
“But, kitten,” he said, his tone beseeching. And it was funny, hearing one of the biggest, baddest Z-killers in Birmingham, Alabama, reduced to begging, all because a tiny fluff of nothing had decided not to play with him. “I have a fever, and the only prescription...is more cow-kat.”
Kat narrowed her eyes at him. “Cow-kat?”
“Dude,” Lucas muttered. “Do you want to lose a testicle?”
“Okay,” Frosty said, “I’m man enough to admit that might have come out wrong.”
I gripped Kat by the shoulders. “You don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings. I’m foaming-at-the-mouth eager to see Cole.”
“You planning to make out with him?”
“Yes,” I admitted, even as my cheeks heated.
“That’s so cake. And you’ll give me every detail?”
Wait. “Cake?”