This Is Love. Nana Malone

      His friend shrugged. “You and neighbor lady seem on good terms, and she saved your ass with that dinner invite.”

      “Well, up until that day, we’d barely spoken. Turns out she needs a date to some wedding or whatever in a few weeks.”

      “So quid pro quo then.”

      Bennett nodded. “Yep. And maybe I’ll be out of here on assignment after I complete my end of the bargain, so no chance of her getting too attached.”

      Trevor slid him a glance. “So the sparks I saw out there, that was nothing?”

      “What? No. I barely know the woman.”

      “She is choice, though. Looks like petite brown Barbie. I mean, did you see the rack on her? She could...”

      Bennett loved Trevor. He was the brother he had always wanted. But the surge of jealousy had his jaw clenching and him shaking his head. “Don’t, Trev.”

      His best friend’s forehead wrinkled. “Well, well, maybe that thing with your neighbor isn’t just a mutual favor after all?”

      Bennett scrubbed a hand down his face. What was wrong with him? “No. I mean, yes.” Hell. “Look, she’s not all that bad. But she’s a nice person, so let’s cool it on the ogling her assets.”

      “Fair enough.” Trevor nodded. “Backing off, but can I ask you a question, man?”

      “Shoot.”

      “What if it wasn’t just a quid-pro-quo thing? With her? What if...it could be something real? You give that any thought?”

      “Of course not. I’m not looking for anything. You know that. I’m a free agent. I can’t be tied down.” He’d had maybe one three-month relationship in college. And another six-month stint right out of school, but neither one had stuck. His travel made it impossible. And to be honest, they were barely relationships. More like sex on tap with the occasional dinner or drinks thrown in. He’d never introduced a woman to Trevor or his aunt. He’d always known they wouldn’t be staying.

      Trevor nodded. “I hear you. But maybe you like this one. I’ve been present for you kissing a lot of girls. Remember Mindy Tabsy in the seventh grade? I’ve never seen you be even remotely possessive about anyone. I’ll let it go, but I’m just saying. You seem different.”

      “I promise you, Trev, I’m exactly the same.” Bennett was not a permanent kind of guy. And certainly not with someone as uptight as Val. Even if today there’d been nothing uptight about her.