like he had some magical superpower that could attract ladies without even trying. I mean, sure he was decent looking, but he was no more special than any of us.
Our jobs in the FDNY demanded we stay in shape, so most of us got a decent amount of action. And since Leighton and North were both out of rotation, it meant more for me.
And not sure if it was the added opportunities or the lack of competition, but things had been relatively good with the ladies. Except for the current situation, which had been fruitless.
“Meh, they were predictable.” I sighed, bored they’d just been more of the same. “I think I might be coming down with something. I swear, five minutes in and I was already losing interest.”
It was unlike me to turn down attention, especially when it came in such a delightful package. I reveled in it, getting off on hero worship and appreciation, believing that having a healthy ego was nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, it drove me to be better. Pushing myself to compete against the guy I was yesterday so I was constantly a better version of myself. And yeah, maybe the adulation was one hell of a sweetener.
So why I had turned down the fine-looking women who were more than happy to give me what I usually wanted was a mystery. Hell, it even surprised me.
“You think that maybe you’re seeing everyone in healthy and loving relationships and possibly want it for yourself?” Leighton raised a brow as he leaned in and whispered, “You know, I hear it’s contagious. Good thing it’s pretty fucking awesome too.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing that me wanting to be tied to a ball and chain was definitely not the reason for my lack of interest. “Jesus, Leighton. You hear yourself? This is me we’re talking about, not you. I love you, brother, but you sucked at playing the game. It was only a matter of time before you ended up taking the walk down the aisle. Now, North, that was the one that came out of left field. Not that I’d blame him with a woman like Quinn, but everyone knows that shit is the exception and not the rule. So, going to have to pass on giving some girl the key to my balls.”
It wasn’t like I had issues with long-term relationships per se. My parents had been married for forever and were still into each other. As were Leighton’s parents. So, I knew it worked out sometimes. Which was why I’d consider it when I was like forty or something. Hell, the chief was edging close to fifty and had recently tied the knot and had a new baby. And considering what a shitshow his first marriage had been, it was proof there was no need to rush it.
“Well, whatever your deal is, make sure you don’t say any of that shit in the best man speech at my wedding. Especially about North’s wife.” Leighton laughed, shooting Presley a smile as she walked by, almost ignoring me completely.
He was so whipped.
It hadn’t even been ten minutes since he’d come back to the table, but by the way he was looking at her, it was like it had been a fucking week.
“Christ, Leighton.” I shook my head, rolling my eyes as Presley gave him a stupid love-struck grin of her own. “If you want to go hang out with her, go. I don’t need a sitter.”
Leighton shook his head, watching as Pres disappeared from view. “Nope, she’s working. Besides, this conversation about your balls is so riveting. Not sure I want to miss it.”
My grin widened as I flipped him off. We’d known each other since we were eighteen, moving into an apartment in Hell’s Kitchen and gone through the academy together. He’d been the only roommate I’d ever had until he moved out and shacked up with my sister. And as much as I liked having the apartment all to myself, I kinda missed having him around. He was more than my best friend. And while he was soon going to officially be my brother-in-law, he’d been family for longer than I could remember.
“Fine, stick around.” I pretended like I wasn’t thrilled he wasn’t going to ditch me in favor of Presley. “But do me a favor and dial down the commitment talk. I’m happy for you, and for everyone else who’s . . .” I waved my hand around trying to find the right