Free Ride the Fire by Jo Davis

same.”
    “They’re rare, too.”
    The rest of the drive passed in companionable silence, her hand still enfolded in Sean’s. How could such a simple, everyday pleasure like a man’s big hand holding hers thrill her from head to toe? Make her feel like the most important woman in the world?
    She didn’t want it to end, but they arrived at the Waterin’ Hole all too soon. Belatedly, she realized they’d discussed her parents, but she never got to ask about his. She knew his parents were deceased from comments he’d made over the years, but not the circumstances or whether he had aunts and uncles, cousins. She knew that he had no siblings, which wasn’t much, and made a mental note to try to learn more.
    “Stay there,” he said, shutting off the ignition. He jogged around and opened the door for her, then took her hand again, leading her toward the entrance.
    As they went inside, she was surprised and more than a little nervous about what the others would say if they saw. Part of her hoped he’d keep hold, just to get their reaction. Her worries were for nothing, however, since he let go the second he spied their group against the far left wall.
    He waved and headed in their direction, leaving her to follow in his wake. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or annoyed, but managed to do a decent job of keeping both to herself.
    “Hey, amigo!” Julian yelled, slapping Sean on the back. “Lookin’ like a million, man! Got a hot date?”
    “Sure do. Eve’s my date tonight,” he said, glancing around to make eye contact and give her a playful wink.
    Julian’s mouth fell open for a minute as he studied them both. Then he decided Sean was kidding. “Oh, right. That’s a good one!”
    Everyone laughed except Sean, she noted. He smiled, but didn’t comment as he scooted out a chair and waited for her to sit.
    Of the assembled group, Six-Pack noticed the gesture and his laughter died, replaced by a thoughtful expression as his eyes met Eve’s.
    She avoided the weight of his stare and turned her attention to Sean, who took a seat beside her and gave his drink order to the server.
    “A Coke, please.”
    The girl hesitated. “Just a plain Coke?”
    “Yes,” he answered, politeness a tad strained.
    “Make that two,” Eve put in.
    “You usually get beer.” He gave her leg a squeeze.
    “But—”
    “I’m the alcoholic, not you,” he insisted. “If you want beer, order one. It’s fine.”
    “If you’re sure . . .”
    “I am. Besides, if you order Coke like me, then think how the others will feel. I don’t want anyone to feel guilty about drinking what they want around me.”
    He had a point. “All right.” She looked up at the girl, who waited with a tight smile, clearly uncomfortable. “Miller Lite, bottled.”
    “Gotcha!”
    The girl flounced off and Sean nodded. “Thank you.”
    “What for?”
    “Keeping it real, remember?”
    “My version of that rule excludes anything that might hurt you,” she informed him. “I reserve the right to break it as needed.”
    He grinned. “Duly noted.” Propping his elbows on the table, he addressed the group in general. “Where are the rest of the women? You guys make them stay home?”
    “As if you can make a pregnant woman do anything,” Six-Pack said, making a face. “Kat’s ankles are swollen and she didn’t sleep good last night. She practically shoved me out the door so she could finish grading homework and go to bed.”
    Being seven months pregnant and teaching first grade, on her feet all day, sounded like hell to Eve. “That sucks, my friend.”
    “Tell me about it.”
    Zack made a sympathetic noise. “Same here, except Cori’s just tired. The hospital has her working too many shifts, in my opinion.”
    “Jeez, you guys are a real advertisement for having kids,” Julian said with a laugh. “No, thanks.”
    Clay echoed the sentiment with enthusiasm.
    The two fathers-to-be glared at Jules, and Eve couldn’t stifle a chuckle. Some