Free Tuesday (Timeless Series #2) by E. L. Todd Page A

friend.”
    “How long?” Axel asked, his protective side coming out.
    “About six months or so,” Kyle answered.
    I wish he hadn’t said that.
    “Six months?” Axel asked. “That’s a long time…” He turned to me with a disapproving look. “Why am I only meeting him now?”
    “Because we aren’t serious,” I said. “Can we stop talking about Kyle and I now and just have fun?”
    “You’re introducing me to your boyfriend,” Axel said. “I want to know more about him. It’s my job.”
    I grabbed a piece of bread from the basket and threw it at him. It hit him right in the nose.
    Marie covered her mouth and tried not to laugh.
    “Don’t be annoying,” I said. “Now, let’s talk about something else.”
    Axel wiped the crumbs off his face and pressed his lips tightly together. It was clear he was irritated but held his tongue because of Kyle.
    “I heard you guys are getting married,” Kyle said. “Congratulations.”
    “Thank you,” Marie said. “We’re really thrilled about it.” She leaned toward Axel and kissed his cheek.
    Axel softened up at her affection. “Yeah, I’m definitely marrying up. Marie has perfect legs and an even more perfect ass.”
    I ignored that last comment.
    “Have you been to Frankie’s shop?” Marie asked.
    “I go in there pretty often,” Kyle said. “Sometimes to see her…and sometimes for her treats.” He gave me a flirtatious look.
    I pressed my lips to his ear. “Don’t be gross.”
    He moved his lips to my ear. “I’m being myself. I don’t give a damn if people dislike me for it.” Then he pulled away.
    “How did you two meet?” Axel asked.
    Marie immediately laughed then tried to hold it back. It came out as a quick snort that we all noticed.
    Axel eyed her. “This should be good…”
    Kyle turned to me and silently asked what I wanted to say.
    “We met at the gym.” I didn’t elaborate further.
    “You mean the locker room,” Marie teased.
    I kicked her under the table.
    “The locker room?” Axel asked.
    Axel deserved the perfect woman to spend his life with, and Marie was that person. But sometimes it was a pain in the ass that my best friend was with my brother. I couldn’t just say anything around him. “I walked into the men’s locker room on accident…and I bumped into Kyle.”
    “On accident my ass,” Marie jabbed.
    Kyle put his arm over the back of my chair. “I don’t think it was an accident either.”
    “Well, it was,” I said defensively.
    “And then?” Axel raised an eyebrow.
    Kyle took over. “Let’s just say she liked what she saw and asked me out on the spot.”
    I didn’t know why I bothered hiding things from Axel. Since Marie was my best friend, it was nearly impossible.
    Marie laughed. “Best story ever.”
    “I really did go in the wrong room on accident.” I didn’t want people to think I was some weird creeper who didn’t understand boundaries.
    “How is that possible?” Axel asked. “You know how to read, and you’ve been in the locker room before.”
    “It was my first day at the gym, and I was a little lost,” I said.
    “But I helped her find her way.” Kyle was enjoying this more than he should.
    Marie clapped her hands in excitement. “I’m telling that story at your wedding.”
    I kicked her under the table.
    “Ouch,” she said under her breath.
    “You tell people we’re getting married?” Kyle asked.
    “Hell no,” I blurted. “Marie just wants me to get married so bad she thinks every guy I meet is my future husband.”
    “I wouldn’t mind marrying you,” Kyle said. “You definitely keep me entertained.” His fingers rubbed the back of my neck.
    Marie looked like her greatest dream had just come true.
    Axel watched Kyle closely until the food came.
    When the plates were set in front of us, I was grateful we had something to do other than talk. Tonight was supposed to be a fun and carefree double date, but it turned into a wedding planning session.
    “How do you