Page 21 of Calling a Cease-Fire

“Because we’re both fucking awesome.” Savannah didn’t miss a beat and turned to Zack. “What do you need, hot stuff?”

“We’re planning a coed bachelor/bachelorette for Logan and Izzy.”

“Oh, fun. Need me to bartend?”

He smiled. “We want to host it here. On the back patio area. Can you check with Bella and Ashley and see if it’s available?”

“Sure thing.”

“We’re looking at the second Saturday in March,” I added. Because wasn’t that the most important piece of information at this point?

She nodded. “Got it. Are you hanging around and ordering food?”

“Yes.” Zack threw out before I even had time to blink.

I rushed through looking over the menu while Zack just continued to sit and grin. Of course he already knew what he wanted. Probably had the menu memorized. Savannah took our orders, and with a wink aimed at Zack, turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

“See? Isn’t this nice?”

I frowned at him, cursing those damn dimples. A phone call would have sufficed, but having lunch at The Dock wasn’t the worst thing either. I took a deep breath and settled in, ready to make the best of the situation.

“So, Zach, what’s the next event you’re planning?”

“Memorial Day parade. Hoping to make it a block party too. Similar to what I did for Labor Day.”

I nodded. “That would be good.”

He spent the next few minutes telling me about his ideas, and I perked up when he mentioned flag football.

“I thought you usually do a PD vs FD softball game?”

“I’m going to try to do both. Everyone seems to love them. Softball in June and then football in September or October.”

“Count me in for the flag football.”

He smirked. “Technically…”

I glared at him, challenging him to finish that sentence. I had no problem going to Dylan—who managed the teams for the police department—and asking him to let me join PD. Although he was a total rule follower, so I probably wouldn’t get very far with that request. Zack, however… Yeah, he just did it to antagonize me.

He chuckled with a shrug. “I’ll keep you posted.”

Savannah returned after a few more minutes. “Sorry guys, we’re booked that weekend with a wedding.” She tapped the bar twice. “I’ll be right back with your food.”

I knew she was just the bartender, but geesh, she didn’t even ask if we wanted her to check other dates. Good thing she wasn’t running the event planning side of The Dock. I had a feeling she would totally suck at it.

“It’s a good thing it’s lunchtime, or we would’ve wasted a trip,” Zack said, leaning toward me and bumping my shoulder.

Oh, good lord. Why was I planning this with an idiot? I rolled my eyes. The need to punch him was overwhelming. Fortunately for him, Savannah returned and placed our plates in front of us before I could carry out that impulse.

“So when can you meet me at the lodge?” He took a bite of his food, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. “Tomorrow night for dinner?”

I narrowed my eyes and stared at him. He had to be joking, but by the look on his face I wasn’t so sure. “We’re not doing that.” I shook my head. “You’re going to be normal and just call.”

“But—” His lips turned down into a pout.

I shook my head harder this time. “Not going to happen.”

“Fine.” He sighed. “But if they have availability, then can we go?”