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“I can’t believe you let him get away without your number.”
After reflection, neither could she. “We don’t know anything about those guys.”
“Well, they can’t be serial killers if they’re firemen.” Tammy’s grin was pretty persuasive.
Cassie slipped on her sun glasses and adjusted her purse strap over her shoulder. A gust of wind brushed her face as they headed out the side door. “I’ve got a ton of papers to grade.”
“It’s the weekend. That’s just an excuse.”
“I don’t want to go.” If she kept repeating that phrase, maybe at some point she would begin to believe it.
Tammy stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, blocking Cassie’s progress. “Sure, you do.”
Oh brother. She looked away, unable to meet her friend’s gaze while she lied. “No, I don’t. I’m tired.”
Tammy glared at her as if she’d just grown horns. “Look. We’re going and that’s that.” Then, without warning, she grabbed Cassie’s arm and hauled her through the staff parking lot. She didn’t stop until she reached her car.
“Oh, all right. We’re just setting ourselves up, you know.”
“No, I don’t know. It’s Friday night. They might show up. Or someone else might catch our eye. Either way, we’ll have fun. I’m not staying home when I have a night free.”
They both were free. Cassie had no desire to sit at her apartment alone, either. What would she do? Stare at four walls? Chances were her six-foot hunk would invade her thoughts, just as he had every other evening this week.
Besides, who was she kidding? If there was a possibility Mike would show up, she wanted to be there.
“Six?” she asked.
“Six is fine. That will give me plenty of time to primp.” Tammy made a grand gesture of patting her hair. Wearing a satisfied look, she pushed the button on her key ring to unlock her doors. After the beep signaled them open, she turned back. “I’ll pick you up.”
“Okay. I’ll be ready.” Now that Cassie had finally agreed, her shoulders felt lighter. The more she thought about going out this evening, the more she looked forward to it. “Would a little black skirt and stilettos be too much?”
“That’s my girl.” Tammy laughed.
Chapter 4
Jared accompanied Mike this evening to Wendy’s. The bar, not the hamburger joint. Wendy provided good food along with plenty of beer, a jukebox and a pool table. Place was always packed. The guys weren’t too rowdy, but the only women that frequented Wendy’s were liberal or biker gals. Not that he preferred any female this evening—he had one too many running loose in his head now.
Trying to forget the luscious blonde, Mike had been drinking more than normal. One chance meeting and the woman lodged in his mind like she’d been embedded there.
He shoved the door open and stepped into the cool night air.
“I’ll take your keys.”
Mike glanced up and realized Jared was speaking to him. Mike stiffened his spine and braced his hands on his hips. “No need, Jared. I’m fine.”
“You’ve had a bit to drink. As a matter of fact, I’ve never seen you put away alcohol like that. Something bothering you?”
“Nothing is bothering me.” Except an itch he’d like a certain blonde to scratch. He may have overindulged, but he still had a clear head.
And he was smart enough not to drive.
He glanced over his shoulder at the brunette standing twenty feet away. “Don’t you have someone waiting for you?”
A lecherous smile lit Pretty Boy’s face. “Sure thing, Hoss. First, I’ll take you home. She’ll keep.”
“Don’t let me interrupt your night.”
Jared chuckled. “She suggested I drive you before I had a chance to mention it. And she’s willing to wait.”
