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“No need asking you the same question you asked me.”
Mike glanced over to find Shep studying him. “Yes, I stayed the night. I slept on her couch. I gave her a tonic when she woke up.”
Shep laughed. The first sign of emotion since Mike arrived. “Your hellish hangover cure?”
“Don’t knock it. It works.”
“I’ll take your word for it. Did she drink it?”
“Yep.”
“Without any coercion?”
“No strong-arm tactics. Just told her it would cure what ailed her.”
“Pretty bad?”
Mike chuckled remembering Cassie’s reaction when he’d said bottoms up. “Yeah, she was kind of green. She didn’t care much for the smell of the stuff, but she drank it.”
“I’m sure Cassie has called Tammy by now. If I know women, she called the first chance she got. Either you were asleep or the minute you gave her some space.”
Thinking back, Cassie had asked a lot of questions and had seemed a tad anxious when he’d mentioned Shep had taken Tammy home. Then in the kitchen, she’d been much calmer. Bet Shep was right.
“Wonder if Tammy remembered last night? Cassie didn’t remember much.”
“Those girls were pretty bombed.”
“It didn’t help you kept ordering more drinks.”
Shep shrugged. “Looked like they needed it. Besides, we were there to keep an eye on them.”
“Thank God.”
Shep took another gulp and let out a long heavy sigh. “I will admit I kind of liked the way Tammy clung to me. Felt good.”
Mike’s jaw dropped. He turned in his seat giving Shep an I-knew-it stare.
Shep ignored him. “Didn’t have to help with her clothes much. Not sure she was aware of what she was doing. When she started pulling off her clothes, I put her in bed and pulled the covers to her chin.” A chuckle escaped.
The sound surprised Mike. Shep kept his personal life private. Mike was pretty sure there had been no woman in Shep’s life for a long time. Not since Mike had known him, anyway. It was nice to see Shep interested in someone.
“And then, like the gentleman you are, you left.” Mike teased in a droll tone and waited for Shep to confirm it.
“Naturally. Don’t need a remorseful mamma out for blood.”
The smell of country air filled Mike’s lungs as he watched leaves dancing in the breeze. As far as the eye could see, lush green trees. Acres of it. Once again, a longing for pastures and a wooded area of his own invaded his thoughts. Away from the city’s noise and flashing lights. Away from smoke filling his lungs every time he entered a burning building.
Peace.
Contentment.
Thoughts to dwell on another day.
“So, what do you think?” Mike raised his mug and watched Shep over the rim.
“Of what?”
“Haven’t seen you show much interest in a woman.”
