Page 44 of Firecracker

Emma and Mila shook hands.

“Sorry,” Mila said again, holding up her hands. “I’ll let you get back to your visit.”

“No, stay. Have a glass of wine with us.”

“Sure?”

“Yes, of course.” Arden rose and moved to the kitchen. Luckily she had a couple of bottles, because the first one was nearly empty. She filled another glass and handed it to Mila where she sat on the loveseat.

“I met Arden’s hot neighbor earlier,” Emma told Mila. “I was just saying that Arden should climb his fire pole.”

Mila laughed. “I guess heisgood looking. Hard for me to imagine banging him when I see him as a brother.”

Emma nodded with satisfaction. “Okay, good. I wondered if there was competition for him.”

“Emma! You’re crazy.” Arden shook her head. “He’s my little brother’s friend.”

“Okay, first of all, Tyler isnotlittle. Second, who cares if he’s your brother’s friend?”

“Well, it would be awkward. Since we all live here.”

“I suppose. Also, I have to say that your little brother is looking pretty hot himself these days.”

Arden frowned. “You’ve seen him?”

“He let me in when I got here. Also I ran into him at a club a while back.”

“Oh.”

“He’s all grown up too, and I like the hipster glasses and beard stubble.”

Mila frowned. “You’re talking about Jamie?”

“Yes, I am.” Emma grinned. “Don’t worry, Mila, I’m not interested in him that way.”

Mila’s eyebrows shot up. “Me? Worried? Ha! Jamie’s a pain-in-my-ass friend. Besides, I have a boyfriend.”

“Oh.” Emma tilted her head. “Okay.”

“Hey.” Mila straightened. “I don’t suppose you two girls would like to come to pole dancing lessons with me?”

Arden choked on her wine. “Um, what? Pole dancing?”

Emma grinned.

“Yes. I signed up for a class. It’s supposed to be a great workout.”

Arden blinked. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“When is it?” Emma leaned forward.

“Sunday afternoon.”

“I’m off Sunday,” Arden said slowly.

“Perfect!”

“I’m in,” Emma agreed.

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