Page 106 of Bria and the Tiger

“Well, I didn’t realize you had company,” Jace said, “so I’ll just get dressed and… Bria I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay,” she said.

“How do you feel about bowling?” Ronin asked before Jace could leave the kitchen.

Jace stared blankly at him. “I’m sorry?”

“Bowling. You know…big balls, loud music, gross shoes…bowling.”

“Uh, it’s okay. I guess.”

“You any good at it?”

Jace glanced at Bria. “Not bad.”

“He’s on my team,” Ronin said to Kat.

“I thought I was on your team,” Kat said.

“No offense but I’ve seen you bowl before, and you suck at it, Kitten.”

“I’m not that bad,” Kat protested.

“You’re not that good.”

Kat hissed at him again and Ronin laughed. “What do you say, Jace? You in for a fun afternoon of bowling? I got my own disinfectant spray for the shoes. I’ll let you borrow it.”

Jace studied Bria. “Sure, if Bria’s okay with it.”

“I am,” Bria said. “I – I’d like it if you joined us.”

“Okay. Give me ten minutes to shower and I’ll be ready to go.”

He left the kitchen and Ronin fanned his face with his hand before whistling. “Nice work, Stripes. He’s not a bad looking man. Am I right?”

Kat took Bria’s hands again. “Why is Jace here?”

“I told you I was going to his cousin’s engagement party this weekend.”

“I know. I also know the party was over yesterday.”

Bria blushed but didn’t say anything.

“It’s Sunday afternoon. Why is he still here?”

“Pretty sure they were banging,” Ronin said cheerfully.

“Ronin!”

“What? Am I wrong?” He asked Bria.

She shook her head and a grin spread across his face. He held up his fist and she bumped it.

“He’s your boss,” Kat said.

“You’re my boss,” Ronin said.

“Not helping, bird!”

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