Page 27 of Instant Heat
After reminding myself a few times that whatever was happening with Thatch and my friend was none of my business, I pushed through the door and scanned the tables. I wasn't surprised when I spotted Brie sipping on a steaming mug of tea with her nose buried in a book.
I quickly ordered a coffee and two chocolate chip muffins before joining her at the table."Are you at the good parts yet?" Without lifting her head, she flicked her gaze my way. It irritated her to no end that Lacy and I were only interested in hearing about the saucy bits.
One perfectly shaped eyebrow arched."Really?"
With feigned innocence, I lifted my shoulders."What?"
Brie closed her book and carefully moved it to the side."One of these days I am going to force you to sit down and read so you can see romance novels are so much more than porn for women."
I really shouldn't tease her, but I just couldn't help myself. Plus, I kind of owed her for the razing she and Lacey gave me the other night."Is that so? And how many tips have you utilized from these novels, mmm?"
Her answer came in the form of two bright red spots on her cheeks. With a giggle, I reached across the table and squeezed her hand."I'm just teasing you." Relaxing into my seat, I added,"Besides, I might need some of those tips myself."
There was a huge smile on her face when she said,"You're horrible." After the waiter served my coffee and the two muffins, Brie leaned forward and asked,"So, where were you? Thatch called yesterday, sounding more grumpy than usual."
As I tore a piece of cakey goodness off, a very unladylike snort escaped me."He wasn't grumpy, he was pissed off because I didn't give him an itinerary of my daily activities."
"Rae, you know why he's like that."
I let out a sigh."Yeah, it's just so frustrating. A girl can't go out at midnight, get laid, and snag herself a boyfriend in the process without getting the third degree."
"Hold up." Brie's eyes widened."You used the B-word."
Chewing on my lip, I nodded."At least I think that's where we're at."
"You think?" My friend's concern was written all over her features. She reached forward and placed her hand on mine."Rae—"
"I know what you're going to say," I interrupted."I realize this is moving at the speed of light and I am very aware of the fact that my track record is horrible. But I am going to tell you the same thing I told Thatch; I have a feeling about this guy."
Briana regarded me for a few seconds before she nodded slowly."If he turns out to be a dickhead, I am relieving him of his."
"You might have to fight my idiot-brother on that." I pulled a face as I recalled another reason why my brother would only be too happy to rain down punches on Griffin."There's something else."
"Uh oh."
"You know how I told you that Thatch got passed up for a promotion?"
Brie's eyes went wide, and she covered her mouth with her hands."Oh no."
"Oh yes," I fired back."Griffin is the new LT at Sixty-Three."
"Does Thatcher know?"
I turned my head to the window in time to spot a young mother pushing a stroller while having an animated conversation with the toddler walking next to her."He just knows I'm seeing someone," I said when I faced Brie again.
"Rae, you know even though I joke a lot I would never purposefully stick my nose in your business—" she took a deep breath before she rushed on, "—but you have to tell Thatch. Sooner would be better than later."
She was absolutely right, I just needed to find the damn courage to do it before my brother found out on his own.
13
GRIFFIN
Like an idiot, I grinned at the little rectangle screen in me hand. When me phone had beeped a few seconds ago, I was hoping it'd be a text from Rae. What I got when I opened the message was so much better. Rae's beautiful face filled me screen, her lips all puckered up ready for a kiss.
Me phoned buzzed again.
Rae:Can it be tomorrow night already?
