Page 31 of Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind
Pam nodded and went back to her desk.
Ryan checked the time, pleased when she saw it was already after six. She opted not to stay late for once. After all, she had a date to prepare for.
After propping her bag in the passenger seat and opening it slightly so she could see the beautiful flower, Ryan hit the hands-free button and called Betty as she pulled out of the lot. “Hey, are you busy?”
“Not anymore,” Betty answered. “What’s up?”
“I have a date tonight, and I was hoping—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back the truck up! You have a date?”
“Yes.”
“With who?”
“A guy I met at the bar the other night.”
“You shameless hussy! You didn’t say anything!”
“That’s because there’s not much to tell. We had coffee.”
“That’s it? Coffee?”
“We had pie, too. And talked.”
“That’sboring. Only you could find a dud in a place like Bait.”
“He’s not a dud!” Ryan said, feeling the need to defend him. “He’s extremely good-looking, intelligent, and well-mannered. In fact, he sent a lovely rose to the precinct today.”
“The old-fashioned type, huh? Well, I guess that’s something. So, what do you want from me? Oral tips? Sexual aids?”
“Gah, no. Just ... We’re going out to dinner, and he didn’t say where exactly, just that I should wear something casual and comfortable. What does that mean?”
Betty’shmmmresonated through the car’s speakers. “If this guy’s the gentlemanly, romantic type, I’d go with a simple sundress. Classically feminine without being overdone. Wear the turquoise one we bought at the outlet last year—it shows off your eyes. Oh, and a light sweater. Go light on the makeup and keep your hair down. Guys love that shit.”
“Thanks, Betty.” Ryan laughed. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Me neither. As payment, you can buy me lunch tomorrow and tell me all the sordid details.”
“You’re on.”
Ryan followed Betty’s advice. She took a quick shower, spritzed her hair with a light conditioning mist to keep the frizz factor manageable, and then applied only a bit of mascara and lip gloss. Betty was right about the sundress, too. It really did show off her eyes.
She selected a pair of comfortable, low-heeled sandals, switched to her smaller purse, and made the short walk to the bookstore, drawing some appreciative glances along the way.
She had to admit, she did feel pretty. Hopefully, Tiberius wouldn’t be disappointed, since it was nothing like the sexy siren get-up she had worn the other night.
The black Town car was already there when she walked up. The driver greeted her with a pleasant smile, and then surprised her by handing her a piece of paper.
“What is this?” she asked.
“A copy of my driver’s license, as well as the license plate number of the vehicle. Feel free to take a picture of both and send them to your friend. Tiberius thought it might serve to put you at ease.”
“Thank you.” Tiberius’s thoughtfulness impressed Ryan.
She took a picture and sent it to Betty before climbing in when the driver opened the rear door for her. The interior was classy and comfortable, and soft classical music played through the speakers.
Anticipation bubbled in her veins as the sedan made a smooth cruise through town. Not knowing exactly what Tiberius had planned for the evening was exciting, and so far, it was starting out nicely. However, her excitement waned somewhat when they stopped at one of the more exclusive marinas where Tiberius was waiting.
