Page 31 of Texas Daze (Texas Montgomery Mavericks)

“Maybe.”

“Maybe, nothing. Besides, he stayedall nightwith you to watch a horse deliver. If that doesn’t say he’s interested,nothingdoes.”

Before Marti could replay, her cellphone rang. She looked at Delene. “RiversideOrtho.”

“It’s him,” Delene said. “Answerit.”

“Hello?”

“Hi, Marti. It’s EliBoone.”

“Hi, Eli. I do remember yourlastname.”

He laughed and lust tugged at her gut. “I guess you do. It was good to see you this afternoon. Sorry we didn’t get a chancetotalk.”

“Well, you did haveadate.”

Delene slapped her hand over her own mouth as shesnorted.

“Date? Oh, you mean Debbie. No, no. That wasn’t a date. I just took her out for a quick bite. We had a heavy schedule this morning and thisafternoon.”

“Does she know that?” Marti could not believe the words coming out of her mouth. Shut up, sheordered.

He laughed again. “Ofcourse.Why?”

“Oh, nothing. What can I do foryou,Eli?”

“Stop being a bitch,” Delene hissed at her. “Be nice. Lusty pants,remember?”

Marti waved offDelene.

“I know it’s late notice. Seems like I say that a lot. Anyway, I thought I was on call for ortho emergencies at the hospital, but I’m not. I wondered if you’d like to havedinner.”

“Dinner?Tonight?”

“Say yes,” Delenewhispered.

“I’m sorry, Eli. I already have plans fortonight.”

“You do not,” Delene said, almost loud enough for a person in the countytohear.

“Shoot. I knew it was latenotice.”

“I’m sorry, too. But I have plans with Delene and Tinatonight.”

Delene’s eyes shot wide and then she squinted them. Before Marti could react, Delene jerked the phone fromherhand.

“Eli? Hi. It’s Delene. Remember? We meet last Saturday and again today.” Delene climbed onto her chair to keep the phone away from Marti. “Marti’s dryer buzzed so she had to go take theclothesout.”

“Give me that phone,” Marti demanded. “Rightnow.”

“Uh-huh. Un-huh. We’d love for you to join ustonight.”

“Delene. Stop it.” Marti jumped, trying to grab thephone.

“No, absolutely not,” Delene told Eli. “We always head to Leo’s Bar on Friday nights for dancing. You’re more than welcome to join us. Real casual. Just look for us.” She paused. “What time?” Delene turned in the chair until she faced the stove. “Well, it’s about five now, so I’d say we’ll be there by sevenorso.”

“I am going to kill you,” Martipromised.

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