One to Protect (One to Hold 3)
Page 41
“Thursdays are the busiest night here.” Sloan sounds relaxed—I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. “They get the local crowd combined with the tourists just arriving.”
She breathes a soft laugh. “I wonder which of those I’d be.”
“You’re not from Baltimore?”
“No, I’m a tourist hoping to become a local.”
“So you’re relocating.”
It’s pretty banal stuff, but at least she’s got him talking.
“I hope to. I’m supposed to be meeting someone from Contemporary Staffing, but it looks like they’re not coming.”
They’re quiet for a few minutes. Did she lose him? Fuck. If he walks away, we’re left with nothing. A desperate hooker is way too suspicious for his taste.
Another agonizing minute passes.
At last a voice, but it’s not either of the ones I want to hear. “Your table’s ready Mr. Reynolds.”
Shit.
“Well, good luck to you, Miss…”
“Brandon. Star Brandon.”
“Sloan Reynolds. Nice chatting with you.”
It’s quiet again, and my gut sinks. Now what?
Just as I was pulling out the earbud his voice comes back. “If you’re still here in a little while, I’ll be back at the bar after dinner.”
Star’s voice is a sexy purr. “I won’t go anywhere.”
Now it’s back to waiting. And hoping he doesn’t have second thoughts and order dessert.
Chapter 10: All I See
Melissa
Channel after channel passes on the screen, but nothing interests me. I can’t help wondering what might be happening miles away in Baltimore, and I chew my lip as I watch the talking heads blink and disappear, one after the other. I’m about to give up and start Internet shopping when my phone buzzes.
Snatching it up, I touch my best friend’s picture on the face. “Hey, what’s up?”
Elaine’s voice is pouty. “Are you as frustrated as I am?”
I fall back on the sofa. “Not yet, but I’m used to the weekly drought. Check with me tomorrow. I’ll be climbing the walls I’m sure.”
“After being with Brian you’d think I’d be used to it. Hell, I think my hymen grew back when we were dating.”
That makes me laugh. “You’re so crazy. That doesn’t happen.”
“Now I’m completely screwed.” She crunches something in my ear. “I’ve gotten used to Patrick being in my panties every night—I don’t know what to do when he’s gone.”
“Haven’t you been doing it over the phone?”
“Mmm…” Another crunch. “That’s actually more frustrating. He tells me all this dirty stuff he wants to do to me, and he’s a million miles away! It’s awful!”
“You’re supposed to finish while you’re on the phone, dum-dum.”