Page 58 of Waiting for Friday Night

Mattie pressed a hand to her heart. “Well, I was just asking. I didn’t realize you would be so testy about it.”

“Now you know. Come on, Halle. Let’s go.” He put his hand on her elbow and walked toward the door. He glanced in Cyril’s direction. His friend gave him a thumbs-up and a grin. The crowd parted and let them pass.

Once they were outside, he let her go. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For being rude. I just don’t like to pretend when people are obviously up to no good.”

She grunted and glared at the door. “You don’t have to apologize. Mattie loves to stir up stuff. If you hadn’t put her in her place I would have.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. Halle was sexy when she smiled and when she was ready to defend. “I guess I had your back again.”

Her eyes met his. A second passed before she nodded. “I guess so. I know I said I don’t need it, but I have to admit that I kind of like it.”

His eyes widened. “Do you?”

“I do. I’ve fought against the gossips in this town by myself for a long time.”

He reached out and gently tapped her arm. “Now you’ve got me to fight with you. I mean it, Halle, whatever you need from me just ask.”

The flare from earlier returned. This time they were alone. The members of the guild were still inside talking about the event and enjoying the snacks. He had one maybe two minutes before someone followed them out. Was that long enough?

He slid closer to her and placed his hand on her elbow. “Halle,” he whispered her name. Did she feel this? This energy and vibe humming between them. The feeling that this was much more than just finding out they were connected through Shania. She had to feel this.

“Quinton... I...” She paused, but didn’t pull away.

His heart soared. She felt this. His fingers firmed on her elbow, and he drew her half an inch closer.

“Halle.” Gregory’s voice broke the moment.

Quinton closed his eyes and groaned. Halle pulled away from him toward the street. “Gregory? You still came?”

“I did. I thought we could talk.”

Halle glanced at Quinton. He wanted to ask her to stay, but this was her decision. He stepped back.

Halle threw him a grateful look before walking away from him to Gregory.

Gregory walked Halle to her car. Halle pressed her lips together and tried to calm herself down. She didn’t know what had her heart racing more: Quinton coming close as if he was going to kiss her; annoyance from being interrupted; frustration with the way Gregory called her name as if she were a kid acting out.

Definitely the last one. That was what had her so upset. They weren’t going to be able to find a way to make things work. Not with Quinton in her life now.

Once they reached her car he asked her, “What was that all about?”

Halle crossed her arms. “I was standing outside of the guild meeting talking to Quinton about Shania. You’re the one who came up and called my name as if I was doing something wrong.”

“Because you two were standing too close to each other.”

Her gaze drifted away. “No, we weren’t.” Not yet, at least.

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Don’t lie to me or to yourself. Just be honest. Is there something going on with you two?”

“Nothing except for trying to figure out how this relationship with Shania is going to work out. We were talking about him spending time with her this weekend.”

“Her or both of you?”

“I’m going to be there as well. I just found out he’s her dad. I’m not going to just leave Shania alone with him.”

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