Page 5 of Seductive Heat

Pretty soon, Theo is walking towards us, a server in tow with a tray with our drinks and what looks like a beer for him. He sits in one of the chairs at the table and starts sipping his beer as if it's the most natural thing for him to be here with us.

"How did you decide to come here tonight? Did you find out I was part owner?"

Both Tammy and I raise our eyebrows at that.

"This is the place to be on a Friday night," Tammy says.

"You're Tammy, right? The best friend?"

He reaches out to shake her hand and she takes it feebly. How does this man know about us? Could he be my stalker? His attention comes back to me, and I study his face. Have I seen him anywhere else?

"I'm so happy right now that I finally met you in person, Helene."

I just nod and start wracking my brain for something to keep the conversation going.

"Can I ask you a question?" I say.

"Sure, beautiful."

"How did you know I was going to be here?"

"That's easy, your social media. I was working late and saw your post that you were in line outside. I immediately came to get you. My bride-to-be shouldn't have to wait for service in my own nightclub."

There's the bride thing again. I wish he'd give me more information about this bride and groom thing.

"I've been wondering about something, though." He says. "Why haven't you messaged me through the site?"

"The site?"

"Yeah, I sent you a message three months ago when we were matched by The Perfect Bride agency, but I never heard back from you."

Oh wow, he thinks I'm his mail-order bride. I look at Tammy, doubt in my face. Do I go with it, or do I tell the truth? I hesitate. But really, free drinks, y'all. Think Hellie, think.

"I'm sorry. I lost my site credentials and changed my email, so I no longer have access to the old one that I signed up for."

"You should have called the agency. I'm sure they would have been able to help you."

"Doesn't matter now. We've found each other."

I pick up my drink and clink it with his glass of beer. He seems mollified by my explanation and now I will have the time of my life. When our glasses are empty, Theo offers to get us more, and we nod in unison.

"What are you doing?" Tammy says as soon as he’s gone.

"Um, going with the flow?"

"This is clearly a case of mistaken identity. Plus, I think this guy is your stalker."

"I think so too. He's totally hot, isn't he?"

Tammy groans, and we stop talking when Theo returns with our drinks. Theo sits himself down again and gives me that panty-melting smile of his. I take my drink and sip it. It tastes like heaven, but I need to stop soon because I have nothing in my stomach and tomorrow I have an activity with the children at school. I lean towards Theo and whisper to him.

"This is my last one. I've got class tomorrow."

He nods his head but frowns.

"Did you go back to school?"

"No, I teach special needs kids."

---