Page 16 of Stirred Up

Fifth wheel—a very helpful tool used for hauling many an item. Walk. Away.

“I was just curious. What about tonight?” I glance around the room, mentally kicking my own ass. “I usually—”

“Yes.”

His quick, firm agreement startles me. “I, uh, didn’t tell you—”

“Yes. Whatever it is, I’m in. What time should I pickyou up?” His face beams bright, eyes filled with nothing but pure lust and intrigue.

Is he moving closer?Easy there, eager beaver.HIS. Not mine.

“Oh, I’ll uh, I’ll meet you there,” I say stiffly, nerves buzzing into a tittering laugh at myself as I scoot along the wall toward the door. “Tiko’s, 7ish. That work?”

“Hell yeah, that works. Plenty of time to finish mopping and get myself allpreparedfor you, doll face.”

There’s his eyebrow wiggle again. It’s a struggle to maintain a straight face and not scrunch my nose at what “preparation” he’s thinking. No need for anything special on my account.

“You sure you don’t want me to pick you up? I’d love to see where that tight body sleeps at night.”

“I’m sure!” I yell over my shoulder, already halfway down the hall. “See you there.”

Pervert—yes. Harmless—I’d always believed so. Breathing and purpose serving— mission accomplished. I blow out a breath, hoping I haven’t started something I won’t be able to avoid after tonight. Last thing I need is an innuendo-fueled stalker on my heels at work every day.

With a date checked off my list, it’s a mad dash to get home and ready. I finally take my post-gym shower, although hurried, and throw on an attractive-but-casual ensemble. My hair is long and thick, so I flip my head, hit it for a few minutes with the blower, and leave it down, knowing it’ll dry into a nice, natural wave on the way over.

When I arrive at the restaurant, the boys and their dates are already there, at the same table as always, visible through the door. Playing the dutiful date, I decide to wait for Ricky outside so we can walk in together, as though we rode that way.

That simple plan is thrown to the wind, literally, when evening gusts begin to pick up unexpectedly and my pink halter tank is no longer cutting it. The man better hurry the hell up.

It’s as this thought passes and I cross my arms in a shiver that he comes striding toward me, looking more than presentable in dark-washed jeans and a black button up, hair combed nicely, freshly shaved besides his usual trimmed goatee.

“Hey sexy, why’re you outside? It’s freezing.” He places his hands on my shoulders and begins to rub themup and down my arms. I go with it, allowing him to treat me like an actual date. “Need me to warm up that fine ass too?”

So close, one sentence too many.

“Thank you but no, let’s just go in.” I step away from his seeking hands, he can use those to open the door. Waiting too long, I impatiently tsk and pick up his slack, opening the damn thing myself. Great start.

“Señorita!” Juan greets me when we walk in. “You’re joining your amigos?”

“Yes.” I return his hug. “You’re busy, I see them.”

Brady’s already standing with the chair beside him pulled out when we reach the table, attempting to place me between himself and Ricky.Thanks, but I’m a big girl.The sidelong glance I shoot him tells him so, but his sternness isn’t budging.

So overprotective. All the men shake hands as I get situated then sit,

the silence not allowed to last.

“Hi, I’m Shawna.” The date in blue sticks out a hand to me. “You must

be Addison, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” I smile, trying to school my face for who I assume is my brother’s date.

“I’m Pat.” The girl directly across from Brady takes her turn. Why did I think it was Annie? Oh well, Pat definitely suits her better.

“Hi, nice to meet you. This is Ricky,” I introduce him with warm acknowledgement directed his way. There’s no meaning behind it, but again, my mantra tonight is “go with it.”

Predicting me as usual, Brady scoots the cheese dip my way. I snare a chip and dig in, unable to resist. I swear they pack this stuff with crack; I could devour the whole bowl, something I’ve proven on more than one occasion.

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