Page 34 of Five Alarm Kiss

Laurel wrinkled her nose before typing out her response.

Laurel

Who said I’m bailing?

Britt

You’ve been sitting in your car for ten minutes.

Are you kidding me?

Laurel spun in her seat and scanned the surrounding area until she spotted Britt’s white convertible across the street in the grocery store parking lot.

Laurel

You followed me?

Britt

You thought I wouldn’t? Get your fanny inside before I come over there and whoop it.

She’d do it, too. Underneath that sweet persona beat the heart of a UFC fighter. Southern belles could be scary.

Jaw set in determination, Laurel sent her next text.

Laurel

You’re dead to me.

Britt

Laurel tossed the phone back into her purse with a groan.

She had two choices: go inside and hope Jake liked hooker makeup, or go home and suffer the wrath of a pissed off blonde beauty pageant banshee.

No contest.

Blowing out a deep breath, she grabbed her purse, said a little prayer, and opened the car door.

Chapter Ten

“What is that? Three times?” Gage asked. “Four?”

“At least four,” Emery said.

Jake put his phone down on the table. “Shut up.” Leave it to those two to keep count of how many times he’d looked at it.

He and his friends were seated at a table near the back of the restaurant. He’d known Emery going on four years, ever since she’d moved in with his sister. Jessa was now living with Chase, but Emery was still in the house they’d rented together. At least, for now. Jake knew if Gage had anything to say about it, she’d be moving in with him soon.

He hadn’t met Gage until this past September when Gage had done a fundraiser with Em, yet here he was… razzing Jake right along with her. He should’ve known asking them to come tonight was a mistake.

He'd only suggested the double date because, based on their conversation, he’d thought Laurel would feel more comfortable.

Jake had chosen to sit facing the door, so he could see when she showed up.Ifshe showed up. He hit the side button on his phone, illuminating the screen.

Seven-twelve. She was supposed to have been here at seven.

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