Page 21 of Ms. Temptation

“Thanks. It was nice to be in the middle of the action and able to help for once.”

Jimmy tipped his head. “Yeah, Dispatch is tough that way.”

Silent understanding seemed to pass between them, and I shifted in my seat, wanting to dispel the gloom but not knowing how.

“Sure, it must be tough denying the aliens have arrived, but I know the truth is out there.” Chase tapped his temple to emphasize his point.

“Simmer down there, Mister Romance. Most of my alien-encounter callers are regulars. You’re more likely to find them in the bar than in the belly of a spaceship. Alien abductions seem to correlate strongly to the size of their bar tabs.”

“That’s just what they want you to think,” Chase said.

We shared a laugh as Pete announced that he’d be reading the answers and scores shortly.

Ty’s glance my way had me shifting in my seat again. Had he come over to speak with me? Or Jimmy? Color flared in my cheeks as his attention lingered, and I tried to read the intent there when he didn’t speak. Melena poked me in the ribs with her elbow, and I scowled at her meaningful look.

She’d been the only witness that fateful night Ty shot me down. Was this her not-so-subtle urge to try again, this time sober?

My pride would never let it happen.

Ty cleared his throat, and I stared up at him, waiting.

A large hand appeared on his shoulder, and he startled.

“Hey, Ty. Come on back, Pete’s starting.”

I kept my face impassive. His teammate called him back just as Ty had opened his mouth. But to say what?

Burying my curiosity, I focused instead on Trivia Pete’s gray handlebar mustache as he revealed the answers. Groans filled the room as he gave the answer to the ice cream question, seaweed thankyouverymuch, and I noticed even the Knit Wits looked disappointed.

“Three Chicks and a Dude, Guessing Gays, the Krakens, and Pete’s Disciples all got thirteen points. Knit Wits have fourteen points, and Trebek’s Rejects won round two with fifteen points.” Pete paused, letting the drama build. “And that means, folks, we have a tie.”

Chase’s fist pump of victory didn’t echo my own feelings. I wanted to win outright. Not tie. A quick glance at Ty revealed a deep frown on his face.

“But wait—there’s more,” Pete crowed, and his gleeful expression made my heart race.

“We’re going to do a speed round, head-to-head. Knit Wits and Trebek’s Rejects, pick your players and send them up here at the end of our fifteen-minute break. Everyone else, grab a last drink, and get ready to watch the show.”

I swallowed, glancing around our table.

“Do you want to go for us?” I asked Jimmy.

He shook his head, and Tamra spoke up. “I think you should do it, Andi.”

I shifted a quick glance to the Knit Wits. What were the chances I’d go up against Ty? They had five other players tonight, most of whom I wouldn’t recognize on the street. What were the odds I’d get the one man that could rattle every thought right out of my head? I swallowed, shaking my head.

“I don’t think so.”

Melena spoke up, proving she wasn’t above payback. “Oh, no. It should definitely be you. We need you to channel the ‘wearing black to your brother’s wedding’ energy to win this. Woman up, bat those eyelashes, and dominate.”

Jimmy cast a quick glance at his wife, admiration lighting his eyes, and I was toast. Chase and Jimmy were too aware of the good things they had going with their partners to risk it for me. And I owed Melena for wearing funeral garb to her wedding to Jimmy. I hadn’t kept my disapproval subtle.

Chase scooted from our booth, gesturing toward the bar.

“I’m going to get us another round. Go get ‘em, Andi.”

I swallowed, subjugating the sudden need to pee. It always happened when I was nervous. And what did I have to be anxious about? It was only a game.Right.

I pushed out of the booth, heading toward the ladies’ room. On my way back to our table, a strong hand snagged my wrist, tugging me gently to a stop. The instant goose bumps indicated my hanger-on before I turned to look at him.

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