Page 25 of Seasoned
“Do you want to spend the night or not?” Renee asked with an exaggerated sigh.
Clive chuckled. “Only if I get to choose the movie. Something with lots of shooting and fighting and explosions.”
“Oh, goody, a movie with a bunch of macho men blowing things up. Sounds like fun.”
“You like macho men,” he said.
She did now. “Huh. Whatever.”
With a knowing smirk, he strolled over to where she stood and leaned toward her. “Tell the truth, I’m much more fun than those stuffy men you’ve dated in the past. And whether you want to admit it or not, my movie choice will be more entertaining than what you had in mind, which was probably a movie about feelings or something equally boring.”
“Oh, look, you just reminded me that I don’t like you.”
He laughed. “I’ll find something on TV. Hurry up.” He gave her a kiss and then a swift pat on the butt.
Renee grabbed her bottom even though the blow didn’t hurt. “Would you please stop smacking my behind.”
“Why? It’s so smackable.” He flashed a grin that made her want to grab him for a longer kiss. “Oh, that reminds me, I’m having friends over for the Fourth of July. There’ll be plenty of food and drinks. You should come.”
“I usually spend the Fourth at Adelaide’s. She always prepares a nice spread and has friends over.”
“Come afterward. We’ll be partying all night.”
“I’ll only come if you promise to keep the noise down.”
“I’ll do my best, but let’s be real, on the Fourth there will be plenty of noise all over the neighborhood.”
Renee arched an eyebrow at him.
“I won’t promise something I can’t deliver,” Clive said.
“At least keep your guest cars on one side of the street and be respectful of our neighbors. If you like, some of your guests can park in my driveway.”
“That’s awfully nice of you. Does that mean you’re coming?”
“I guess,” Renee said airily.
“You know you want to come.”
“Oh, you think so?”
“Just say yes.”
“Fine. Yes.”
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence. While you get dressed, I’ll go check on our movie options.” Clive started out the door.
“Wait a minute, I have a question. Why did smacking my butt remind you of the Fourth of July barbecue?”
“Oh, because of a conversation I had with one of my friends—Jayson—who you’ll meet on the Fourth. Months ago I told him that you had a bad attitude but a great ass, and it was posing quite a dilemma for me.” He flashed another sexy grin and left.
Renee stood there in shock, knowing she should be upset, but feeling oddly pleased by the backhanded compliment.
Today wasan exercise day with the girls. Wearing shorts, tennis shoes, and a T-shirt, Renee moved briskly with her friends as they walked through Adelaide’s neighborhood.
“So how are the kids doing?” Jackie asked Adelaide. They both wore joggers and tank tops.
Having wanted children for years, Jackie was constantly asking about someone else’s kids. If she were in the vicinity of a baby, you could be sure she’d find a way to get the little bundle in her arms.
