Page 509 of Rock Me All Night
I nod.
The light haired guy laughs. "She means to say that it's nice seeing Pete with someone who isn't trashy."
"Tom! That's not it. And who the hell are you to talk?" She stammers. "Just… it's a really nice dress."
"Yeah, Aiden will be glad you're finally with a nice girl. He might shut up for a solid ten seconds." Tom scowls.
Pete cringes at the mention of this Aiden person. He clears his throat and points to Tom. "I'm sure you recognize Tom, my brother. He's known for his inability to mind his own business."
Tom mimes being stabbed in the gut. Willow laughs. Her gaze flits between her massive engagement ring and Tom. He stares at her with the same affection then his mischievous green eyes fix on me.
I know that look. It's the way I used to look at the guys who were interested in Madison. He's protective. Must be the older brother.
Though, come to think of it, the two of them look nothing alike.
Tom turns to Pete. "Did you get bored of casual sex or are you two meeting for an afternoon quickie?"
Pete looks at me. He raises a brow:play along?
I nod. I can deflect attention from nosy family members. I have a lot of practice.
"I have work tonight. I don't have much time with Pete, so we should really get going." I smile at Tom. "It's nice to meet you."
Willow takes the hint. "Yes. Enjoy your date. We were just leaving." She turns to Tom and whispers something in his ear.
He laughs and turns back to me. "Don't know what time you get off work, Jess, but I'll put you on the list for our show tonight. It's a soundtrack release party. Very exclusive. You should come." He laughs. "Well, I'm sure you'llcome. But after that. If you want anything to do with Pete after he gets you off."
Willow shoots him adon't startlook.
Tom slides his arm around her then makes eye contact with his brother. "Shit, this is fun. No wonder you assholes teased me so much about my whorish ways."
Willow rises to her tip toes to whisper in Tom's ear. Only it's not quite a whisper. "How about you getmeoff before my meeting?"
His eyes go wide. "Fuck yes." He smacks her ass playfully then pushes her to the door.
She giggles and throws me a goodbye wave. "Have fun."
The room quiets as the door shuts. The energy shifts. The playful, adorable couple is gone. It's just me and Pete and all the intensity in his stare.
"I'll put your name on the list," he says. "The club's a quick walk from your bar."
"I really do have work."
"We don't go on until ten." He motions to the menu. "What do you want?"
I wipe the sweat from my brow. "Something cold."
"Specifically?"
"Iced latte. Extra ice."
I need something freezing cold if I want any hope of spending the afternoon with him without melting into a pool of desire.
* * *
The optical shopis just down the street.
Only it's closed. It's closed on Tuesdays.
