Page 59 of Inglorious
“Sorry.”
I sighed, reining in my temper. “No, I am. I shouldn’t have snapped. I’d like to avoid this too. However, the club has to show a token presence. But I’m unsure who to send.”
“Ask for volunteers in church. You can’t force anyone to attend,” Inglorious said.
“Sheesh, I had no intention of forcing anybody. And we’ve got a couple of months to decide.”
“That’s good,” Inglorious drawled, his tone laden with sarcasm.
“Was there anything else you wanted?” I inquired, unwilling to push him.
“Yeah. There’s an open-air movie at the park. They’re showing one of your favourite films. I’ll pick you up at half six, don’t worry about bringing anything,” Inglorious said and got up out of the chair.
“A date night?” I asked, surprised.
“Yup. See you soon.” With that, Inglorious sauntered out of my office.
Well, now I had a date to prepare for, I thought, amused.
???
Inglorious was true to his word and was in the rec room at half-past six sharp. When I entered, I noticed eyes on us. Curious looks were being sent our way, but I refused to comment.
“You look nice,” Inglorious remarked as I approached.
“Nice?” That was meh.
“Well, I’d have said drop dead gorgeous but didn’t want this bunch of fools getting the idea that you’re available,” he quipped, and I laughed.
“Strangely enough, they see me every day, Inglorious. I doubt they think like that.”
“Take a second look, Nanci,” he murmured as he placed a hand on my lower back. I snorted but glanced around the room. Vortex gazed back expressionless, but there was interest in Hercules, Chill and Sabre’s eyes.
“Oh,” I muttered and looked down at myself. I wasn’t dressed for a night out clubbing. Don’t get me wrong, I’d made an effort. A cute dress with a cardigan over the top and a pair of strappy sandals. My hair was down, and I’d curled the ends. Despite being a star in Vegas, I usually wore minimal makeup, and that was the same tonight, although I’d done my eyes smokier.
“Come on, before I end up fighting to take you out,” Inglorious teased, and a blush hit my cheeks.
“Have fun, kids,” Hercules called out, and I flipped him the finger at the same time Inglorious did. We shared a laugh and headed out. As we walked to the end of the wooden street, I spotted a Ford Raptor parked up.
“Yours?” I asked.
“Yeah. Got it just before—it’s hardly been used,” Inglorious said, changing direction mid-sentence. Inglorious had beenabout to say before the war. With effort, I turned my thoughts away and studied the pickup. The Raptor was black with grey accents and looked brand new.
“Have you even driven this?”
“Twice?” Inglorious answered, but didn’t sound too sure. I laughed again, and Inglorious offered me his crooked smile.
“You’re the only woman ever to ride in her.” Inglorious got a few steps ahead and opened the passenger door. He reached inside and pulled out a gift bag.
I peered into the bag and smiled as I saw a variety of bath bombs.
“Didn’t want to give you this in front of everyone. Nanci, I was unsure if you wanted the brothers to know we’re going on a date-date.” Inglorious actually sounded uncertain of himself, which was at odds with the man I knew.
“Does it bother you if they did?” I asked curiously. Tonight depended a lot on Inglorious’s answer.
“Fuck no. I’d shout this from the rooftops. But I’m a recovering alcoholic, and you might not want to be publicly associated with me.”
Thoroughly insulted, I crossed my arms and glared. “What the fuck?”
