Page 22 of The Harborer
Hailey leaned her forearms on the bar top and winged an elbow at Amy. “So what’s the story?”
Amy lowered her voice. “I’m not sure, but I think he’s not into her and she’s not getting the message.”
Hailey turned toward her, her nose crinkled in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“Estelle hanging on Shane, and Shane being annoyed about it. What areyoutalking about?”
“Oh. I was wondering if you’d told Micky yet.” Hailey’s eyes lit with … something.Uh-oh.“Are youjealousof Estelle?”
Amy turned a scandalized look on her best friend. “What? No! Of course not.” That betraying blaze rushed from Amy’s neck to her forehead. It had been busy heating up and cooling down all night. Hopefully her coloring masked her agitation.
“Not that I would blame you,” Hailey murmured in agreement. “I mean, heisa hunk, with or without the uniform.”
Amy swatted her arm. “Are you forgetting you’re a happily married woman?”
“So what if I am? It doesn’t mean I’m blind.”
“Who’sa hunk?” Noah rumbled from behind her.
Hailey’s back jerked. She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Oh, um … Amy was just saying she thinks Shane is a hunk.”
Amy’s chin hit her chest. A twinkle of surprise shone in Noah’s green eyes.
She spluttered. “No, I did—”
“Sorry, Aims. Gotta get back to work.” Hailey added a quick apology under her breath before bolting.
That little stinker!
A slow grin tugged one side of Noah’s mouth.
“Hailey was kidding. I never said that,” Amy said lamely.
He nodded and pointed at her flute. “Understood. But I’m putting that on Shane’s tab.” He winked at her, damn him.
What was this, middle school?
Amy threw back a quarter of the glass.Good grief! How long beforethatfalse rumor gets around town? Everyone will think I’m dumping Micky to go after Shane!And back went more champagne.I’m going to kill her. As soon as I can get my hands on her, I will strangle my best friend.
Noah and Hailey moved to the far end of the bar, leaving Amy to stew. Hailey shot her a contrite look, and Amy narrowed her eyes. “I’m going to get you.”
“Get who?” a low voice vibrated behind her.
She jolted and nearly spilled the fresh pour. Whipping her head to the side, she leveled her startled gaze on Shane. “Um, nothing.”
He took the empty barstool beside her and pointed at her glass. “Is that the refill for the spilled champagne?”
Oh great.Apparentlyeveryoneknew. She let out an extended sigh. “It is. And you need to know that Noah’s putting it on your tab.”
One eyebrow dipped. “Not that I mind, but did he say why I’m buying you a glass of champagne?”
Her blush hadn’t faded yet, so he probably couldn’t tell it was pulsing like a beacon. “Um, not really.” She rushed to add, “And I do appreciate the gesture—that you didn’t sign up for voluntarily—but I’m not sure how much of this I’m going to drink. I’m facing an early morning, and I’m already exhausted. It’s been a fun day, but all of me wants to go home and snuggle under the covers.” Oh Gaia. She was babbling. That didn’t sound like she’d just invitedhimunder the covers, did it? And why were her nerves suddenly skittering all over the place?
The Celtic Knots were weaving their way toward their instruments, ready to start another set. It was definitely time to go.
Shane looked around the tavern’s interior. “Where’s Micky?”
“No idea. You two had your heads together, and I haven’t seen him since.” She paused to gauge his reaction, but the poker face that had been missing in action earlier was now firmly in place. “I don’t need him to give me a ride, though. I can walk.”
