Page 14 of Turn Up The Heat

Holly nodded in agreement. Of course, they weren’t wrong. Derek wasn’t necessarily horrible. Their relationship wouldn’t have lasted the handful of months that it had if he’d beenthatbad. But he sure wasn’t as great as he thought he was.

In more ways than one.

The unexpected pang at the memory of her lackluster sex life with Derek made Bellamy’s cheeks flush, and she took a long draw from her beer. It wasn’t like a through-the-roof sex life would’ve saved the relationship in the end.

But it wouldn’t have hurt anything, either.

“I’ve got bigger fish to fry than Derek,” Bellamy said, shoving the thought—and the pang that had worked its way farther south—aside. “How am I going to get home on Monday without a car? Bosszilla is probably already losing her mind at the fact that my Wi-Fi is spotty at best up here.”

The discovery of semi-decent cell service within the boundary of the resort had been the only bright spot in Bellamy’s otherwise trying afternoon. Right up until the three voicemails and nineteen texts from her boss popped through, anyway.

Jenna held up a hand. “Oh, no you don’t. We’re not worrying about any of that crap until tomorrow. Tonight is supposed to be about you forgettingyour sorrows. Now knock it off before I find out whether or not that karaoke machine is functional. I’d love to see you belt out some Lizzo.”

Bellamy had a retort on the tip of her tongue when she heard the sound of a very deep, very male throat being cleared.

“Excuse me, ladies. My friends and I were wondering if you’d like to join us for a drink.”

No pick up line, no nonsense, no veiled suggestions of any kind. Now thiswas something she could get on board with.

Bellamy turned to look at the source of the voice. The man’s eyes were right on hers as she peered up into his classically handsome face. His blond hair was slicked back with a suspicious amount of product, but then again, she could do worse than a guy who cared about his appearance. She exchanged a look with Holly, who had already gotten the subtle nod from Jenna.

What the hell. If they were going to have a drink or two, they might as well make it a party. The guy seemed nice enough; plus, how bad could it be with Holly and Jenna at her side?

“Why not,” Bellamy said, giving up a smile.

“Marcus Lawrenson.” He extended his hand. His handshake was softer than she expected, but the smile that went with it had potential.

Marcus was not prettier than her.

Which made him absolutely perfect in her book.

5

Shane leaned a forearm over the bar and took a lazy draw from his beer. The Double Shot already teemed with its typical Friday night crowd, and even though going out wasn’t necessarily Shane’s thing, it was hard to find anything wrong with a cold beer after a long day.

“So, can I ask you a question?” Jackson gave him a look that suggested he was going to no matter what Shane’s response turned out to be.

“Shoot.”

“How come you work so much? I mean, I like cars as much as the next person, but really? Every guy needs a break. Hook up with someone on the side, maybe get a little drunk here and there, go fishing with his buddies. You? For the year I’ve known you, all you’ve ever done is put your nose to the grindstone. What gives?”

Shit. Shane knew this question was overdue, yet he’d still been dreading it. “Nothing gives. I’m just a get-it-done kind of guy, that’s all.” Shane shrugged, hoping Jackson would drop it.

Not a chance. “Look, I know you saved Grady’s business from going down the tubes after he had that heart attack last year. If you hadn’t drifted into town when you did, he’d have probably ended up having to sell the place. But still, you gotta loosen up, Shane. Life’s too short, you know?”

Shane had all but drained his beer during the course of their two-minute conversation, and he was going to need another one, stat. “I’m loose enough, man. Really, you’re worried over nothing.”

Jackson’s laugh turned a couple of nearby heads, even with the music blasting from the speakers. “Really? When was the last time you got laid?”

“That’s a little personal, don’t you think?” Shane placed his empty beer on the bar and signaled the bartender for a replacement, dodging the question like a pro.

“Sounds like it’snothingpersonal to me. Come on, Shane. There are tons of pretty girls in this bar. I’m not saying you should marry one of them, but it wouldn’t kill you to get somebody’s number, would it?”

“I just haven’t met anybody I’m interested in, that’s all,” he replied, wanting nothing more than for the conversation to end. Jackson’s eyes scanned the bar with careful precision, and Shane narrowed his gaze on his friend.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to find a girl who looks interesting. What about her?” Jackson flicked his gaze down the bar and let it settle on someone in the crowd by the door.

---