Chapter 7
Colton insisted on driving her to work that night. On the way, they stopped at a discount shoe store so she could purchase a pair of black heels with his money. Money she promised to pay back immediately.
She waited until she was in his truck before she slipped off her flip-flops and put on the new shoes. Colton said nothing, apparently relaxed and calm, though when she glanced over at him, she saw a muscle working in his jaw.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, before she thought better of it.
He glanced at her, frowning. “Someone’s trying to kill you. I’m afraid you’ll be an easy target, working in a public place like Jack’s.”
“I know.” She touched his arm, wondering why she craved contact with him. “But I don’t have a choice. You know that.”
“I could loan you the money.”
Her throat felt tight. “You barely know me.”
“That doesn’t matter.” He lifted one shoulder. “Besides that, I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
“I feel the same way.” Again, words slipped out before she could stop them, words she’d had no intention of saying. “Listen, I should clarify something with you before this goes any further. I like you. A lot. But I have no intention of getting involved in any kind of relationship.”
“Not ever?” Amusement colored his tone.
“Not now. Maybe not ever.”
“Jewel, relax. I just want to be your friend.”
She sensed the falseness of his words, an untruth she didn’t think he even realized he spoke. He wanted more, she wanted more, and as long as they kept lying to themselves, they might be all right.
Mightbeing the operative word.
“Good,” she said, playing along. “Because I just can’t handle—”
“I know.” Changing lanes, he signaled a right turn. “We’re nearly there.”
She had fifteen minutes before her shift started. After circling the packed parking lot, Colton finally located a space behind the building.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
Stomach in knots, she nodded. Slipping from his truck, she teetered a bit in the heels before throwing her shoulders back and lifting her chin. Crossing around the back of the truck, Colton joined her, his gaze sweeping over her in a way that sent heat flashing to her belly.
“The shoes look good,” he told her, his tone low and decidedly masculine.
“Thanks.” If he kept looking at her that way, she knew she would have trouble concentrating on her job. “Maybe you should go.”
“Not yet.” The smile he flashed her seemed possessive. “I like this place. I think I’ll come in and hang out for a while.”
Great. They crossed the pavement together. Several customers, all male, turned to stare as she passed.
She felt…exposed. As if she needed to cross her arms over her chest. The low-cut, black-and-white striped referee uniform she’d been given could have come straight from Frederick’s of Holly-wood. She’d been shocked when she’d got a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Colton had taken one look at her when she’d emerged from the bathroom and his eyes had gone dark, full of heat.
The way they were now.
She shivered. Inside, she felt her wolf self stir and ruthlessly suppressed it. The last thing she needed was another complication, especially one so huge.
Though not yet full dark, the night air felt different from the searing heat of the day. A light breeze blew in off the water, and with her enhanced sense of smell, she could detect more wildlife than the combined scents of fish and smoke and sweat allowed.
She wanted to run free.
Not now.For now, she was a human waitress, in need of tips. Lots of them. Nervously, she smoothed her shirt across her belly and concentrated on her walk. She’d have to learn to strut in the shoes, to play up the uniform for all it was worth.
