The men settled into their seats, leaving the one beside McKenna for Zane. She tensed wiping her sweaty palms on her black slacks. Would he talk to her or mention his discussion with Ginny if he’d seen her? Or would he ignore her? Please let it be the last option.
Once seated beside her, he leaned over. “I hear you talked with Ginny today.”
McKenna closed her eyes and ignored her urge to run. Despite his low tone, his anger rippled through her. Fate was out to destroy her today. Time to face what she’d unwittingly done. “I did, but it didn’t go as I planned.”
“Then you didn’t mean to get her to force me to help with weddings?”
“Absolutely not. I wanted to convince Ginny you weren’t needed.”
“Then how the hell did it get royally screwed up?” While his voice remained quiet, a vein bulged and throbbed in his forehead, clear evidence of his rising irritation.
“You’re upset. Calm down.”
“You’re right. I’m upset. I’m damn upset because I’m gonna be spending my weekends at rehearsal dinners, weddings, and receptions instead of having a good time.”
Discussion at the table ceased and everyone stared at her and Zane. McKenna cringed as embarrassment sent heat rushing up her neck into her face. The only thing worse than being an outsider in a social gathering was being the center of attention.
“What’s the problem, you two?” AJ asked.
McKenna smiled weakly. “I’m sorry we bothered everyone. We’re having a little work disagreement about who’s handling what, but we can finish this tomorrow.”
“The hell we can. I intend to have a good time, and I can’t until we finish our discussion.”
AJ motioned to everyone at the table. “The rest of us don’t want to see or hear that. Either get along or take it outside.”
McKenna turned to Zane. “Please, let’s drop this until tomorrow.”
“You created the mess, and you’re going to tell me how you’ll fix it. Now,” Zane snapped, his voice loud and sharp.
“That’s it. Outside, or I’ll haul you into jail for disturbing the peace,” AJ said.
“Come on, AJ. You wouldn’t do that to a good friend,” Zane replied.
“Damn straight I would,” AJ said, his face stern and unyielding.
“I’m sorry, Chief.” McKenna’s hands clutched together on her lap shook. “If you—”
“He threatened the same thing with us once,” Cooper said, interrupting her.
“Did you end up in jail?” Zane asked.
“No, but—”
Zane crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m calling your bluff, AJ.”
“No, he’s not.” McKenna placed her hand on Zane’s arms. His muscles contracted under her palm before he shook her off. “Please, let’s go outside.”
“No.”
“That’s it, you two. Let’s go.” When neither she or Zane moved, the chief walked to where they sat, placed a hand on their chair backs, and leaned toward them. “Don’t make me arrest you.”
Chapter Nine
“AJ, you can’tbe serious?” Zane said once they stood outside the Horseshoe. How the hell could his friend be pulling this?
“Please, Chief Quinn. We’ll talk this out,” McKenna added quickly.
“I intend to make sure you do. I’ll make a deal, though. If you’ll talk in my office, I won’t throw you in jail.”
