Page 28 of Calling a Cease-Fire

She snorted out a chuckle. “No. I was just pretending.”

“Is that right?” I cocked a brow, challenging her. “You faked the heat in your eyes and the shiver that tore through you? That’s impressive.” I grinned. “You need to teach me how you did that.”

She was quiet and I waited, knowing there was no way she wouldn’t be able to get in the last word.

“I’m actually really good at faking.”

“You need to fake it a lot? Maybe next time you need someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Her head whipped my way with a devilish grin. “You offering?”

Was I? I kept the smug smile on my face and tried not to squirm under her gaze. She was going to win this one because I had no idea what to say. Lie or tell the truth—both would get me in trouble.

“What? Cat got your tongue?”

Yep. A black cat that likes to hiss at me. “No matter how I answer that question I’m screwed, so I’ll just plead the fifth.”

She glanced over at me with questions swimming in her eyes, but something more dangerous lingered there too. Heat and excitement. Finally, she smirked and pulled her gaze away.

I reached over, turning up the music, and started singing along to “Espresso.” She chuckled and shook her head at my over-the-top craziness.

Once we pulled up next to her car, we hopped out and I made my way around to the other side of the Jeep. She deposited the keys in my palm, slowly brushing her hand against mine as she did, and looked up at me from underneath her lashes. I stiffened. There was a flirtatious air about her now. Paired with the question swirling in her gaze, I braced and bit back a curse.

Fuck. Please no. Do not ask me back to your place. Not sure I’d say no tonight, and that would just muddy everything.

“Goodnight, Raven,” I said with a curt nod and moved past her to the driver’s door.

I jumped back up in the Jeep and refused to look back until I was pulling out of the lot. Because I didn’t trust myself to not turn around and head straight back to her.

Chapter Eleven

MIA

Saturday 7:15 p.m.

Nicole: I finally have a free night. Anyone want to meet up tonight?

Izzy: I can!

Lyla: I’m free after shift. Where?

Nicole: Mamacita’s?

Me: Sorry, I’m out.

Me: Meeting Zack at Crescent Moon to inquire about the bachelorette party. Then I’m meeting Billy for a drink.

Nicole: Why didn’t you just call?

Me: I did. But Zack’s a pain in my ass. He thinks it’s impersonal and really wants to speak to the manager in person.

Nicole: Hehe. That’s so like him.

Me: Uh huh. It’s fucking annoying, that’s what it is.

Lyla: Thought you said you weren't going out with Billy again? Is this the second or third date?

Me: This will be the third. Giving him tonight to make a move and then I’m done.