Page 20 of Capture My Heart

Pink-tipped fingers covered hers. “It’s alright. I know you’ve had a lot on your mind lately.”

“You’re the best. I promise it will be ordered by end of day tomorrow.”

Lorna came over. “CJ and I are heading out. Gabby and Callie are watching the boys tonight, which means they probably tied them to the couch and have spent the night making TikTok videos.”

“I bet they’re planning your wedding for you. They’re jonesing to become sisters.” Lorna and CJ had been dating longer than Liz and Jim but being a second serious relationship for both, they weren’t in a rush to marry, to the disappointment of their children.

“They can wait a little longer. It’s not like they don’t act like sisters already. They plot against Gabby’s brothers all the time.”

Amy remembered those days. Now, she did everything possible to keep her little brother out of trouble.

“Are you bringing that yummy pickle dip to the Fourth of July party next week?” Liz made scrumptious eating sounds.

“Sorry, we won’t be able to make it. CJ and I are taking the kids up to the North Shore next week. It will be our first big family vacation together.”

Kate joined the group. “Oh, I love Duluth this time of year. Wonderful hiking and it's always a little cooler than it is in the Cities.”

“Kate, are you coming next week?” Liz asked.

“I wouldn’t miss a good party. I heard the fireworks display costs more than my rent.”

“You know how guys are when it comes to explosives. Jim invited a few of the firefighters to make me feel a little safer.”

Deep laughter touched her ears. The sound of her friends chattering faded into the background as she focused across the table. Trey was laughing at something Bob said. Her eye twitched. Nothing Peterson ever said was that funny. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was sucking up to the guy. Now, he pulled Ian into the conversation.

Good luck. Brannon had a maximum word count usage of ninety words a day, and she was pretty sure he had maxed out when he jumped up and hollered for Daniels to slide in the eighth.

Peterson checked his phone, slapped Trey on the back, and waved goodbye to the table at large. “See you all tomorrow.” He started away then stopped and turned to the fire crew and shouted, “Great game guys. Better luck next time.”

The north side of the bar gave a collective groan and several hand gestures flew in salute of Peterson’s farewell.

Amy checked her phone. It was getting late. Lorna and CJ had gone. Liz was whispering in Jim's ear. By the way his face lit up, she would bet they’d call it a night soon. Kate was off flirting with one of the firemen, and Ryan and Ian were playing a game of darts on the other side of the bar. The table had cleared out and the only two left were her and Fenley.

She didn’t have to look up from her phone to know he was scrutinizing her. The electricity tingled in her toes and she fought the urge to fidget.

He’ll stop any minute.

She clenched her jaw.

Any minute.

His gaze sent pin pricks up her calves. A minute later, her thighs quivered. Damn it. She whipped her head up and pinned him with her best cop-stare. “What?”

He didn’t flinch.

That pissed her off. She intimidated street thugs with her steely glare. But Trey Fenley just sat there. He measured her with those knowing eyes and smart brain of his. Their short verbal sparring told her he had a sharp wit not easily matched.

Damn her competitive nature for not letting her back down from his challenging personality.

Screw this. She wouldn’t let herself get sucked into his games tonight. She was tired and had to get up early to swing by the impound lot, check out the car in the back, and schmooze some information out of the employees.

Amy waved to Millie, and the server brought over a to-go box. “Your usual? One slice of Pete’s chocolate cream pie.”

“You're the best. Thanks.”

From across the table, the low voice rumbled. “Usual, huh? Watch out, that stuff will give you diabetes.”

“Good thing it doesn’t run in my family.” She pushed back from the table and grabbed her phone. “It’s been real, but I need sleep.”