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“Your place, but in my car.”
Planning ahead for her getaway, he could respect that. “Lead the way.”
They walked, arms wrapped around each other, until they returned to the Museum Square. Andie slowed and hit the crosswalk button. Ah, shit. Downtown parking was scarce, especially on weekends. Friday nights were the worst. She must’ve parked behind one of the north side businesses rather than in one of the public lots to the south. If they crossed here, they’d walk past The Lazy Fly, the pub sponsoring his ball team.
At this hour all the guys would be hanging around the front patio. Worse, they’d be half in the bag—at least—and lacking filters. They’d have a heyday with the fact that he bailed on guy time, but got caught out on a date. Then there was Evan, who’d been an utter jackhole when completely sober. He wasn’t getting a crack at Andie close up and while intoxicated.
Traffic stopped for the flashing lights. “Why don’t we cross at the next light,” Mason said, guiding her from the curb. “This side has some nice stores, we can window shop along the way.”
“But I’m parked right over there, behind the jewelry store.” She cocked her eyebrow at him. “I’m not really in the mood to shop, window or otherwise. And I love shopping, for the record.”
The jewelry store was adjacent to the pub. He looked past Andie’s sexy-cute face, scanning the patio. Yup, there they were, five of them, at least. So he’d tell her the truth. No big deal. She’d understand. Women knew better than anyone that men could be idiots.
“I’d rather not take you past The Lazy Fly right now. That’s where my ball team hangs out after our Friday games. A bunch of them are out front right now. You know how guys are.”
She didn’t waste a glance on his teammates, just started walking. “I suppose I do.”
Assholes avoided, excellent. He pulled Andie tight to his side. “You ever go in there?” He motioned at an independent deli that boasted a nice little restaurant in back.
“Sometimes.”
He waited, but nothing followed. Maybe she hated the place and didn’t want to say so. “A buddy of mine owns this store,” he said as they passed The Sports Net. “If you ever need runners, this is the place to go. Though I’m a big fan of your footwear choices so far, I gotta say.”
“Thanks.”
Another single-word answer. This one came with a phony smile. Something was up, but her arm was still around his waist. Could be nerves about going back to his place. Understandable, their first date had jumped to the fast track within the first ten minutes. Maybe she was having second thoughts.
Much as he wanted to bury himself inside her, he was fine with waiting. ’Til the second, third, fourth date—whatever. He’d tell her so before they got in her car. Get rid of any pressure or doubts she had.
“This is mine.” She fished keys from a tiny purse and unlocked a shiny compact sedan. She didn’t get in, didn’t step aside for him to drive. “I think it’s best if I head home. Alone. Sorry if that makes me a tease.”
“That you are not. Not even close.” The most willing, uninhibited woman he’d ever been out with worried that she was a tease. Craziness.
“Okay, well. Thanks for a fun evening.” She’d opened the door and slid inside before the last word left her mouth.
He stopped the door and leaned in. “Hey, you’re not even going to let me kiss you goodnight?”
She tilted her head toward him and puckered up, guppy style, without letting go of the steering wheel.
What the hell just happened? He might not know much about her, but he knew she’d done a one-eighty, and he knew expressions in general. Andie’s face was irritation and impatience. Too bad, because he wasn’t done with her yet.
“I’d like to see you again, for dinner, a movie. Dancing if you want, once your ankle feels better.”
For the longest minute she simply stared up at him. “Would we go out of town?”
“We could, sure.” Whatever she wanted to do, they’d have a great time. He could feel it.
“I don’t think so, Mason.” She tugged on the door, forcing him to step aside or be whacked on the hip by a hunk of steel. It slammed and she lowered the window. “We both got what we wanted tonight. As much as I’d like to enjoy you again, I’m not interested in being anybody’s dirty little secret.” She nodded at his feet. “Watch your toes. I don’t want to be responsible for putting you on the DL. I’m sure your teammates wouldn’t be impressed bythat, either.”
He stepped back and she took off, leaving him scratching his head in a cloud of parking lot dust. There’d been times in his life when he was too smart for his own good. This was not one of those times.
Chapter Three
ANDIE
Andie hated waking up in an empty house. Too quiet. A few years ago she’d have traded anything for this kind of silence. Now it made the thoughts in her head seem extra loud. Mostly, her mind was on last night with Mason. She didn’t regret the sex part. No woman in her right mind would wish that away. The humiliation part, on the other hand, really sucked.
Finding out he was embarrassed that his friends might see them together had nearly toppled her. Her guard had been safely in place until he pulled her into that alley. Mostly. Okay, only a little. Dammit.
