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“It was only a first date,” Cora emphasized, leaning against the bar. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but sex didn’t happen.”
“And I had so much hope for you,” Suzette said with a dramatic shake of her head. “Fine, tell me about it, anyway. What was he wearing? What did he say? Did he try anything? Please tell me he ran a hand up your leg under the table or tried to kiss you good-night. Give me something.”
“He spoke Italian to the waiter,” Cora offered. “That was kind of sexy. And he did try to ply me with a third glass of wine.”
“He speaks Italian,” Suzette said dreamily, sipping her drink. “Keep going.”
“He showed up in a convertible Mercedes, then took me to this little hole-in-the-wall Italian place in Belletown Heights. I guess he’s a regular there because the hostess knew him. He told me about places he’s traveled, which was impressive. And he asked me a lot of questions about my job and growing up here.”
“That’s huge,” Suzette said with a nod. “I’ve been on a ton of first dates, and in my experience, guys usually just want to go on and on talking about themselves. It’s like my job is just to sit there and smile and nod and be impressed with whatever they say. And the only time my opinion matters is at the end of the date when they want to know if I’m down for a horizontal night cap. But I digress. Go on.”
“That was really it,” Cora said with a shrug. “And after dinner he drove me home.”
“Finally, we’re getting to the good part.” Suzette’s hazel eyes sparkled with anticipation. “How did you end the night? Did he give you one of those gentlemanly pecks on the cheek, or did he bypass all that and just go for it like the bad, bad boy I know he is?”
“Neither, because Liam rolled up right when we got home. The three of us ended up standing there talking for a bit.” Cora glanced over her shoulder where Liam was in a discussion with one of the guys at the nearby table. He’d been so bothered that night, standing beside her on the sidewalk and glowering at Magnus like an angry boyfriend. That was what bugged Cora the most. She and Liam weren’t together. He didn’t even like her in that way, and he’d made it clear, so he had no right to comment on who she chose to date. It was none of his business.
“Mmm, so there you were. Sandwiched between two scorching-hot guys. Maybe there’s hope for you yet. What happened next? Did the three of you go...inside?” Suzette wiggled her auburn brows.
Cora gave her friend a slow blink. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”
“Unbelievably awesome? Yes, I’m told often.”
“So that’s it. I said goodbye and went to bed.” Cora sipped her drink, leaning her back against the bar to survey the crowd. “But Magnus did mention going out for sushi next time.”
“And are you going to go?”
“I think so.”
“What’s there to think about? He’s hot. You’re single. Match made in heaven.” Suzette said it like it was a foregone conclusion. Then her mouth opened in surprise as she caught sight of something across the room. “Oh, my gosh. Is that Finn? With awoman?”
Cora followed Suzette’s gaze to one of the booths along the wall. A sconce with faux flames hung above it, casting a warm glow over Finn and a pretty young woman with blond hair.
“Wow, I can’t believe he’s actually with someone,” Suzette said. “I could’ve sworn he only had eyes for you.”
“We’re just friends,” Cora said as she watched Finn having an animated conversation with the young woman. “The only reason we were together at that charity gala was because Liam stood me up.”
“For a hot minute I thought you and Finn would be good together,” Suzette said. “But now that Magnus is in the picture... I mean, come on.”
“What?” Cora watched Finn smile at the other woman. He seemed happy. She felt an odd twinge in her chest. Of happiness, of course. Finn was a nice guy, and he deserved it.
“Let’s put it this way. Finn’s the guy who’ll help you paint your living room,” Suzette explained. “He’ll research the right kind of primer you need. He’ll bring the drop cloth and all the tools and safety masks. He’ll even tape off all the corners of the room for you, because everyone knows that’s the crappiest part of the job. Magnus is the guy who will throw you up against that living room wall and screw your brains out until the two of you are rolling around on the floor naked, covered in nothing but wet paint and each other.”
Cora turned her back on Finn and the room. “Sounds messy.”
“Exactly,” Suzette said. “Messy and wild and a little unpredictable. That’s what you need right now. Escapism. When I look at Finn, I see a man who doesn’t do anything without carefully thinking it through. But Magnus, now, there’s your ticket to some pure, unadulteratedfun.”
“Work has been brutal lately,” Cora said with a sigh. “We’re at a standstill on the investigations, and morale is low. It’s just been a cluster headache that keeps getting bigger. I think you’re right, Suze. I just need to let loose and have some stupid fun.”
“I’m on it,” Suzette announced, slapping her hand on the bar. “Stupid fun is my specialty. I’m going to plan something for this weekend. You still owe me for bailing on the Fourth of July party, so you can’t say no. You have to go.”
“Go where?” Liam asked, sidling up between them. He signaled the bartender and ordered them all another round of drinks.
“It’s a surprise,” Suzette said. “We’re going to have fun this weekend, and you can come, too, Liam. But only if you commit to the rules.”
“Ach, rules,” he said with exaggerated distaste. The grin he gave them next was steeped in mischief as he lowered his voice and said, “I much prefer breaking them.”
Cora rolled her eyes. “Says the man who works in law enforcement.”
