Jed lined up a shot and ended up sinking the cue ball instead of his intended red. “I’m good. That was just bad luck.”
“More like a bad shot,” she muttered and pretended she didn’t see him moving around the balls to find a better angle when he went again. Another perk to playing one of Jed’s “practice rounds.”
As they took turns sinking the balls, or, in Jed’s case, missing them, Cass realized she enjoyed hanging with her friend, excited to challenge others. Her blood hummed, and her smile continued to upstage the normally flat expression she’d perfected long before joining the force. She’d always been a loner and more serious child despite what her parents thought.
Her father had always encouraged her to be herself, not a person others wanted her to be. So why did he keep nagging her to date? To socialize with anyone not Jed? Because here she was with Jed, having fun, and she felt good about it.
“Dad was practically dancing with joy when I told him I had plans tonight,” she said to Jed.
He shook his head. “Still on your ass to get married and give him grandkids?”
“Yeah, only he never acts like that’s what his nagging is all about. It’s about me being healthier by having a life outside work and you.”
Jed blinked. “Me? What do I have to do with you being a disappointment?”
“Ass.” She quelled laughter at his smirk. “My dad thinks I’m sublimating a desire for intimacy by using you and your family as a substitute for familial affection.”
“It’s like you’re channeling Dr. Aaron Carmichael right now.” He took a step back. “For a second, you almost sounded smart there.”
“This from a guy who can’t stay away from one little white ball in a field of solids and stripes.”
He frowned. “That’s a matter of skill, not intelligence. Although a smarter man would know to steer clear of a game he’s never been any good at.”
“Well, I’m not going out to play tackle football with you in the parking lot.”
Jed grunted. “Your loss.”
“Did someone mention football?” Mack Revere asked as he approached their table. Dressed in jeans and a plain navy-blue sweater under an open jacket, he looked like sex on a stick. “Because I’d be into challenging the Top Cops to arealgame instead of soccer-for-losers.”
Jed blew out a breath. “Amen, brother. But the league is filled with a bunch of weak whiners who insist on keeping injuries to a minimum. It would have to be flag football instead of tackle. I’ve tried before.”
Mack looked up at Jed and cocked his head. “Well, for those of us without all that beefed-up muscle, I have to admit I wouldn’t want to be knocked over by you.” He paused. “That’s if your lumbering ass could catch me to hit me.”
“Oh, I’d catch you.” Jed pounded his fist into his hand.
As much as Cass enjoyed the testosterone-laden byplay, she’d been ignored long enough. She cleared her throat. “Why yes, Mackenzie Revere. You should be honored that I actually showed up. You’re welcome.”
Mack gave her a dazzling smile she had to work not react to, tamping down all that panting and staring and sighing. “Cassandra ‘I’m a Hard Ass’ Carmichael, as I live and breathe. You look lovely as usual.”
The bastard got her cheeks flushing. She could feel them heating. “And your prettiness is beyond compare,” she said back.
Jed guffawed.
Before Mack could respond, his friend joined him. She recognized the guy from the soccer field. The tall one with the Southern twang. “Hey, now, don’t start without me.” He wore a black Stetson, a Seahawks T-shirt that lovingly clung to his chest and arms, and jeans with biker boots. She’d rank him right up there with Jed but slightly less good-looking than Mack.
Mack made the introductions, and she learned Tex hailed from Texas. Small wonder.
She gave a subtle glance to the guys suddenly surrounding her, realizing she stood in a group of manly men who would totally make her the envy of many women she knew. Including Shannon.
She stood back and snapped a quick selfie, making sure to get them in the background.
Mack blinked. “What was that?”
“Proof of life before I take it away.”
He frowned. “I have witnesses that heard you say that.”
Jed chuckled. “Oh, she means that she’ll be stealing your dignity. After she mops the floor with you at pool.”
