That sounded like a party.
Oh, hell no. Time to go.
As she turned, the door opened.
“No, you don’t. Get your ass in here.” Faster than should be humanly possible, Jed grabbed her by the shoulder and spun her around. He pulled her inside and shut the door behind her. Then he shifted places with her, blocking her from exiting.
“You asshole,” she swore in a low voice, conscious of the twins, who always seemed to appear out of thin air. “What the hell is this?”
Noise from several adults, alternative rock music, and children’s laughter promised a cacophony of trouble.
Cass hated crowds, parties, and, according to her father, fun.
“Not my idea.” He held up his hands in surrender. “Shannon told me nothing until about an hour before she forced me to change into ‘company clothes.’” He grimaced and plucked at his button-down shirt.
“And you couldn’t text me?”
“She hid my phone.”
That did sound like something Shannon might do. “Oh, come on.” Cass took a look around at the clean kitchen, decorated dining space, and mingling adults. “Your house is never this clean. Not one pair of shoes for anyone to trip over in the doorway, and you didn’t notice until she told you to expect company an hour ago?”
“It’s cleaning day.” He groaned. “I know. I swear, though, I had no idea. And I’m a little concerned. Shannon really wanted you at this party. I hope she’s not—”
“Cass! There you are.” Shannon shot Jed a death glare and put on a wide smile for Cass. Despite Shannon’s petite stature, beauty, and dainty appearance, the woman had a death grip when she wanted something. The hold she had on Cass’s forearm actually hurt.
Cass shoved the six-pack she’d brought at Jed and reluctantly followed—was dragged by—Shannon into the crowded living room. “What the hell—”
“Quiet, you.” Shannon pulled her toward a tall, handsome guy who looked familiar.
“Hey, Carmichael. What’s up?” the man asked, his smile widening as he looked her over.
Josh Newcastle. The new guy. Her groan turned into a cough when Shannon elbowed her. “Sorry, Newcastle. Something in my throat. Ah, not much going on with me. Great party, Shannon,” Cass said with feigned enthusiasm.
“Isn’t it?” Shannon chirped. “So, you two know each other from work, I take it?”
Newcastle nodded with enthusiasm. “I started last week. Transferred from Spokane.”
“I love Spokane.” Shannon smiled.
Cass stood there, dying for a beer and pretending to be unaware of Newcastle stripping her naked with his gaze while Shannon and he chatted like besties. Over her shoulder, she spotted Jed fast approaching with a beer in each hand. He mouthed,Hold on, I’m coming, or something to that effect.
But just as he neared, Shannon cut him off by taking the beer meant for Cass. “Oh, thanks, honey. I was just coming to get you. Cass, can you and Josh talk while I take care of something?”
“Er, ah…”
“Sure,” Josh said, beaming.
Shannon yanked Jed with her, leaving Cass at the mercy of Officer My Eyes Are Up Here.
“I hear you’re single.” Josh sipped from his drink. “Me too. We should go out some time.”
Who? Me or my breasts?Cass sighed, waiting for him to make eye contact.
It promised to be a long, long night.
Chapter Two
Monday, Third Shift, 21:30
