“That’s what I said.”
“Hmm.”
“Mom, just don’t.”
Her mother had the nerve to look wounded.
“Please. Leave it alone. Damon and I are friends. Just friends. I like him, and he makes me laugh.”
“Okay.”
Marlie watched her mother carefully. “You’ll leave him alone. No traffic stops. No running his background for no reason—which is illegal.”
Her mother waved her concerns away.
“And no interrogating him. I mean it.”
Mona shrugged. “I’m not sure where this paranoia is coming from. Have you been getting enough sleep, Marlie?”
“Argh! I’m done. I’m leaving.”
“Want some pie?”
“No. I’m full of cake.”
“Oh?”
Marlie left before her mother somehow dragged details of her date out of her. An all-around master sleuth, Mona Reynolds always knew who to ask to find out whatever one wanted to hide.
Knowing she had a score to settle with Steve and maybe Jeff, Marlie went home and puttered around, muttering to herself. She also went over her notes for class on Monday, as well as her game plan to get the girls back in game mode for their upcoming game against their rivals.
By nine, she decided to watch a movie and turn in early. She’d be bright-eyed and awake for the hockey game, dealing with her nosy parents in addition to her nosy brothers.
A knock at the door took her by surprise.
She cautiously peered out, spotted Damon’s truck, and opened the door in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
He stared at her pink kitten lounge pants and red sweatshirt that showed off a smiling Freddy Krueger wishing everyone a Happy Kills-mas. “Yep. That fits.”
“Damon?”
He walked forward, forcing her back, and closed the door behind him.
Dressed in the same clothes he had on earlier, he still looked like a brute and a sex magnet all in one.
“I’m here to make good on one of your lost bets.”
She blinked. “Already?”
“Yep. Lose the clothes.”
“Ah, well, right now?” Her pulse skyrocketed.
“Is there some problem?” He paused. “You on your period?”
“What? No.” She hated that she was blushing. “How is that your business?”
“Just thought I’d ask before I went down on you. But if you’d rather I left, I can?—”
