The ice broken, so to speak, I hand her a party invitation. “I’ll swing around and meet you at the entrance.”
“You don’t have to. I’ll be fine. Thanks.” Her words may want me to go, but those gorgeous eyes lock onto my lips and I’m sure those dark centers mean stay.
Hell, I’m not letting this opportunity pass me by. “It’s no problem at all. Besides, I should be there in case, you know… someone gives you grief about not arriving with your date.”
You are so lame dude.A few in line chuckle as I kick myself for not looking her up on social media. At least I wouldn’t have been blind-sided. I met her sister, Mia. She and Sam are both knockouts. It shouldn’t’ve surprised me she is every bit as pretty.
Climbing off the ice, I find her chatting with the famous inventor of the artificial intelligence used by our company.
My dark-haired plus-one steps back to include me in her circle. “Dr. Jones, have you met Wheels?”
I hold out a hand. “I know of your work. A pleasure to meet you. I’m Wesley Murphy, of Patten Securities.”
“This is my husband, Detective Colin O’Brien.” The genius beams at the man with striking blue eyes, standing beside her.
He glances down at my prosthetic but doesn’t call it out which I appreciate and will thank him later with a beer.
With introductions finished, Rose shoves the cell phone she’s been holding, under my nose. “Jenna was just telling me about her latest innovation. She added a female interface to her AI program, Jasonelle.”
A meme with thick glasses and a white button-down blouse blinks out at me and as I picture working with it, words fail me.
Dr. Jones laughs. “I’m still not sure if she’s marketable. That being said, some industries prefer interacting with a woman. Let me know if you want to be a guinea pig. I’m looking for volunteers.”
“Will do.” As I pocket her outstretched card, Rose does, too.
“So, how’re things at theJointTask Force?” I pretend to inhale a big spliff of weed. “You guys need a better name.”
O’Brien quirks an eyebrow, not amused or maybe not getting my joke. “FBI’s been swamped. Why not join up? We could use another former operative. I’d put in a good word for you.”
“Patten keeps me pretty busy. Appreciate the offer, though.” I wonder if he’s forgotten I got my foot blown off. For a moment, a too-familiar dark cloud dampens my mood.
Rose probably thinks she’s the cause of the shift. “You don’t need to babysit me. I know almost everyone here.”
Yup, I’m an ass.Because I didn’t want to be stuck with a blind date, I made a point of explaining to Sam how her cousin shouldn’t expect me to be her companion for the evening. To be fair, I made that decision before I ordered the miraculous appendage. Now, I’m raring to take on the world. For one night, I’d love a pretty woman on my arm who has no idea I’m damaged goods.
“Listen, I’m sorry. Up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know if I’d be able to skate. I didn’t want to ruin your good time.” It’s almost the truth. Close enough.
“I would’ve been fine inside. I haven’t done this in years, either.” When she smiles at me, my stupid heart stutters.
On the ice, she attempts a few timid, ankle-wobbling glides and sighs. “I don’t think-”
“Let me help.” Moving backwards, I offer my hands.
“You don’t have to. I mean it.” As her mittened fingers rest in mine, my thoughts wander to white picket fences, kids and dogs.
Dammit. It’s been years since a woman got under my skin. I have sex. I don’t do relationships.
As if reading my mind, Hands and my not-a-date’s sister skate toward us. For the longest time, Suds and Sam referred to her as Saint Mia. Judging from the couple’s body language, I’m sure the nickname no longer applies.
“How’s it going, Wheels?” My friend tugs me aside, leaving the two women alone to conspire and giggle.
“What the fuck are you up to?” He shoves my chest and I hold up my arms as if under arrest.
“Nothing, dude. I’m skating.”
He scowls. “Do not sleep with her.”
“Is this the pot calling the kettle black?” I raise my brows, daring him to deny he’s fucking my date’s sister.”
