“You wear running tights that reveal more.” Macy tugged her toward the Howler. “And it’s stretchy fabric, so it won’t rip and is really comfortable.”
“If that’s true, why do I feel so naked?”
Macy had bullied her into a tight multicolored mini dress with sleeves to the elbow and a low neckline. Her legs were bare from midthigh, and she wore long black boots that came to just below her knees.
“Katie, you’re in your twenties, not fifties, so relax and enjoy your youth.”
“And you’re so old,” she muttered as Macy pulled her through the door. “Wow, Annabelle went all out.” Katie looked around the bar as they stepped inside.
“Have you ever known Annabelle not to go all out?”
The ceiling was strung with fairy lights. The dance floor had flashing lights, and a DJ was playing sixties music. A large disco ball was suspended from the ceiling and shot little sparks of light over the guests, who were dressed in a variety of amazing sixties gear.
The Howler was considered the hub by many Lake Howling residents. It was decorated in earthy tones, with a big open fireplace where in the winter people sat. The owners, Noah and Faith Harris, often ran theme nights and other events to entertain the locals. She found the Harris siblings behind the bar, both wearing large black afro wigs and satin wide-collared shirts.
“Your mom has on a shorter skirt than you,” Macy said.
“She has better legs.”
Nancy McBride was in fact wearing hot pants and a stretch sweater, her hair piled high on her head. Her father looked like he’d walked off a sixties TV show.
Katie laughed and it was then she saw Cubby sitting with his friends. He was talking to Willow, his head lowered, listening to whatever she was saying. He wore a white shirt and over the top a black leather vest. Around his head he had a black leather band to match. As if sensing her eyes on him, he looked up and straight at her. Their gazes caught and held. His did a slow survey of her body, and then he refocused on Willow, and Katie inhaled an unsteady breath.
“Man, that look singed me.” Macy fanned her face.
“What?”
“You and Cubby, you have some serious heat going on.”
“No we don’t.”
Macy gave her pitying look. “Deny it all you like, girl, but whatever this thing is between you, it’s got our sheriff pretty hot under the collar.”
Before she could answer, Macy was heading for the booth their friends were all seated in. Reluctantly she followed. She would smile until it hurt, to show that bastard she wasn’t pining for him.
Chapter Seventeen
“Well, well, well, little McBride has grown up.” Newman accompanied his words with a whistle as Katie arrived at the table. She gave everyone a smile and avoided Cubby’s eyes.
“Park yourself here, sweet cheeks.” Buster moved out and motioned her in to take his place, which just happened to be one person away from Cubby. “I’m getting a round of drinks in.”
“So how’s my little detective?” Newman slung an arm around her shoulders. “Ready to kick ass in the Hot Foot?”
“I’ll give it a go. How’s the relay team shaping up?”
Instead of answering, Newman picked her up and lifted her out of the booth.
“Newman, what the hell are you doing?”
“I just saw Hope Lawrence,” he said, craning his neck.
“Yeah?” Katie looked too. “I thought she was off in some remote location taking pictures.”
“Me too. I’m going to take a look.”
Katie watched Newman’s long legs, clad in mustard flares, walk away from her, and decided that maybe she’d follow, as she definitely did not want to get back in the booth and sit next to Cubby.
“Here we go.” Buster arrived. “In you get.”
