SIX
Once the party hadmoved to the pool house, the crowd became wild. Even Pat Gurrister joined in the fun. Brad laughed at the older woman who didn’t care that she was making a spectacle of herself as she flirted outrageously, but he was glad she’d let them continue with the party.
Brad had been to many parties; thousands upon thousands, but this one seemed to take the prize for the most entertaining. Even the other people at the party agreed.
He removed his shirt, shoes, and socks and joined in the fun. He followed the wild group of men as they searched through the party to find those women who hadn’t gotten wet. They took turns in snatching the women and throwing them in the pool.
By now, everybody had gotten wet at least once, and Brad’s enthusiasm waned to a dull roar. Who else could he tease? Quickly, he scanned the area for Breanna, and just as he’d suspected, she was nowhere in sight. He should have made it a point to personally escort her into the pool when they first began throwing people in.
There was no time like the present.
On his way out the door, Amanda walked by, so he grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Hey, honey? Have you seen my tiger?”
Amanda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Tyger? Breanna actually told you her first name? I can’t believe she’s letting you call her that in public. She hates that name.”
Brad swiped his fingers through his long wet hair, pushing it back on his head. “What are you talking about? I’ve nicknamed her tiger.”
She laughed. “You nicknamed her tiger? So, you don't know Tyger is her real name?”
It was Brad’s turn to be shocked. “Are you saying Breanna’s name is really tiger? Like the striped animal?”
“Well, yes, except it’s spelled with aYinstead of anI. Her full name is Tyger Breanna Loveland.”
He was at a loss for words, which was something that never happened. Shy and quiet Breanna Loveland was exactly opposite of her first name. He grinned. No wonder she’d snapped at him when he first called her that.
“I accidentally saw it on her tax form,” Amanda continued. “She doesn’t know I know, but I’ve heard from someone else that she just hates the name.”
He smiled wider. “She’ll learn to like it. I promise you that. Now, do you know where she is?”
Amanda pointed toward her apartment, and he took off running. When he sauntered inside, Tyger was kneeling on the floor picking up small pieces of cracker crumbs. He took a few minutes to watch her. Even through her baggy jeans, he detected a hint of a nice bottom. Why she chose to wear clothes that were at least two sizes too big was beyond him.
“Hey, Tyger, honey?” Her head snapped up and she met his gaze. “What are you doing in here? The party moved into the pool, remember?”
She smiled. “I know. I just thought I would clean up a bit.”
“Why? Don’t you want to get wet like me?” He quickly swept her up into a big bear hug. She laughed and tried to push him away from his damp body.
“No, I don’t want to get wet.”
“Can you swim?”
“Of course I can swim. I just don’t feel like... Ahhh—” She screamed as he lifted her in his arms. “Brad, what are you doing?”
He didn’t answer, but carried her toward the front door.
She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “Don’t you dare! Brad Montgomery, put me down.”
“I’ll put you down in a minute.”
“No, you won’t. I know what you want to do, and I’m not going to let you throw me in the water like you’ve been doing to everyone else. Now put me down. Besides, I don’t want to get my glasses wet.”
He grinned. “Fine. If it’ll make you feel better, I won’t throw you in the pool, but I’ll carry you in and gently set you inside the water... and we can leave your glasses here.” He removed her glasses and set them on a shelf by her front door.
“Brad, no! Brad—” She struggled in his arms as they walked out of the apartment and toward the pool.
His teasing laughter increased as he carried her in, walking right down the steps. Being careful not to slip, he steadied himself as he waded in the warm water until he reached the deep area where the water slapped against his mid chest. His little Tyger screamed the whole time, which caused everyone to stop and watch. Brad could tell by the sparkle in her eyes and her relaxed expression, she wasn’t really angry at all.
