along her bare shoulders. Thousands of goose bumps broke out over her skin and heat pooled down low. A shiver passed through her, and for a moment she had difficulty catching her breath. What was wrong with her?
“You know where my shop is if you get back into trouble.” She meant to sound happy to do business with him again, but instead, it sounded like she just wanted to see him.
Jack seemed to think so too, because his eyes lit up at the invitation. “I’ll have to figure out a way to piss my mother off soon then.”
After an awkward beat of silence, Ava, with a sultry lilt to her voice, purred, “So, Jack...” She draped her arm on the back of the chair, causing the fabric of her shirt to pull across a chest that most men couldn’t ignore. “You look like you’re still in good shape for someone who hasn’t played football in a while.” She leaned across the table and caressed a hand along his arm. “How do you keep so fit?”
Jack’s voice was low with laughter. “I’m nowhere near as fit as I once was, but I do still like to run and do weights when I can.”
“Where do you work out? I’m always looking for a gym partner.”
Lauren clenched her jaw and fisted her hands in her lap, keeping them under the table in fear she might wrap them around Ava’s pretty little neck. How dare she flirt with Jack? Didn’t she have enough men to prey on without taking Jack from… No, he wasn’t Lauren’s. Ava had every right to flirt and do whatever she wanted to do with Jack. Lauren glanced over at Jade who also looked ready to kill Ava.
“I don’t go to the gym. I have equipment at my office.”
Ava sat back in her chair and pouted prettily. “That’s a shame.”
Jack glanced at Lauren and smiled. “Well, I better get back. It was great seeing you again.” His fingers once again brushed against her bare shoulder as he stepped away. The touch sent an electric current blasting through her, almost short-circuiting her brain.
Then he turned and spoke to Jade and Ava. She didn’t hear what he said because of the buzzing in her ears, but whatever it was it made Jade blush and Ava laugh.
The three women stared as he zigzagged his way through the tables and back to his date, giving them a great view of his toned backside in tight blue jeans.
Then Jade screeched loudly, causing Lauren to jump in the seat, breaking her mesmerized stare. “Thatwas your Mr. Pretty? You didn’t think to mention, especially to me, who has been following the Flaming Stars for years, that you met my favorite footy player?”
“I’m sorry.” Lauren shrugged. She had wanted to forget meeting Jack, and not mentioning it to them was a good way of handling that. But one too many drinks had her spilling the beans about noticing a Mr. Pretty. They would have absolutely lost their minds if she’d told themMr. Prettywas Jack Henderson.
Folding her arms across her chest, Jade shook her head, triggering more wild curls to spring free from the messy bun. “And you...” Eyes as sharp as lasers aimed at Ava. “Why were you flirting with Lauren’s Mr. Pretty?”
Yes, Ava, why were you flirting with my Mr. Pretty?Lauren wanted to ask but kept her lips tightly sealed.
Ava stroked a finger around the rim of the margarita glass and licked the salty crystals off the tip. “It was a test. I wanted to know his intentions toward Lauren. I had my boobs out for him to have a good ol’ look, but his gorgeous green eyes never dropped for a second. Jack passed with flying colors, and he’s totally hot for you, Lauren.” At Jade’s quick intake of breath, Ava added, “Sorry, Jade, but your sexy football player only had eyes for Lauren. I’d bet my next paycheck he was mentally strip searching her, and maybe even had the handcuffs ready.”
Sagging with defeat in the chair, Jade put her elbow on the table and dropped her head in her hands. “I know.” She gave a heavy sigh, then said, “He’s all yours, Lauren.”
Shocked by Ava’stestand Jade’s submission, Lauren’s reply sounded strangled. “Did I miss something? Jack spoke to all of us.”And Ava even copped a feel.
“I could feel the sexual tension between you two, even though Ava tried to get him to come over to the dark side. There’s no denying it,Mr. Prettyis definitely yours, and I won’t stand in the way.” Jade sounded dejected.
At any other time Lauren would have found Jade’s comment extremely amusing, but she was still reeling from the aftereffects of Jack’s gentle touch on her shoulder and from her friends ridiculous reactions to her and Jack. “In case you haven’t noticed, Jack is here with another woman.”
Three heads turned toward the black-haired beauty sitting close to Jack. They both sat with drinks in hand, watching football on TV. Lauren hated everything Jack represented— money, fame, and looks. She’d learned the hard way that a pretty exterior could hide an ugly soul.
Ava turned her attention back to Lauren. “They both look more interested in what’s on
TV. I say go for it, Lauren.”
“I’m not interested.”
Jade shook herself from her sulk and let out an exaggerated sigh. “This is the first man you’ve noticed in eight years.” When Lauren opened her mouth to argue Jade lifted a finger and stopped her. “Those Pee-Wee Herman guys don’t count. I’m giving you my permission to take it further. Mr. Pretty is all yours.” She slumped into her chair, looking miserable.
For a moment they sat quietly in their own thoughts. The jukebox playing an old Chicago ballad filled the silence.
Then Lauren’s shoulders began to bop up and down. She bit her lip to stop them from twitching, but she couldn’t help the peals of laughter escaping. Ava’s laughter soon followed.
“Oh, Jade.” Picking up a cocktail napkin, Lauren dabbed her eyes. “I’m so grateful that you’re handing overyourMr. Pretty. Really I am,” she said as Jade’s eyes narrowed. Poor Jade didn’t look happy about being laughed at, so Lauren cleared her throat and tried to keep a straight face. “Jack only came into the shop to buy a gift. That’s all. Nothing more will ever happen.”
“Sure.” Jade sulked like a two-year-old.
