Page 17 of Protect and Serve

He saw the yearning in her eyes, but then a cloud fell. “I can’t, Charlie.”

“Why not?”

“We just met.”

“I’ve known you your whole life.”

“We just met again. And I don’t…”

“What?” God, she wasn’t still a virgin, was she?

“I don’t do that. Not casually.”

He nodded. It was a rough pill to swallow but, “I can respect that.”

“Besides, Cade will be looking for me when the game breaks up.”

Oh right. Her brother. His friend. The trained killer.

“How about dinner tomorrow night?” Yeah, second best, but better than nothing. Besides it wasn’t a bad idea to take it slow and get to know each other before they dove into bed.

She arched a brow. “Dinner?”

“I know a place that has a great burger.”

She spurted a laugh. “Bubba’s?” It was the only place in town that made burgers.

“Two-star dining at its finest. I think they even have wine if you special order.”

“Yeah. Wine from a box.”

“Some of the best wines come in a box.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Google it.” He sent her a coaxing grin. “So, what do you say? Tomorrow night? Dinner at Bubba’s?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and grinned at him. “I would love that.”

“Awesome.” He helped her up and they made their way back to the bar. Before he opened the door for her, he smacked her on the ass and whispered, “Wear heels.”

And she didn’t even frown at him.

Chapter Six

Claire was doing the morning’s paperwork in her office—or trying to amidst the distraction of her Charlie fantasy—when Lisa poked her head in and whispered in something of a shriek, “You’ve got to come. Now.”

Claire peered at her over the glasses perched on her nose. “What is it?”

“The boys are dancing.”

Ugh. She waved Lisa away. “I’ve seen it.” And it was always the same old thing, oily bodies, bumping and grinding, rip-away pants, padded bulges. How dismal that it was now old hat, like working in a candy story and getting tired of chocolate. So sad.

“Oh no you haven’t. Charlie is there, and Cody’s trying to talk him into dancing.”

Oh, hell. That got her attention. Her head snapped up so hard she bit her tongue. “No. Way.”

“Totally. Come on. Hurry.”