You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,36

night.”

“I wish I had.”

“Maybe you’ll get birthday sex—I thought that was why you let him drive you.”

“I think that I’ll have to get him drunk for that to happen.” Hale laughed. “Honestly, I gave in because he was making me nuts, pestering me about it. He calls it escorting me. Who talks like that?”

“You lived in the south for years, you should be used to the Southern Gentleman routine.” Jasmine did a terrible imitation of a southern accent.

“Tampa isn’t that southern. I didn’t have to deal with it very often.” She wouldn’t have put up with a man with Major’s attitude for more than one date, back then.

“It’s part of his charm.” Jasmine sniggered.

“Does it work here?”

“He’s dated a lot of women over the years. I’m assuming that at some point he slept with some of them. So, I would say yes.”

“He’s not in my bed.” Hale gritted her teeth. She hated to admit that she liked having Major around to act as an escort. It was wrong, but she kept trying to convince herself that if she went out with Major, hopefully she would stop thinking about Finn.

“We know that, but he does have a reputation, so I imagine others think he is,” Jasmine explained.

“Great, more to deal with,” Hale grumbled.

“I might point out that Finn was shooting some very unhappy looks your way, while you were talking with Major.” Jasmine smiled mischievously.

“Finn is probably unhappy that he felt compelled to come tonight. He couldn’t exactly say no to your invitation.”

“Oh, he could have. He could have made up an excuse, but he didn’t. I think you should pay attention to that, missy.” Jasmine jabbed a pointed elbow into her side.

“Stop that.” Hale meant the jabbing and the talk about Finn. “Let’s mingle. You won’t leave me, will you?”

“Of course not. Let’s go talk to Raine and Carrie. They’re really nice and you should check out their bookstore. I think they’re a couple, they’re really private about their personal life. Use your gaydar to check them out.”

“Sure, I’ll just switch it on,” Hale teased as she followed her friend to meet the two ladies standing by the bar.

Hours later, her night had improved and she had to admit that she was having fun. Major had been introduced to a vice president of a commercial property management company from Cincinnati. He’d been busy talking business for the last hour. Hale made her way to the bar for some water. She’d made the switch after two beers.

There were several people milling around; she placed her order and turned to move out of the way of the line when she heard her name.

She looked up to find a group of women staring at her. Great, she had gone to school with two of the ladies, and the third was married to an attorney at Benton and Lee. “Hey, ladies.”

“Hale.” Veronica nodded, but didn’t smile.

OK, not very friendly. “Veronica, I met your two boys tonight. I bet they keep you busy. They told me they love soccer.”

“They do.” Veronica smiled. “You don’t have any kids?”

“No, no kids. I have a dog and he’s taught me that I’m not ready for kids.” She laughed.

“That’s too bad, I find being a mother to be the most important thing in my life.” Veronica sounded so superior.

Jean Ann added, “I can understand why you don’t have kids, after the way you were raised.”

“The way I was…what?” Oh no, she isn’t going there, now, is she? Hale stiffened.

Veronica continued. “We were just telling Lauren how your mother was a drinker and tried to kill the both of you.”

Hale took a step back in surprise, even Lauren had the grace to look shocked. Hale recovered quickly, unwilling to let them see the pain that remark had caused her. “Um, well, hello. I don’t believe that we have met. I’m Hale Cameron and I think I met your husband at the firm.” She held out her hand.

“Oh, Lauren knows all about you.” Veronica sneered as the redhead shook Hale’s hand.

“She has a daughter and when she moved to town, we just fell in love with her.” Jean Ann added.

The silent Lauren didn’t make eye contact.

“How old is your daughter?” Hale hoped that talking about their kids would keep things civil.

“Twenty-five months.” Lauren answered.

“A fun age.” Oh God, I need to move away from these women.

“I’m surprised that Finn is here, since it’s a party for you.” Veronica’s voice carried.

“Jasmine made up the guest list, it’s the people that she and