really calling it a date or an escort instead of a fuck? She made sure that her tone was sweet. “Major, I’m sure that you meet many lovely ladies in your line of work and if it suits, you ask them out.”
“I…I do.” He started to continue.
Hale cut him off. “And, Finn, well you’ve always been attractive and successful. I’m sure there are plenty of women who enjoy your attention.” She smiled in his direction, not saying just how good his attention felt.
“Ah oh, here comes the Hale Storm,” Finn whispered near her ear.
“But nobody is going to tell me what I can do. I will see who I want, and if this town wants to gossip, that’s fine by me. However, they should call me first, so they can get the details right.” Hale put both hands on her hips and glared.
Finn laughed loudly and kissed her cheek. “Nobody puts Hale Cameron in the corner.” He changed the quote from Dirty Dancing, clearly remembering that she had loved that movie. He loosened his arm from around her waist and stepped away. He did manage to run his palm over her ass and give a squeeze to her cheek.
Hale closed with a nod. “Ladies, I’m so glad you could come and help me celebrate, making me feel so welcome as I settle back into town.” She smiled sweetly as she turned and made sure to head off in the opposite direction as Finn. She was so upset, she wasn’t certain if it was with anger or humiliation. Damn this town and those catty bitches.
“Hale, Hale, slow down, I’m not done talking to you.” Major’s southern cadence was rushed.
“This isn’t a good time,” she snapped.
“I know, I know, but I want to apologize. I acted rudely back there and I wanted to say that I was sorry.”
She smirked. “I think there was quite a bit of rudeness all the way around.” She stopped and dropped to a bench beside the tall ornamental grass in the corner of the Benton’s yard.
Major continued to stand in front of her.
She raised her eyes, signaling for him to continue.
“You might have noticed that Finn tends to rub me the wrong way. Now I know that you spoke well of him, but I have to believe that some of what you said was because you are a good woman and you respect his position.”
Sweet Baby Jesus, why am I listening to this? “Major, I like Finn. I don’t have any issues with him.”
“I’m sure that you haven’t paid any attention to the gossip about him. I know that it isn’t right to talk about others, but, well, Finn has been known to sleep around.”
“Good for Finn.” She laughed. This night was surreal.
Major looked confused. “My point is, he has slept with a number of women over the years.”
“Okaaaaay.” She continued smiling as she drew the word out.
“Well, I don’t think that is very proper behavior for a man of his station in this town.” Major’s tone was defensive.
“Oh my God, Major, what year is it? What decade?”
“I don’t think I like your tone.” He frowned down at her.
“I don’t care to hear about Finn’s dating life. I hope he has sex, I hope he is getting lots of good sex.” Well that is a bit of an exaggeration. She continued, on a roll. “He is a red-blooded man, single and successful, it only makes sense that he’s getting laid.”
“But, but—”
“No let me finish, I like sex, and I hope to have more. It’s nobody’s business except mine and my partner’s.” It felt good, letting her frustration out.
“I don’t know what to say.” Major’s hands fisted at his sides.
She pointed at his chest. “You say nothing. Stop judging. It isn’t very flattering, in fact it’s damn ugly.” She started to stand.
Major leaned forward and put his hand on her shoulder roughly, pushing her back down. His voice shook. “I consider myself a gentleman and I thought that you were a lady. I don’t like to hear talk about sex, especially not in public.”
Hale’s voice was icy calm. “Get your hand off me.” She didn’t like the manner in which he held her down and lectured her. This was not going to happen again.
“Now Hale…”
“Get your motherfucking hand off me or I’m gonna break it,” she said a little louder.
“Hale, you are making a scene!” He didn’t remove his hand, he gripped her shoulder harder.
She grabbed his hand and as she stood, she bent the offending appendage backward.