Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,64
contact.
Finally, Nick cleared his throat. “Angie. Can you get me a beer, please?”
She nodded but still didn’t look at him.
Shit. What did Brandee tell her? He turned to the guy next to him and said, “Did you happen to hear what the redheaded waitress was whispering to the bartender a minute ago?”
“Not completely. She said something about needing to talk about her boyfriend and a woman. I heard the words ‘loony tunes,’ I think.” He chuckled. “If that’s you, my friend, I’m sorry. It sounded like she was upset. I hope it’s just a misunderstanding of sorts.”
If only.
***
Brandee had managed to avoid Nick for quite a while, but she had finally run out of customers to wait on. And here he comes. Crap. Just once I’d like to have a few minutes to mull over situations on my own without his running over to tell me how I should feel about everything.
She grabbed a rag and began to wipe down a table when he appeared next to her.
“We need to talk, Brandee. Meet me by the back door.”
“I’m working.”
He set his fists on his hips. “You were working when you dragged me over there because you wanted to talk.”
Crap, crap, double-crap. “It was important.”
“Are you saying you’re the only one with something important to say?”
Her face heated. “No.”
“Okay, stop scrubbing the table before you wear off the varnish, and come talk to me.”
He stalked off, acting as if his command was to be instantly obeyed. She was tempted to ignore him and go about her business, but she couldn’t do that forever. Sooner or later, she’d have to talk to him. Might as well get it over with.
She tossed the rag aside and followed him to the back door. Crossing her arms over her chest, she asked, “What’s so important?”
“What did you tell Angie? She won’t even look at me now.”
“That’s private.”
“Did you mention what Morgaine said to you?”
She shrugged. “What I talk about with Angie is between me and Angie.”
Nick raked his hands through his already tousled hair. “I need to know you didn’t break your promise.”
“I didn’t break my promise.”
He stared at her as if he had doubts. “When can we have a private conversation? We need one—soon.”
“Not here and not now.”
His big hands touched her arms and rubbed them, surprisingly gently. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, sweetheart. You know that, right?”
Her defenses lowered a bit. “I really don’t know what to think. Look, I didn’t tell Angie about you.”
“Then why is she giving me the cold shoulder?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because I was upset that you brought the crazy lady here. Where’s her husband, anyway?”
“He’s helping the police. See how easy that was? You just open your mouth and tell the truth.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why is he helping the police?”
“He witnessed a crime.”
“Oh.” She thought about pursuing that further, but she really needed to get back to work and she didn’t want to give him time to ask more questions. “Why don’t you call me tomorrow? I don’t have to work until the evening.”
He dropped his hands. “Are you sure you didn’t say anything about me?”
“I didn’t divulge your secret, if that’s what you mean. I just said you had weird friends.”
“They’re only acquaintances.”
She let out a deep breath. “Fine. Now let me get back to work. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“What’s wrong with tonight? I don’t want you assuming things or spreading rumors.”
“I’m already tired. I’d rather not talk until I can give you my full attention.”
His lips thinned. “I’d rather talk tonight.”
She sighed and he finally acquiesced.
“Fine. Call me if you change your mind and want to talk tonight. Otherwise, I’ll call you in the morning. When do you wake up?”
“Depends.”
He stared at the ceiling. “Give me strength.” At that moment, Nick’s cell phone rang. “Wolfensen.” He held up one finger, meaning she should wait. She rested a hand on her hip and huffed.
He turned his back to her. “Damn it! When?”
Whoa. Something must have really upset him. She rarely saw him lose his cool like that.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’ll get right on it and see what I can find out. Yeah. I’ll call tonight. Meanwhile, keep her inside. Okay, bye.”
Brandee tipped her head. “Bad news?”
“I might as well tell you. You’re probably going to find out anyway. Someone made another grab for your cousin Katie. This time they didn’t get her, though.”