of startin’ a beauty parlor, like in Steel Magnolias, except not in a garage. I gotta find somethin’ to do with my time. I thought I’d do charity work but I’m doin’ this fundraising party and the women on my committee al got sticks up their asses. They wouldn’t know fun if someone beat them over the head with it, and believe me, I’ve thought about it.” I believed her. I also believed she might be moved to do it.
Jet came over and sat with us.
“That’s cool,” Annette said to Daisy after she smiled at Jet. “I’d let you do my hair.”
Jet looked at me with wide, frightened eyes and gave a firm shake of her head that said clearly, “no, no, no”.
I had no time to react, as Daisy started talking.
“Oh Sugar, aren’t you sweet?” Then she gave a tinkly laugh.
The bel over the door went and our eyes turned to see who came in.
Luke was standing there. He’d changed nuances of his overal look; stil al black, his t-shirt skintight, except this time with long sleeves. Instead of just plain boots he had on black motorcycle boots and instead of cargo pants, he had on jeans. As a fashion maven, I appreciated the subtlety that stil managed to pack a punch. As a woman, I just appreciated him.
“Jumpin’ Jehosafats, I think I just creamed my pants,” Annette whispered, staring at Luke.
Luke’s eyes locked on me. He lifted his hand and crooked his finger.
“I was wrong about before. Now, I’ve definitely creamed my pants,” Annette breathed.
I got up and walked to Luke.
He put a hand in the smal of my back and propel ed me into the books.
We turned right, into the biography section, and stopped.
“Got plans tonight?” he asked.
I blinked at him. “I’m going to a strip club,” I answered.
His eyes flashed, momentarily showing his surprise.
Then he gave me one of his sexy half-grins.
My heart stopped beating for a second.
“Why?” I asked.
“I’m your date,” he replied.
My heart stopped beating for five seconds.
Then I breathed. “Excuse me?”
“You’re not on camera, you’re with me,” he said.
“Excuse me?” I repeated.
“Hank cal ed. His case is bustin’ open. He’s busy. I’m assigned to you.”
I blinked, twice. “Excuse me?” I said yet again.
The grin came on ful -fledged and he moved into my space.
“I’m your bodyguard.”
Holy cow.