Page 5 of Screwed
Cash sounded like he was being strangled when he said, “You’re not a bother.”
She smiled and reached out to pat his hand. “Sure I am. But you’re too much of a gentleman to say so.”
To her surprise, he turned his hand and caught her fingers in his. She stared at his big, tanned fingers holding her smaller ones. His hand was warm and strong. A little shiver worked over her arm, then down her spine. She lifted her gaze to meet his.
“A gentleman,” he repeated. “Yeah.”
Mesmerized by his deep, dark eyes, her head spun even more. “I think maybe I should go home. I’m not feeling so well.”
“You didn’t drive here, did you?”
“No, Kristy brought me. I should find her.”
“I’ll take you home.”
“But you just got here!” She tried to stand. Cash rose at the same time, and when one of her skinny heels slipped on the rough stone patio, she started to go down. With a little squeak, she grabbed for the chair and missed.
Strong arms caught her waist and kept her from hitting the ground. Cash pulled her up against him. “Damn, darlin’. You’re right. We better get you home.”
“Shit.” She closed her eyes. “I am so embarrassed.”
“Hey, I got you. It’s all good.”
He was big and muscled and warm. “You’ve kept in shape since you played football in college.” Oh sweet baby Jesus in the lap of Mary. She was totally shnockered. She shouldn’t be saying things like that to Cash. She shouldn’t benoticingthings like that about Cash. “We’re friends, right?”
He loosened his grip on her, and she caught the twitch of his lips as she turned to face him, still close enough to smell his cologne, a scent already familiar to her, though tonight it smelled especially enticing. “You smell good.”
He muttered something under his breath. “Come on. Do you have a purse or something?” He began to lead her across the patio, and she held onto his arm, grateful to have that because her feet weren’t cooperating.
“I think so.” She frowned.
Inside, Cash paused to survey the club. “There’s Kristy. Stay right here. I’ll tell her we’re leaving.”
“No, I want to talk to her. I have to…”What?She rubbed her forehead. “Thank you. Thankher. I have to thank her.” She grabbed hold of his arm again and maintained her balance as they walked. She could hold her liquor, and she could do it in four-inch heels.
“You know what the problem is?” Cash asked. “Other than you’re as drunk as Cooter Brown on the fourth of July?”
She giggled. “What’s the problem?”
“Those shoes.” He nodded at her Christian Louboutin pumps. “Look at those heels. They’re so skinny it’s a wonder you can walk at all.”
“I learned how to do that in Miss Lily’s Classes for Young Ladies.”
“Valuable life skills.”
“I know.” She sighed. “I tried.”
“Hey, Kristy.” Cash tapped Kristy’s shoulder where she stood talking to some people.
Kristy swung around and beamed at him. “Cash! You came!” She gave him air kisses.
“I’m leaving, though. Taking Callie home.”
Kristy blinked and looked between them. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m not feeling so great.” Callie tried to smile reassuringly at her friend, although her stomach was heaving and she was getting a little concerned about losing the contents of it on the dance floor. That would not be decorous.
“You sure?” Kristy looked at Cash and bit her lower lip.
