Page 7 of Bound By Fire
“We’re getting out of here,” he tells Ridge.
Carla puts her free hand on my arm. “Are you okay? I can stay. I should stay. I don’t have to go with?—”
“You should go.”
“Are you sure?”
“I live two blocks from here. I’ll walk, and I’ll be fine. Go already…have fun.” I lower my voice to say the last.
“Are you sure? Maybe Flint and I can see you home. We?—”
“Don’t be silly. I’ll be absolutely fine.”
“Do you promise?”
“Yes. I swear. I’ll be fine. Go have fun. You have my number if you need me.”
“Ditto.” She glances at Ridge. “You have yourself some fun too.”
I roll my eyes, making sure only she can see. “Not going to happen. I’m finishing my drink, and then I’m going.”
She searches my face. Whatever she finds there must satisfy her, because she leans in and hugs me hard.
“Have fun,” I tell her again. “Be careful.”
“I plan to have a lot of fun.” She grins as she releases me.
Then they are gone and headed toward the door.
I turn back to the bar.
“So,” I say.
“So.” Ridge puts his beer down on the counter. He turns to face me fully. Holy shit! I want to take a step back, but I don’t.
“Are you leaving?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“Okay…well, I guess I’ll see you around.”
“Probably not.”
“No…probably not. Take care of yourself.”
“Do you want to leave with me?”
“Oh…as in share a cab?” I ask him. I shake my head. “I live two blocks away. I had planned to walk, but I’ll share, if you want.”
He smiles. “I wasn’t talking about sharing a cab.”
“Oh! Look, you don’t have to watch over me. I’m fine. I’m a grown woman. I’ll manage. Flint might have asked you to keep me company…or to make sure I get home okay, but I’m relievingyou of your duties. You can go, stay, or take that redhead home. She’s gorgeous, by the way,” I whisper the last at him. “Don’t look, but she’s still staring at you.”
He gives the smallest of laughs. It’s gone almost before it starts. His smile lingers for a good few seconds, and my breath actually hitches.
Damn, but he’s cute.
“I’m clearly really bad at this.” He rubs the back of his neck.
