Page 8 of Deadly Conflicts

“You’re such a tool.”

“WELL,I’m officially broke,” Ally announced, her hands busy as she tried to organize three large bags as she left the lingerie store with Mandy. “We only went to one store, too. How did that happen?”

“We’re nothing if not consummate shoppers,” Mandy said, her own arms sagging under the weight of her purchases. “I say we take this out to the car and get lunch in the food court before hitting any more stores.”

“That sounds good to me,” Ally said. “I … oomph.” The brunette was so caught up in focusing on Mandy she didn’t notice the man in front of her until she was barreling into him.

Mandy reached for Ally’s arm to still her, but it was already too late. “Look out, Ally!”

“I am so sorry,” Ally sputtered, struggling to maintain her balance as she bounced off the man’s firm chest. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

The man chuckled as he bent over to collect the bag Ally dropped, his eyes widening when he saw the assortment of flavored oils she bought while inside the racy boutique. He hurriedly stuffed the assorted goodies back in the bag and wordlessly handed it to Ally. “I …um … it’s okay.”

“No, I wasn’t watching where I was going,” Ally said, taking the bag from the man. “I was talking to my friend and I wasn’t paying attention. I am so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” the man repeated. “I … Ally?”

Ally stilled, frowning as she finally took a moment to really study the man. Recognition took longer than it should’ve, but when Ally finally put two and two together she was flabbergasted. “Vince? Vince Dawkins?”

“One and the same,” Vince replied, shaking his head. “Holy crap.” He opened his arms and engulfed Ally in a huge hug, flashing Mandy a warm smile as she watched the scene with unveiled curiosity. “How long has it been?”

“Oh, wow, I don’t know,” Ally said, pulling her head back so she could meet Vince’s green eyes. “I think it’s been at least five years.”

“That sounds about right,” Vince said, bobbing his head. “Wow.”

“I’m sorry. This is my friend Mandy,” Ally said, pointing at the blonde. “We were just here shopping for the afternoon.”

“I saw,” Vince said, snickering as he gestured toward the bag. “Do you guys have big plans for the night or something?”

It took Ally a moment to realize what he was insinuating, and when she did she was less than pleased. “Don’t be gross,” she said. “Mandy is my childhood best friend. We grew up in Barker Creek together. She’s also married to my brother.”

“Oh,” Vince said, knitting his eyebrows together. “I thought maybe you switched teams … or were straddling the line. I was hoping for straddling the line.”

“What a guy thing to say,” Mandy intoned, realizing too late she’d said the sentence out loud instead of in her head. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I love guys … and the things they say.”

“You’re a babbler when you’re nervous,” Ally said, giggling. “For the record, though, I haven’t switched teams,” she said. “I’m still playing for the same team. Although if I was going to switch teams … .” She cast a thoughtful look in Mandy’s direction.

“Don’t ever finish that sentence if you don’t want your brother’s head to implode,” Mandy warned, causing Ally to chuckle.

“Well, this must be my lucky day,” Vince said. “You’re still as beautiful as ever and you’re playing for the right team. I don’t suppose I could take you to dinner so we could catch up, could I? That would make it the best day ever.”

“Oh, that’s sweet, but I don’t think my boyfriend would like that,” Ally replied. “He’s funny about stuff like that.”

“Boyfriend?” Vince looked disappointed. “That’s kind of a bummer. Is it serious?”

“We’re living together.”

“That sounds pretty serious,” Vince said. “Well, no matter, how about I help you carry your stuff out to your car and buy you a coffee so we can catch up? I just got back into town and I’m dying to reconnect. How would that be?”

He was persistent. Mandy had to give him that. Still, there was something about him that irked her. She had a feeling it had something to do with the predatory way he looked Ally up and down. “We should probably be going,” Mandy reminded her friend. “We’re supposed to have lunch.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Ally said. “I’m sorry, Vince. We already have plans. Now that I know you’re in town, though, you should give me your card and I’ll call and we can set up a time to have coffee in a few days.”

Vince looked as if he was going to argue and then ultimately plastered a warm smile on his face. “That sounds great.”

“Do you have a card?”

Vince dug into his pocket and slipped a rectangular card into one of Ally’s bags. “It was good seeing you.”

“Likewise,” Ally said. “I’ll be looking forward to when we can catch up.”

“That makes two of us.”