Desire Unleashed by Layne Macadam Read Free Book Online Page B

a few beers, kick back, and watch the big game.
    “You up for it mate?” Havoc inquired as he secured the boat to the pier later that day.
    “Nah, can’t tonight buddy, got other plans. I’ll catch you lot later though,” he called over his shoulder as he strode toward the parking lot.
    Ice hauled his ass into the pickup, bemoaning his filthy luck. His mood hadn’t improved any by the time he reached home and pulled into his car space. When Liz cornered him earlier, he’d clean forgotten about the game tonight, now it was too damn late to weasel out of it. Unlocking his apartment door he headed straight for the shower where he lingered, taking his time to wash off the salt water. Skiing had been sweet and to kick back with the guys and sink a few cold ones watching the big screen would have been a great finish to the day. He mulled over a few excuses under the spray to get out of dinner, but they all sounded lame, even to him. Resigned that there was no escape, he toweled off quickly, and buck-naked walked into his bedroom to dress.
    Still, it wasn’t a total loss. This way at least he could swing by Shenanigans without the guys catching on. He could sure as hell do without their repartee. That thought had him whistling a happy tune. He slapped on some aftershave, dragged a neatly folded pair of jeans from the chest of drawers, pulled them on, and buttoned the fly. Teaming them with a white polo shirt, he ran a comb through his damp hair and calculated just how soon he could politely take his leave after dinner.
    With a bottle of Chardonnay from the refrigerator in hand, he locked up and headed next door.
    * * * *
    Liz sat at the kitchen bench absently popping grapes from the fruit and cheese platter into her mouth as she watched in fascination at how easily Kathy put together the evening’s meal.
    “I still can’t believe you’ve done this Liz, Lord only knows what you were thinking?” Kathy scooped sour cream from the carton into a glass bowl, wrapped the herb and garlic bread in foil, and placed it into the oven where dinner was already cooking.
    “I was thinking it’s about time you two met, and what easier way than over dinner,” Liz retaliated.
    “Mm, let me see if I’ve got this right. You lure Shane here regaling him with your culinary skills, which I might add we both know is a big fat lie, and I wind up doing all the cooking. Yeah, I guess from your perspective that is easy.”
    Kathy’s words held no real heat, but Liz still had the good grace to blush. “You’re a magician in the kitchen; you make it look so easy.” She appeased her friend.
    “What if he thinks we have ulterior motives?” Kathy tugged at her bottom lip, a nervous habit she indulged in whenever she was feeling apprehensive. Realizing it for what it was Liz did her best to reassure her.
    “Relax, it’s not like it’s a date or anything. Believe me Kath, he’s so not your type. But this was the perfect opportunity to meet and patch things up. I couldn’t just let it slide by could I?” Liz prayed she hadn’t made a terrible blunder inviting Shane Jackson to dinner, she only wanted her friend to be happy, and these last months had been very lonely for her. It could only be good to make new friends in the area couldn’t it?
    “What if he’s had second thoughts about Cindy? What if he’s going to make an official complaint about me…?”
    “What if the sky is falling? Well Chicken Little, as they say in the burbs, you’ll just have to put on your big girl panties and deal with it.”
    Kathy rolled her eyes and poked out her tongue, too late for a comeback as a knock sounded at the door.
    “I’ll go.” Liz grinned and scooted out of the kitchen.
    “Right on time.” She beamed and stepped aside for Shane to enter.
    The living room wasn’t small, but the man was a mountain, dwarfing everything with his physical presence. Even she felt petite next to him.
    “Something sure smells good.”
    “I hope you like