Turn Up the Heat by Kimberly Kincaid Read Free Book Online Page B

nonsense, no veiled suggestions of any kind. Now this was something she could get on board with. Bellamy turned to look at the source of the voice.
    The man’s eyes were right on hers as she peered up into his classically handsome face. His blond hair was slicked back with a suspicious amount of product, but then again, she could do worse than a guy who cared about his appearance. She exchanged a look with Holly, who had already gotten the subtle nod from Jenna.
    What the hell. If they were going to get their drink on, they might as well make it a party. The guy seemed nice enough; plus, how bad could it be with Holly and Jenna at her side?
    â€œWhy not,” Bellamy said, giving up a smile.
    â€œMarcus Lawrenson.” He extended his hand. His handshake was softer than she expected, but the smile that went with it had potential.
    Marcus was not prettier than her.
    Which made him absolutely perfect in her book.

Chapter Five
    Shane leaned a forearm onto the bar and took a lazy draw from his beer. The Double Shot already teemed with its typical Friday night crowd, and even though going out wasn’t necessarily Shane’s thing, it was hard to find anything wrong with a cold beer after a long day.
    â€œSo, can I ask you a question?” Jackson gave him a look that suggested he was going to no matter what Shane’s response turned out to be.
    â€œShoot.”
    â€œHow come you work so much? I mean, I like cars as much as the next person, but really? Every guy needs a break. Hook up with a girl on the side, maybe get a little drunk here and there, go fishing with his buddies. You? For the year I’ve known you, all you’ve ever done is put your nose to the grindstone. What gives?”
    Shit. Shane knew this question was overdue, yet he’d still been dreading it. “Nothing gives. I’m just a get-it-done kind of guy, that’s all.” Shane shrugged, hoping Jackson would drop it.
    Not a chance. “Look, I know you saved Grady’s business from going down the tubes after he had that heart attack last year. If you hadn’t drifted into town when you did, he’d have probably ended up having to sell the place. But still, you gotta loosen up, Shane! Life’s too short, you know?”
    Shane had all but drained his beer during the course of their two-minute conversation, and he was gonna need another one, stat. “I’m loose enough, man. Really, you’re worried over nothing.”
    Jackson’s laugh turned a couple of nearby heads, even with the music blasting from the speakers. “Really? When was the last time you got laid?”
    â€œThat’s a little personal, don’t you think?” Shane placed his empty beer on the bar and signaled the bartender for a replacement, dodging the question like a pro.
    â€œSounds like it’s nothing personal to me. Come on, Shane. There are tons of pretty girls in this bar. I’m not saying you should marry one of them, but it wouldn’t kill you to get somebody’s number, would it?”
    â€œI just haven’t met anybody I’m interested in, that’s all,” he replied, wanting nothing more than for the conversation to end. Jackson’s eyes scanned the bar with careful precision, and Shane narrowed his gaze on his friend.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œI’m trying to find a girl who looks interesting. What about her?” Jackson flicked his gaze down the bar and let it settle on someone in the crowd by the door.
    â€œMarcus Lawrenson? I don’t think he’s my type,” Shane chuckled.
    Jackson let out a breath, exasperated. “Not Captain America, you dick. The girl he’s talking up.”
    Shane smirked, finally enjoying himself a little bit as he turned around. “Oh, all right. Let’s see who Marcus has his sights set on tonight.”
    As soon as Marcus shifted his stance, giving Shane a clear line of vision to the girl leaning against