Page 11 of Player For Hire
“I don’t really have time to think about men right now. I need to find a job and get my life back together.”
“Actually, it’s perfect timing for a fling. No strings sex is good for the soul.”
“What makes you think he’d be interested in no strings anything with me?”
“The fact that he came down here every fifteen minutes to check on us is a good indication.” Iona drained her glass and tossed a twenty on the bar. “I’ve got a tab here.”
“Oh, you don’t have to pay for me.”
“All good. Toss some tip money on there and we’re good.”
“We’re going?” I slid off the stool. Probably a good idea before I did something stupid like tried to flirt back with Colder.
“Yeah, I think this is a good first outing for you.” She waved at Colder. “See you Sunday.”
“What’s Sunday?” I waved awkwardly as Colder grinned and gave us a salute. I’d been kinda looking forward to the warm drink, but I was sure I could find something at our place.
I had my tea bags somewhere.
“You’ll see.” She hooked her arm through mine and steered me toward the door. “Now let me show you a little something.” She stopped as we got to the door and turned back. “Take a look.”
I tossed a glance over my shoulder and saw Colder watching us.
Watching me.
The little thrill was new, as were the jitters in my belly.
Then Iona dragged me through the doors and out onto the sidewalk. The rain had let up, though the sky was still pregnant with heavy clouds. We were in for a good soaking overnight.
The foot traffic was light, as were the cars. Most places closed up around eight or nine on a weeknight. Kensington Boulevard was lovely. It was four lanes with a wide median walkway dotted with trees coming into bloom.
April could be sneaky with warmth and freak snow in this part of New York, but the buds were already bravely trying to unfurl. We crossed the first two lanes of the street, but instead of darting past the median, Iona steered me along the cobblestone walkway.
“It’s a nice night. I need to walk off the vodka a little.”
I nodded. “Even in those heels?”
“I can run a mile in under ten minutes in heels if I have to.”
I laughed and bumped my hip against hers. “Thanks again for giving me a place to stay.”
She waved me off. “You’re paying her share, but it’s good to room together again. Like the old days.” She grinned. “Besides, you’re far more entertaining than Jess. All she cared about was studying and her girlfriend.”
“Is that why she went to California?”
“Yeah, she was tired of doing the long-distance thing with Sassy.” She shook her head. “What a name, but she makes my sister happy. And I can’t blame her for heading for California. Besides, it gives me an excuse to head out there to visit.”
“You miss her.” I hugged her arm. “Smush.”
“Shut up.” But she tipped her head against mine for a second. “I didn’t think I would, but I do. Don’t miss her shitty music though.”
I laughed. “Not all country music is bad.”
“Oh, it is. You didn’t have to listen to Carrie Underwood at six in the morning before there’s coffee in your veins.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that one.”
We walked down until there was a break in the median and used the crosswalk to get to the other side of Kensington. The scent of pizza lured us into one of the few places open.