Page 4 of Echoes of Desire

When the waiter arrives, Blaze takes charge of ordering. Fettuccine for Raven, steak for me, and chicken Alfredo for himself. She doesn’t argue.

“Drink?” the waiter asks.

“Just water,” she says quickly.

I shake my head. “Red wine.”

She looks at me, startled. “I’m a lightweight, and I have to walk home. I really shouldn’t drink wine.”

“One glass,” I say, softening my voice. “We’ll make sure you get home safely. I just want you to relax.”

Her lips press together, but she nods. Another tell. She doesn’t like confrontation.

“So, Raven, what kind of work do you do?” Blaze asks, leaning back against the booth.

“Oh, I’m a bar manager at O’Neal’s.”

“A lightweight who manages a pub known for its drunken bar fights?” I ask, raising a brow.

“I serve the drinks. I don’t drink them,” she says sassily. “And, I’ll have you know that I happen to love my body. I was just trying to be funny.”

I chuckle low, a sound that surprises even me. The sass catches me off guard, and for a split second, I wonder if she’s testing us as much as we’re testing her.Good girl. Show some fire.

Blaze grins wide, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. “And here I thought you’d be the quiet type.”

“I am,” she says quickly, her cheeks flushing again. “Mostly.”

“Not always, though,” I counter, watching her squirm. “You’re not afraid to speak your mind when you want to.”

Her gaze darts to her lap, fingers fidgeting with the edge of her napkin. “I guess so.”

Blaze laughs. “Don’t let him scare you, sweetheart. Steel’s bark is worse than his bite.”

Most of the time.

The waiter comes back with our drinks. Water for Blaze, red wine for Raven, and whiskey for me. She eyes the wine hesitantly but picks up the glass anyway, taking a small sip.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Blaze asks, flashing her a reassuring smile.

“No,” she says, setting the glass down. “It’s good.”

She’s lying. I can tell by the way she hesitates, the way her lips press together like she’s trying not to grimace. The wine’s too bold for her taste, but she doesn’t say anything.

She’s trying to please us.

Blaze and I exchange glances, and I know we’re both thinking the same thing.She’s a natural.

“Switch with me, sweetheart,” Blaze laughs. “But thank you for giving it a try. You’ve pleased my brother very much.”

Raven looks up with a question in her eyes, and I smile.

“Indeed,” I nod. “You’re such a good girl, Raven.”

My smile widens as her blush deepens.

Chapter Three

Raven