The Exception(70)

“Wow. You’re getting all cosmopolitan on me. Next thing I know, you’re going to want to add some color into your Sharpie tattoos.”

“Whatever. These tattoos were made with a needle,” Max said, drawing out the last word. “You’re too big of a pussy to actually get one.”

“No, I’m not. There’s just not anything that I want permanently etched on my body.”

“Speaking of you being a pussy, you’ve been drinking wine these days. No self-respecting man should ever drink wine.”

“You drink sweet tea! And you think wine is a bad thing?” Cane asked, barely containing his laughter. Kari and I couldn’t contain ours as we wiped tears away from our eyes with the backs of our hands.

“Don’t even start on sweet tea or I’ll kick your ass. It’s the lifeblood of the South. That kind of talk will get you killed where I’m from,” Max said, trying to keep a straight face.

“Remind me to never go there,” Cane muttered.

“You’re such a fuckstick.”

“Whatever. You haven’t been south of the Valley since you were twelve and you still won’t let go of this southern boy routine.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Max said, shaking his head. “When you are born south of the Mason-Dixon Line, it’s in your blood. It’s who you are.”

“It’s amazing that you can even function in society.” Cane grinned as he leaned back in his chair.

“Coming from you, the most asocial person I’ve ever met, that’s hysterical.” Max raised his eyebrows, fighting a smile.

“Hardly, Max. Everyone loves me.”

“Yeah. That was just how it looked yesterday with the City of Queen Creek. They loved you.”

A stormy look crossed Cane’s face as he narrowed his eyes and subtly shook his head at Max.

“Hey, is that your phone going off?” Max asked me, changing the subject with a quick glance to Cane.

“Um, yeah. I think so,” I said, digging through my bag until I located it. Heather’s name was on the screen. “I’ll take this inside.” I stood up and Cane stood, too. He grabbed some empty beer bottles and joined me in the kitchen.

“Hello?” I grabbed a seat on the couch. Cane tossed the bottles into the trash and threw some silverware into the dishwasher.

“Hey, Jada!” Heather said cheerfully.

“Hey! How are you?”

“Fabulous! I’ve been with Brian at rehearsals today! So fun!” I could imagine her smile through the phone and it made me grin.

“You really like him, huh?”

“I do! I didn’t think I would when I agreed to dinner, to tell you the truth,” she said. “But he is really fun and a total hottie. And a lot smarter than I thought he would be. Go figure that. Anyway, what’s going on with you?”

“Not much,” I said, watching the muscles in Cane’s back flex as he wiped off the counter. My mouth watered. “Um, can I call you back a little later, though? I’m at Cane’s having dinner.”

“Cane?” Heather asked curiously. “Who’s Cane?”

“Well, he’s …” I shuffled my eyes to him. He had turned around and was leaning back against the counter watching me. I turned away, blushing. “I don’t know who he is exactly,” I said warily. This was not a question I wanted to answer in front of him.

“Hmm. Sounds like there’s a story there.”

“Kinda. Kari’s here, too, so we are hanging out.”

“I see. I’m assuming he is right there and you don’t want to talk about it, so I will call you later and you can give me the dirty. I was actually calling for a legit reason. Do I have your most updated résumé?”

“Yeah, I sent you the most current résumé I have. Why? Is something wrong with it?” I scanned through my memory, confident I had sent her my latest version.

“No, it’s fine. Human Resources just asked me today. I don’t know if they have an opening or what, but they’ve apparently been looking at it.”

“Okay, well let me know if you need anything else,” I said, feeling Cane’s eyes on me.

“I will! I’ll let you go spend time with Cane. Don’t forget to call me and tell me all about the good stuff! Love ya, Jada!”

“Love you, lady! Bye!” I disconnected the call. I turned around and Cane was still leaning there, watching me curiously, a slight look of irritation on his gorgeous face.

“A couple of things …” he said, moving over to the counter. He poured himself a shot. “First, are you looking for a new job?” He slammed the liquor and made a face as it burned down his throat.