“Why?” Stephanie asked, a genuinely puzzled look on her face.
“Well, you just seem to be really excited about tonight. It made me think that maybe you don’t get to do this often.”
Stephanie averted her eyes and pulled the car out onto the road. “Let’s just say the guys don’t always like for us to go out to the bar without them. I think they only agreed because Ethan told them you would make sure we behaved.”
“Behaved? And why would I need to babysit two grown women?” Just what was she getting herself into here?
“You see, when we first met our guys, we were all supposed to meet at this bar for drinks, but Sarah and I ended up getting arrested before the guys showed up.”
Lacy felt her eyes widen, the air from the vents in the dash drying them out a bit before a few of her stunned brain cells finally told her to blink.
“It wasn’t our fault! These drunk guys were hitting on us, and then the next thing we knew, there’s a fight and we’re in the middle of it.”
“Why do I get the feeling there’s more to this story than you’re letting on?”
“Because you’re a good cop?” Stephanie turned a corny smile her way and Lacy just laughed. “We weren’t charged with anything once the bartenders cleared us, so don’t worry, you’re not consorting with criminals.”
“That’s good to know.” At least, her night wouldn’t be boring. For crying out loud, Lacy needed something to keep her mind off of Ethan’s plans for Friday. Plans that would include the two of them alone…at his place…deep in the woods. A delicious heat unfurled low in her belly at the memory of their earlier encounter in the seclusion of the forest.
“You look a little flushed,” Stephanie stated, cutting into Lacy’s thoughts before they could wander too far south. “You feeling okay?”
“I’m fine.” No! I’m so fucked up in the head right now over your brother-in-law, I can’t think straight! “I’m just a little warm, that’s all.” Liar!
“You must be thinking about Ethan.”
Lacy’s head jerked around as she gawked at Stephanie’s profile. Was the woman psychic, or was Lacy just that transparent? “How did you know?”
“Oh, please. I used to get that same look on my face when Abe and I first met. Don’t sweat it. Ethan’s a really great guy, and I can tell he likes you a lot.”
“Believe me, I’ve noticed.” Lacy wasn’t aware she’d spoken aloud until Stephanie let loose an impressively loud whistle.
“Nice! You’ll definitely have to share the juicy details, but wait until we get inside because Sarah will be pissed if she misses out.” Stephanie pulled into a full lot and maneuvered her little car into a seriously tiny parking spot. “Gotta love compact cars!” she exclaimed before jumping out.
Yup, this would be an interesting night, especially if Stephanie was completely sober, which Lacy assumed she was.
After clambering out on her side, Lacy followed Stephanie up the wooden steps to the wide porch that extended from one side to the other of the run-down establishment. The sound of their heels clomping across the wood was barely audible over the honky-tonk beats blasting from the bar.
Once inside, it was damn near impossible to hear anything. There was a full dance floor, groups playing pool, a few drunks attempting to play darts and a bar with about a dozen high-top tables scattered around.
Stephanie made her way over to one where a stunning blonde with bright amber eyes sat nursing a beer. “Hey, Sarah!”
The blonde waved and held her hand out to Lacy as soon as they drew near. “Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you. Lacy, right?”
“Yeah, and you must be Sarah. It’s good to meet you, too.”
“So, Stephanie tells me you and Ethan are hitting it off pretty well. You guys are modeling together, too?” Sarah asked as she flagged down the bartender.
“Yeah, he’s a hit with the photographer. Landon has been drooling over the shots so far, and he swears everything Ethan and I have done together on this shoot will be sold at lightning speed.” It was the truth. Lacy had no doubt that if Ethan wanted a career in the industry, Landon would be more than happy to help him launch it.
“You might want to sit down, Lacy.” Sarah’s half-laughed order had Lacy raising an eyebrow in response. “David Ricker is ogling your ass. He’s harmless enough, but when he drinks, there’s absolutely no filter on the man.”
“Not to mention the fact that he must watch some really awful porn or something to come up with those pick-up lines he uses.” Stephanie giggled.