Free Wrapped in Lace by Prescott Lane Page A

something. This was ridiculous! Did he really think I’d keep it a secret if I was involved with someone else? “He gets the benefit of my company, isn’t that enough?”
    “So, you aren’t screwing him?”
    Wow, he had some nerve. I couldn’t believe he’d ask me that. I threw my hands up, and Drew captured them.
    “What about New Year’s? You have a date with him?” he prodded.
    Damn, I wish he hadn’t heard that. “He asked me to go with him to some party he has to attend on New Year’s Eve. It’s not a date.”
    “Sounds like a date.”
    “Sounds like you’re jealous,” I said, giving him a little smirk.
    He smirked back. “That sounds about right.”
    I couldn’t believe he’d just admit he was jealous so easily, or that it didn’t bother me. I liked his little jealous streak, so long as it didn’t turn into a big jealous streak. I reached up and ran my fingers through his brown hair, trying to reassure him. “It’s not a date. I’ve gone with him to these things before. He doesn’t want to go alone, and we’re friends.”
    “So you keep saying. Why doesn’t he take a date?”
    “He. . . .” I stumbled, looking for an excuse, but Drew’s blue eyes boring into me were distracting. “He doesn’t want romantic hassles.”
    “Well, who the hell does?” Drew asked.
    “I’m kinda hoping you do.” I bit my lip, knowing that was a risky thing to say.
    His arms slid around me, and he pulled me close. “I certainly do.” He kissed me tenderly then lightly nibbled my bottom lip. My whole body started to tighten in need. I almost forgot what we were talking about. “So, he’s not an ex, either?” he asked.
    “We’re only friends. I promise.”
    “Ok, I believe you. But how many ex-boyfriends will I have to beat off?”
    My stomach did a little flip flop. I wasn’t sure why he suddenly had so many questions. “None, slim pickings. This town has a lot going for it, but hot, single men isn’t one of them.”
    “No dates in a year?” Drew asked.
    “Lots of first dates. But no second dates.”
    “My “bad girl” is celibate?” he asked, raising his eyebrow at me.
    He said it in a playful way, but I knew he wanted to know. I couldn’t help but laugh, and I had to cover my mouth so I didn’t spit at him. “Dammit, my bad girl reputation is falling apart.”
    “I think I like the good girl even more.”
    My heart melted a little but then tightened. “But you’re leaving in a few days. I don’t want to get hurt.”
    “It’s less than three hours to Raleigh,” Drew said.
    I guess he’d given this some thought, too. That was heart-warming but didn’t make me feel completely better. “Yeah, but if it’s so close, why haven’t you been home in six years?”
    “I’m surprised no one in town has told you. Was the biggest town gossip for years.”
    “Well, it must be old news now, because no one’s told me.”
    “It is.” He cocked a smile then leaned his head down and whispered, “Don’t put the brakes on right when we are just getting started. I really want to see where this goes.”
    I wanted him to open up to me, but I knew now wasn’t the time—in a crowded bar. I’m not sure if it was his cute smile, his sweet words, or pure desire, but I wasn’t going to miss this chance. I kissed him softly on the lips. I let my mouth linger close to his, and his lips parted, but he wasn’t saying a word.
    Matt slapped his back, forcing us apart. “Let’s get together while you’re in town.”
    “Definitely,” Drew said.
    “Great, we’ll double date,” Matt said and wrapped his arm around Sabrina’s waist. “Just like old times.”
    No one else probably noticed, but I felt Drew tense. “That sounds like fun,” I said, hoping that Drew’s tension wasn’t because of me.
    “Maybe New Year’s Eve,” Sabrina said, clapping her hands a little.
    Kill me now! Either Sabrina was a piss-poor excuse for a friend or she’d totally forgotten I was going to spend New