Free Deadly Reunion (The Taci Andrews Deadly Series) by Amy Manemann Page A

waitress looked at me expectantly. “And for yourself?”
    “Yeah Taci, chocolate martini?” Melanie asked with a grin. While I admit chocolate martini’s are a wonderful concoction they have an unexpected side effect when you drink too many; namely, the last time I drank them I woke up the next day with a rash all over my face. Now it might have had something to do with the actual number of martini’s I’d had that night versus the drink itself, but I prefer to blame it on the drink altogether.
    “Just a Michelob Golden please,” I ordered, watching as the waitress sashayed away. Stick with what’s safe; that was usually the best option.
    “So where is Mr. Perfect tonight, Mel? Have you scouted anyone out yet?” I asked when the waitress returned with our drinks.
    Melanie nodded her head enthusiastically. “I saw a few when I first arrived who looked promising and spotted a few more while waiting for you slow pokes. I think this is going to be a promising evening for you Annie girl.”
    Annie muttered something under her breath that I couldn’t quite discern. Somehow I didn’t think it was too flattering. Melanie let out a sudden gasp, her eyes directed excitedly towards the front door.
    “Well, well, this night just got a whole lot more exciting,” she breathed, her blue eyes dancing.
    I jerked my head around to spy the group just coming through the front door and making their way to the bar. The breath caught in my throat at the sight of the man standing in the middle of the group and I was pretty sure my heart rate accelerated a few notches. Tony Parsons.
    Turning back around I took a long swig of my beer, needing something to cool the sudden fire burning my skin. Melanie studied me intently, a curious smile on her face. “What?” I asked innocently, making her grin wider.
    “You’ve got a thing for Parsons,” she exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
    “I do not! The man drives me up a wall, why on earth would you think I have a thing for him?” I scoffed, my cheeks flushing.
    Annie eyed me with sudden interest. “I think that man could drive you somewhere in the bedroom but I bet it wouldn’t be up a wall.”
    I couldn’t help it, my mouth dropped open. Annie shrugged. “What? You think because I have the trio it means I don’t know what goes on in a bedroom anymore? Puh-lease girlfriend, how do you think I got the trio in the first place?”
    Melanie burst into a fit of laughter, which I quickly joined it. Annie grinned.
    “Good lord Annie, it’s been awhile since I’ve heard you talk like that. I think I need to take you out more often,” Melanie said when she got her laughter under control. Wiping my eye I nodded in agreement.
    Annie gave a shrug, taking a tentative sip of her martini. “We’ll see. Depends on what kind of man you dig up for me tonight.”
    “Well that shouldn’t be too hard, there’s lot’s of hotties here tonight. Since Taci’s all hot and bothered over Tony I’ll let her have at him. There’s plenty more where that came from,” Melanie said with a smile.
    I snorted. “I am not all hot and bothered over that man so feel free to have at him. I have other things to do with my time than sniff after Parsons.”
    The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I took a deep breath. From the look on Mel and Annie’s faces I knew who was standing behind me and I prayed to God he hadn’t heard what we were talking about.
    “Good evening ladies, didn’t know I’d find you three here tonight,” Tony’s amused voice drawled. Gritting my teeth I turned to glance up at him. As much as I hated to admit it he was looking good as ever, the fitted khaki pants with button up polo shirt not doing him justice.
    “Hey Tony, good to see you again. Would you and your friends care to join us?” Melanie fairly purred. I shot her a warning glare; she returned my look with pure innocence. Innocent my ass.
    Tony’s grin deepened. “Well that’s a fine offer Mel but I’d hate to