Free Fangs But No Fangs by Kathy Love

glanced back at Jed. The old man still grimaced at Christian like his looks were disgusting rather than perfect.
    Jolee had to agree. It was a little disgusting. Mainly because she found herself paying more attention to him than the drinks that needed to be made.
    She focused on what she was supposed to be making— a gin and tonic. She turned and started to reach for the bottle of gin from the second shelf of lined-up liquors. When suddenly Christian was there, getting the bottle for her. The muscles in his shoulder rippled under the expensive material of his shirt as he lowered his arm and turned to hand the bottle to her.
    "Thanks," she said, keeping her voice cool even as tingling warmth stole over her skin.
    His gaze roamed over her face. Then he smiled, another of those darned irritating half-smiles. His eyes glittered as if he was fully aware of her real reaction to him.
    "How are you feeling?" he asked, his velvety voice low and full of innuendo.
    She gritted her teeth. She hated that her darn body responded to his looks, and she really hated that he was aware of that fact.
    "Fine," she said curtly, returning to the empty glass on the bar.
    But even as she focused on mixing the drink, she could feel him behind her. Just inches away. Heat again sizzled across the skin of her back. She determinedly ignored the sensation, adding mixer to the glass and placing it on the tray with the others.
    "Ready," she said, sliding down the bar away from him, making sure to avoid any contact with him.
    He didn't speak as he took the tray and headed back out to the floor. She didn't allow herself to watch him, instead busying herself with the orders of the patrons seated at the bar. The place was definitely hopping. A wonderful change, and if she wasn't in pain and forced to accept help from the man she'd decided to avoid, she'd be skipping around to fill all the drink orders, but as it was, she was walking gingerly and cursing her luck.
    "Hi," a female voice said as Jolee was reaching for another mug under the bar. Jolee popped up, her head only grumbling a little, to find the woman who really enjoyed a good blue eyeliner.
    "I have a question for you." She smiled, actually appearing a little sheepish.
    "Shoot," Jolee said.
    "Does the guy waiting tables work here every night?"
    "No," Jolee said, not hiding the relief in her voice. "He's only helping me out tonight."
    She couldn't handle him near her every night. She wiped an arm across her damp brow. She'd spontaneously combust.
    "Oh," the woman said, disappointment clear on her face. "I was going to tell all my girlfriends they had to come up here and check him out."
    Jolee gave her a regretful smile. "Sorry."
    "Me, too." The woman headed back to her table, although her gaze was again on Christian.
    He stood at another table, his back to the bar. And if Jolee wasn't mistaken, the woman was staring at his behind. Jolee followed the woman's gaze. It was a fine behind.
    She groaned. Stop this! Now!
    She grabbed up a damp rag and pressed the cloth to her cheek. The cool moisture felt good on her overheated skin. She could not be attracted to a man who, if it wasn't for the guilt of nearly grinding her under the wheels of his sports car, would still be treating her like… well, something else he might find under the wheels of his car.
    "Where'd you find the pretty boy anyway?" Jed asked, scowling like he'd swallowed something bitter.
    It took Jolee a moment to realize he was talking about Christian.
    "He's my neighbor."
    He grunted. "Well, he'd like to be more than that."
    Jolee chuckled. "Hardly." She reached for his beer. "I think I need to cut you off."
    He snatched the mug away from her. "When he lays his eyes on you, he looks downright hungry."
    Given the state of his refrigerator and cupboards, he probably was hungry.
    Jolee shook her head. "Believe me, you're imagining things. He's here out of guilt. Nothing more."
    Jed frowned like he was unconvinced and reached for his